When asked to describe the benefits of massage, most people would say that massage helps relieve physical and emotional stress, eases sore muscles, and improves flexibility and relaxation. These are all technically correct answers. Yet, a more scientifically fascinating, though lesser-known benefit of massage, is its ability to increase the production of nitric oxide in the body and thereby helping to boost circulation and blood flow.
Nitric oxide (referred to by its chemical formula, NO) is a critical compound found in the human body. This is not to be confused with nitrous oxide (N2O), a gas known for its anesthetic and analgesic properties, and popularly referred to as “laughing gas”.
Nitric oxide is a small gas molecule that the human body naturally produces. Despite its small size, it has a remarkably significant impact on our health. Its primary job is to relax and widen blood vessels. This dilation of the blood vessels helps to improve our overall blood flow and circulation. Improved circulation allows oxygen and the necessary nutrients to travel more efficiently throughout your tissues resulting in a quicker recovery time – as well as increased energy, vitality, and overall wellbeing.
While nitric oxide does occur naturally in the body, its level can be enhanced – or boosted – with specific breathing techniques (nitric oxide is produced in the nasal cavities); supplementation; and, by consuming nitrate-rich foods like leafy greens (spinach, arugula, kale) and beets. Other effective natural methods that can stabilize or increase our nitric oxide level include regular exercise and massage; getting adequate sunlight exposure; and increasing your intake of antioxidants (like citrus fruits, dark chocolate, pomegranate).
Massage is a perfect complement to increasing your nitric oxide level and achieving better circulation. Studies show that therapeutic touch not only aids in the production of nitric oxide, but it also stimulates nitric oxide release – impacting both the cardiovascular and the immune systems – allowing these systems to function properly and the person to heal more quickly. The reason people say that they feel both energized and deeply relaxed after a session is because your body is literally flowing better.
Massage provides many benefits beyond just relaxing tight muscles.
Anyone dealing with conditions and symptoms such as poor circulation, high blood pressure, or chronic pain may find that massage and its ability to boost nitric oxide level may be vital to your recovery.