In some informal studies on blood sugar before and after relaxation techniques and massage, blood sugar levels typically dropped anywhere from 20 to 50 points. While not a substitute for relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing, stretching, yoga, and biofeedback), massage is a useful addition and has other benefits as well.
Lower Anxiety-- Overall massage reduces anxiety and stress, leaves you relaxed.
Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
Pain Relief--Gentle massage of muscles relieves pain
Improves skin tone--”Massage increases surface circulation which can help skin tone and elasticity.
Reduces spasms and cramping. May help with restless leg syndrome if used on a regular basis (at least once a month)
Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
Precautions:
The relaxation can mimic hypoglycemia, so it is important to measure blood sugar before and after for a few sessions so that you understand how your body responds to massage. If lower than 100 points, see the following guidelines.
Blood sugar levels 70-100-----eat 15 grams of a complex carbohydrate such as 3-4 peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers, or a small apple.
Blood sugar level < 70, even with no symptoms is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar---eat 15 grams of a quick carbohydrate such as 4 oz. of juice or regular soda, or 3-4 glucose tablets. Recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes to be sure the level has increased and then follow with your next meal or some protein to keep your sugar from dropping again.
Please also let your massage therapist know if you have neuropathy, as that will affect the massage techniques used in the areas affected.
I want to thank Becky Ledford at St. Francis for working with me on these guidelines. For more information I've included a link to a longer article written by Mary Kathleen Rose
