Such misconceptions are still associated with massage

1. Massage does not remove waste

Our bodies remove waste in many different ways - including through sweating and urine. A persistent misconception is that traditional massage also removes waste products from the body.

- Massage does increase local circulation, but it does not actually remove waste products. However, there is some evidence that lymphatic massage could stimulate fluid removal and reduce swelling. Lymphatic massage is a gentle and relaxing massage that is done by following the lymphatic system," explains Marcus Frangén of Rela massage therapists at Terveystalo.

2. The beneficial effects of massage are based on nervous system reactions

The beneficial effects of massage are based on nervous system reactions and do not require hard muscular manipulation to produce them.

- Many people associate pain with the fact that massage is effective. And then you persevere, not daring to tell the masseuse that it hurts. But current knowledge shows that the good effects of massage are based on a neural response and are achieved much more gently than by inflicting hard pain," says Frangén.

3. Too vigorous massage can even cause micro-damage

Too vigorous massage can even cause a small local inflammation of the muscle.

- Causing such micro-damage was once thought to be only good for you. It was believed that once the body had corrected the small local inflammation caused by massage, it would be more intact. In fact, all that was achieved was very sore muscles for the next few days.

4. There is a sweet pain that indicates a release of muscle tension

So massage should never hurt too much. But there is pain that also signals good things.

- We massage therapists call this sweet pain. It's a kind of light, good-feeling pain in the muscles when you massage them. Sweet pain signals that muscle tension is starting to relax," Frangén explains.

5. Massage should increasingly be used as a remedy for stress and insomnia

Massage not only relieves muscle tension, but its mind-calming effects are also better known.

- Massage affects the nerve endings in the skin that carry messages to the central nervous system. This is what is meant by the neurological effects of massage. The activity of the sympathetic nervous system is reduced and that of the parasympathetic nervous system is increased.

In practice, this means that the secretion of stress hormones is reduced and pleasure hormones are increased.

- The heart rate calms down, blood pressure decreases and the mind becomes quieter. Many people report that they also sleep well after a massage. Maybe you could make a habit of massaging your spouse's shoulders before bed," concludes Frangén.