The Benefits of Massage Therapy
Okay, so it’s a no brainer that massages feel great. It’s one of the main things we turn to when we want to “pamper” ourselves. And yet, for most of us, it’s the last thing on our list of things we FORCE into our life. Maybe it’s just me. If it is, boy count yourself lucky!
Maybe it’s the cost that gets me. I know if I was rich I’d probably get one every day, at least every week. I have heard that massages are FAR more expensive in the United States than in other countries, especially in Asia (they obviously know something over there we should be paying attention to.)
Massage are important, and not just because they feel good. But there are real health benefits to getting massages on a regular basis. And if you don’t believe me, check out the fairly lengthy list below of just a few of the wonderful health benefits.
Did you know that getting a 10 minute massage after a tough workout has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation? And that helps your body to recover more quickly. But that’s not all, massage can also help with stress, anxiety, depression and even your immunity:
Massage Helps Anxiety And Depression
Getting a massage can help decrease anxiety and improve depression because it reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This helps to lift your spirits as well as lower your blood pressure. It also boots the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine which naturally will tackle depression.
Ease Pain and Soothe Muscles
Did you know that 8/10 Americans have debilitating back pain? Massage can help decrease this pain and help you to function better. In fact, a recent study showed that the benefits of massage are so strong that it is as effective as some medications, exercise, yoga and acupuncture.
Cure Insomnia – Improve Your Sleep With Massage
Have you ever fallen asleep during a massage? I almost did once, I think I jolted myself awake…that was a little embarrasing. But it goes to show you, I was relaxed. Massage apparently affects our delta waves, the brain waves that are connected to deep sleep. So if you suffer from insomnia or other sleep problems, it is very likely that massage will help you.
Boost Your Immunity
Many studies have shown that massage leads to a better functioning immune system. In 2010, a study found that it increased a person’s disease-fighting white blood cells. Stress is bad. Massage relaxes you and eases stress. Eliminating stress can lead to a much happier body.
Wipe Out PMS
Massage has also shown to help with PMS symptoms, like bloating and mood swings. So if this is an issue for you, why not try it?
Raise Your Alertness
Want a better functioning brain? Just 15 minutes in a massage chair has shown to increase brain waves and help people function better mentally.
Eliminate Headaches
Headaches will quickly dissipate with the help of massage. If you are a migraine sufferer, massage can significantly reduce the number of migraine headaches you experience. Try a 30-minute massage and see if your tension headaches are a thing of the past.
Improve the Look of Your Skin
Want a simple and really effective beauty treatment? Then treat yourself to a massage. Getting a massage increases blood flow, this plumps up slack skin and will encourage lymphatic drainage (removes the toxins from your body) – the result? A vital complexion that could shed a few years off without any need for expensive skin treatment. Without even making an appointment, rub your face and scalp for a few minutes – that’s all it takes.
Helps With Cancer Treatment
Anyone undergoing cancer treatment can benefit hugely from massage. It can help relieve fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety and even nausea.
What Type of Massage is the Best?
The benefits of massage therapy are undeniable. Not only can you feel it from the moment you lie down on the table, but the touch from either a deep tissue, Swedish or even soft tissue therapy massage can be felt immediately. It really doesn’t matter what kind you get, it matters that you get one.
If you want the benefits of massage on stress, try to get a massage at least monthly, if not weekly if you can. You’ll be amazed by the difference.
Go get a massage and tell us about it!
Thanks 🙂
Kat
Owner, NurturingYourBody.com
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