At Spring Retreat we do things a little differently. We take the time to research and engage with not only the best massage methods, but also the latest in sensory experiences to heighten the effects of massage. We have worked hard with our therapists, music producers, and our clients to create the perfect customisable playlists to complement your massage treatment to create the ideal mood and atmosphere for you to engage fully in the restoration and relaxation.
In this article we want to share with you the health benefits we’ve found in our exploration of music and the research that backs our theories up, including pain relief, stress and anxiety relief, and improved sleep quality.
PAIN RELIEF We get a number of patients seeking remedial massage to treat ongoing injuries. They can be painful to work on at times, and adding the right music can meaningfully reduce the perceived intensity of pain. Including music in our massage therapy can also help to relax muscles during the treatment allowing for easy adjustments. While Music alone doesn’t always mean patients can throw out the pain killers, it can certainly assist in the reduction of negative thoughts and create a new space and energy for healing.
Not only this, there is also some work on pain relief in cancer patients! [1]
STRESS RELIEF & ANXIETY Music with a strong beat can stimulate brain waves, including those that govern the autonomic nervous system, which can slow breathing and your heart rate. Music can be used for relaxation, to get an added boost for physical activity, and as a catharsis when dealing with emotional stress. The use of music for massage can help psychologically as well as physically. By engaging with a multisensory experience like this the mental and physical health benefits are increased.
IMPROVE SLEEP QUALITY Listening to Music helps you relax, which in turns helps you sleep. It has a direct effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps your body relax and prepare for sleep. This is great for massage, as the more relaxed you are, the more our therapists can get in and loosen those limbs, knots, and tight muscles and melt the stresses and struggles of the day away. A study found that listening to classical music has been shown to effectively treat insomnia in college students, making it a safe, cheap alternative to sleep-inducing meds [2]
[1] The effectiveness of music in relieving pain in cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. Int J Nurs Stud. 2010 Nov [2] Music improves sleep quality in students. Harmat, L., Takacs, J., and Bodizs, R. Semmelweis University, Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2008 May;62 (3):327-35 - LINK