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Week 12 (12.01-18.01.15) Massage – a treat for your soul… and your DNA

There is nothing more relaxing after a stressful day than a massage, right?

Medical, Thai, Bali, Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi Nui, with chocolate or hot basalt stones… there are many different kinds of massages that differ in technique, depth and materials used during the process.


Studies made by Mark Tarnopolsky, a neurometabolic researcher at McMaster University in Hamilton (together with a team of scientists) showed that kneading turns off genes associated with inflammation and turns on genes that help muscles heal. Till that day real mechanisms behind this popular form of relaxation were unknown. Previous theories stated only that the touch squeezes lactic acid or waste products out of tired muscles (which is not true). Past studies showed only that a well-administered rub can help reduce pain, but none has ever pinpointed what is the exact effect on muscle function.

In order to examine how massage affects muscle damage, researchers asked 11 young, healthy men to ride a bike to the point of total exhaustion. Then, one randomly selected leg was subjected to 10 minutes massage. Each of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh tissue has been sampled two times - 10 minutes and 2,5 hours after the treatment.

These samples were tested for various mRNA levels (so-called messenger RNA). mRNA transfers the information to cells saying that it’s time to create proteins – thanks to the level of ribonucleic acid we can say exactly how much of each protein is created.

In muscle cells from the treated leg researchers noticed quite different levels of two key proteins - less NFkB and more PGC-1alpha. By reducing the level of NFkB our organism fights inflammation, higher PGC-1alpha causes creation of more mitochondria that supply energy for cell formation.

As a result of the research it was stated that massage is really beneficial for health of our muscles.

In case someone is interested in more details, here you can find the abstract and full text of the original article:

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/4/119/119ra13.abstract


As for me, I got my first massage more than 3 years ago and from that time I regularly make an appointment at my favorite place to get one. I always take oriental massages because personally I like to feel more like I am on vacation in Bali rather than under some sport or medical treatment in hospital :)

What is your experience with massages? Do you get a massage sometimes? If yes, what is your favorite type?

Did you know that positive effects of a massage are connected to the response of our DNA?

Are you familiar with some massage techniques? Have you attended any massage training courses?

Sources:
http://www.revivetherapeutic.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/download8.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSwvFaIAgIwdwig-Hg9UlyTC5PeVqJqept6kg7p-sTE1wV_QY1P

Comments

Anonymous said…
Did you know that positive effects of a massage are connected to the response of our DNA?

No, I did not.

Are you familiar with some massage techniques? Have you attended any massage training courses?

Yes, I am little bit familiar with lymphatic drainage and Shiatsu massage, the first one is painful as hell and it helps in some diseases, for instance in scleroderma.
Unknown said…
My experience with massage is limited to my holiday trips or my partners.
Usually trip destination was oriental. That's why it were rather cheap so I could test everything. So I really like massage. It's great after physical effort.
The best massage I had was soap massage in Thailand. The woman rub you with different parts of her body and everywhere are a lot of bubbles.
Didn't know about the DNA but I knew it can't be wrong for body.
I think I am pretty good at massage but unfortunately I don't have any course.
I simply love massage. All kinds of them. From medical one to pleasure one. I could be massaged all day long:P . I won't bore you with all the details but recently I'm really keen on feet massage with a stick. You massage special points of your feet, receptors, in order to stay healthy. Massages connected tith peeling are also pretty nice, because you have "two in one". I have massages pretty regularly, once every two weeks for sure. It started as a way to deal with my neck and back pains. Now I treat it as a part of my "stay healthy plan" along with wourking out and eating reasonably.

Robert have you ever head Shiatsu massage? How was it?

Marta what is your fav kind of massage?
MartaSB said…
I think I know where will be my next holiday destination.
MartaSB said…
Oh yes, Once I had a massage with coconut peeling first... pure awesomeness :D

My favourite kind right now is hot chocolate massage, always performed by Balinese masseuse. These ladies' hands are magic.
Unknown said…
Woman rubs you with different parts of her body ? Is it safe for people in relationships ? ;)
Unknown said…
I've tried Thai massage, and to my disappointment it was given by a man. I made an attempt to switch, but it was too late. Either way, it was good, and I felt well stretched after.
Unknown said…
I loooove massages but I only had a few professional ones in my life. Anyway I really like to be stroked and massaged. When I was a child my parents would "draw"(with their fingers) on my an my sister's backs (when we were older we were also "drawing" on each other) and we both still really love it. Nowadays I make my boyfriend do it (or a massage) as often as I can ;) Same as Izabela I could be massaged all day long :)

I would love to go for a professional massage again (I often have sore back). Could you recommend a place? And if that's not a problem tell us what are the prices of a massage? I would be very grateful :)
MartaSB said…
It sure is! When both partners are enjoying the experience.
Unknown said…
"kneading turns off genes associated with inflammation and turns on genes that help muscles heal." <- wow, that is really interesting, I would never say it might be connected somehow with genes. I would rather say that the issue is changing blood circulation or anything like that :D

I assume that there are different types of massages, there are some to relax and there are others - for example rehabilitation issues. Have you tried both? Is the difference big? Which of oriental massages you mentioned you like the most and can recommend? I personally only had rehabilitation one and it wasn't the most relaxing moment of my life but it was not bad at all as well :D
Julia Osiak said…
I don't have much to stay on this topic since I had a professional massage maybe three or fours in my life. I would love to go more often but the biggest problem is that I'm so ticklish that instead of being relaxed, I get all tensed up because I wouldn't want to kick my masseuse/masseur in the face... It's a shame and I know that I'm missing out a lot....
MartaSB said…
I can recommend a great place in Warsaw with a varied offer of massages, feel free to contact me off the forum :)
MartaSB said…
I've never tried any of rehabilitation/sport massages. I've never wanted or needed them, so as a result I have experience only with oriental types. They can be pretty intensive though (I love the feeling in my calves when I get a massage after walking around in high heels all day - what a relief! :D).

As I mentioned earlier, my favourite is hot chocolate massage. I recently enjoyed Lomi Lomi Nui (massage technique using forearms) - it was delicate... till the lady started to press and move her elbows along all anatomical shapes on my back :D very interesting experience!
MartaSB said…
In my case a massage can tickle as well, but it's not extreme :) I wonder how a full feet massage work for ticklish people - I imagine it could work as a tickle torture.
Unknown said…
What is your experience with massages? Do you get a massage sometimes? If yes, what is your favorite type?

I love massages, but, unfortunately, I haven't had many of them. Because of that I still don't know what is my favorite type. I hope I'll have enough of free time and extra money for myself for going to professional masseur and finally find a favourite type.

Did you know that positive effects of a massage are connected to the response of our DNA?

I didn't know about that, but thanks, it was very interesting to read.
Unknown said…
What is your experience with massages? Do you get a massage sometimes? If yes, what is your favorite type?

I have almost no experience with massages, but your article encouraged me to try it.

Did you know that positive effects of a massage are connected to the response of our DNA?

I didn't know that, and I'm suprised. I found it very intersting.
Unknown said…
I definitely must try any of these! Thanks :))
Unknown said…
Last time i had massage was 7-8 years ago. Usually it was whenever i went to health resort every summer or winter. As i remember, last massage sessions was a bit painful and i tried to avoid them as much as possible. Maybe it was the masseur or maybe it was such treatment, either way can't tell now.
Currently i can't find a way to get one, maybe because i am busy with something else or maybe because i still have bad memories from the last time. I do have one friend who is a professional masseur. Maybe one day i'll talk to her, but for now i have other things that makes me relaxed.

Also on topic of positive effects and straight response on DNA, i had no idea about DNA part.
Marcin Lyzwa said…
From time to time I have pleasure to have a massage. I don't know the style of massage, it is one for my tense neck and back muscles. It's always a big pleasure. I didn't know before about any connections between massage and DNA, it's very interesting.
Michal Kulesza said…
I didn't know about this connection between DNA and massage. I don't believe this research - result was only that massage is beneficial. Not confirming DNA changes.

I've used to have lymphatic drainage when I had problems with my leg - it was painful but it helped a lot.
Unknown said…
I have no experience with massages and I never done it so I don’t have any favorite type. Positive effects on muscles is well known. For sure massages are helping with a lot of muscles problems and stress problems but connecting it with DNA? Never heard about it. This is one of this topics where I have one answer for all questions and the answer is no.
Sylwia said…
I know nothing about massage except that from time to time I like to have one ;)
This is first time I have read that massage effects are connected with our DNA and it’s is hard for me to believe in it…
MartaSB said…
The mRNA is transporting the message from DNA to the ribosome about what's going on in the DNA. I believe that by confirming changes in mRNA levels the research confirmed the response of the DNA itself.
MartaSB said…
I strongly recommend getting a massage then, it's really pleasant experience :)
MartaSB said…
I believe that as our body always has some reaction to touch/pain, a massage can be connected with many changes in the organism (level of hormones, proteins etc). This research is focusing on DNA/RNA aspects so it touches a very complicated topic. I think they should conduct more research on that to confirm the findings.
Unknown said…
I really like massage as everyone who had a chance to experience such a pleasure. After a massage you feel relaxed and eager to life. Unfortunately, I’ve never been to any massage course but maybe some time in future I will have an opportunity to attend one.
I'm not expert in massage. I try only general relaxing massage. It's very very pleasant for me. I really like it. I should go regularly. I remember that one time I had massage after party.I had really big hangover, but after massage, everything returned to normal and I felt great.
I had no idea that massage and DNA are so closely connected. I never attended massage courses nor have I actually had a proffesional massage done to me. I don't like very much the idea of a complete stranger touching me.
Unknown said…
I've never had any massage, because I never feel need for it. I like to feel pain in my muscles the next day after workout, as it indicates that it was well done. Like Arnold S. used to say "No pain, no gain." ;) But if massage have good for muscle health, I would probably give it a try.
Unknown said…
I like massage very much but I only had a few professional one in my life. I live with a physioterapist- I should use it :P Massage is huge relax for me. My tense muscles loose up and I feel like in heaven.
Some as Izabela and PaulinaI could be massage all time. It’s the best form of rest for me- huge pleaure. I don’t have my favourite type of massage. All of them are great for me.
Mateusz Frycie said…
Massage was one of the best presents that I've ever received. I've never felt like going to a spa or beauty parlour, nevertheless when I received a birthday voucher, so I decided to take advantage of it. It was a great experience. FInally, I understood how tensed my back and neck can be.
Unknown said…
I didn't know that massages may affect our DNA. Thank you for sharing this information:)
I've never gotten a massage in my life but I've wanted to for some time now. Last week I decided to treat myself with a massage after I have finished with all the work during this semester. My mother gets regular massages. She's a dentist and works all day in an uncomfortable position and really needs these massages.
I know that massages are not only a relaxation method, they may be used as a treatment for a lot of issues: skin problems, weight loss, rehabilitation, some internal problems, for example with circulation etc... They are very useful and of course pleasant. It is also a big physical effort for a masseur/masseuse and they're always so fit!
Unknown said…
I have had a few massages in my life. It was awsome. I was really relaxed. One of these massage was did ​​with warm stones. It was a pleasure for me. I haven’t heard about the impact of massage on our DNA. This is really interesting for me. I will read about it more informations. I haven’t attended massage training course yet.
rf. said…
I try to have massage regularly and I guess i hit and avg. of 2 / year, while I believe, that a massage / month would be optimal, especially for an IT person, or any other who is working / spending much time in one position (sitting / standing / any other strain). As more sophisticated massages are great experience, a simple 15' back massage can really improve your health and comfort!
MartaSB said…
I totally agree, we don't even realize how tense our muscles are!
Unknown said…
I did not know, but I love massage. This is just another reason to get one. I will read more about the beneficial effects of massage, thank you! :-)
Quite frankly I am not a fan of massages but nevertheless the article is interesting and I can admit that usually don't see people complaining about them. It seems that people feel relaxed and well after some good massage so maybe I should try to get some too.
PS. "Are you familiar with some massage techniques? Have you attended any massage training courses?" - Nope but maybe ill try some day :)
Unknown said…
Wow, this is one of best article ever written about relaxing body massage tips, you can learn lots of new and update your knowledge from this women body massage article.
It’s my first visit at this web site, and piece of writing is really fruitful for me, keep up posting these articles or reviews. Thai Massage Near Me

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