5 Health Benefits From a Massage
5 Health Benefits From a Massage
Thinking of getting a massage? Take a look at these 5 wonderful heath benefits from getting a massage and why you should schedule your next massage ASAP.
Keyword(s): massage
In the U.S., massage therapy is an $18 billion a year industry.
And that number is steadily increasing as more and more Americans turn to massage therapy to reap the wide range of benefits for body and mind.
Few things in the world can give you such a relaxing, therapeutic experience that leaves you feeling phenomenal for weeks.
So, it’s a given: getting a massage feels incredible. But did you know there are some major health benefits to score during your spa visit, too?
We’ve done the research to find out exactly what a massage can do for you, and the results might surprise you!
Here are 5 health benefits from a massage that are sure to have you scrambling to book an appointment.
5 Health Benefits From a Massage
Whether it’s a deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot stone or Swedish massage, both your body and mind deserve some pampering.
From the physical to psychological benefits, there’s a lot more that a massage can do for you than you might think.
1. Stress Relief
The tranquil atmosphere of the spa or parlor alone aids in stress relief. Soft music, low lighting and aromatic pleasures will allow you to unwind and forget about the sometimes difficult routine of daily life.
Yes, the serene experience of receiving a massage can wash away your worries, but did you know that stress doesn’t just only affect your mind?
Even the smallest amounts of stress can have negative impacts on your body, too.
Stress hormones like cortisol can tighten muscles, cause pain and even disrupt your ability to sleep. Higher amounts of stress can even lead to more serious health problems. Our necks, shoulders and lower backs are some of the regions that suffer the worst from the painful tension that is caused by the events of everyday life.
Massage therapy reduces stress and anxiety by increasing blood flow, relieving muscle tension, and increasing levels of serotonin.
Deep tissue massages are recommended for people experiencing stress. During this massage, slow and deep strokes from your therapist will relieve tension and strain from even the deepest layers of muscle tissue. Tightness in your connective tissue will be worked out and you’ll walk away feeling years younger.
2. Enhanced Circulation
The proper circulation of blood is a vital function of the human body. It supplies your brain, heart and other organs with oxygen that is critical for keeping us alive.
People suffering from poor circulation can experience a variety of discomforts including fatigue and body aches.
Massage techniques that use pressure help to facilitate circulation and encourage blood to flow to congested areas. Athletes or people suffering from sports injuries often use massage therapy to increase healing oxygen levels and remove lactic acid buildup in the muscles.
As your therapist manipulates your soft tissue, nutrient-rich blood cycles through your body and helps to release toxins.
Swedish massages have been recommended as a great way to increase circulation. The technique in which the massage therapist uses his or her fingers to tap and rub the body encourages blood and lymph flow which promotes stronger, healthier muscles.
3. Pain Relief
The healing power of a skilled massage therapist’s hands can be life-changing for someone who experiences aches and pains.
In fact, over 70 percent of doctors have recommended massage therapy to patients who are experiencing pain at some point in their careers.
Massages can provide pain relief in a variety of ways. Sore, stiff and tight muscles can be relaxed by the increase of blood flow and oxygen to them. This is one reason why athletes and people who suffer from sports injuries often schedule massages.
There are also other ways massages can allow immediate benefits for clients. As your therapist works your skin during a massage, inflammatory cytokines (which are molecules that cause inflammation) are slowed which eases pain.
Your therapist will be able to pinpoint the source of your pain and will work from there to relieve you from any tension or soreness.
Deep tissue massages can also help the body heal from injuries that cause pain.
4. Flushes Toxins
Increased blood flow creates a perfect environment for detoxifying the body.
As your massage therapist rubs, kneads and taps your body, he or she is helping to release toxins through your increased circulation and lymphatic systems. The stimulated soft tissues allow for toxins to be flushed from the body, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
The release of toxins also promotes a better immune system. As your skin is massaged, your lymph nodes are stimulated which allows for your immune system to recharge.
Lots of massage variations “cleanse” the body. Deep tissue massages achieve this with their slow, strong strokes that reach the deep layers of muscle. This type of massage reduces inflammation, too, which eases the tension on muscles that have been overworked.
5. Improved Sleep
45 percent of Americans say that their lack of good sleep affects their day to day life.
Relaxed, loose muscles can help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep. Without tension present in your body, you will be able to fall into a deep sleep that will make you feel more rested and recharged when you get up in the morning.
This goes without saying: massages help you relax. These mouth-watering sessions trigger the release of serotonin, which is a chemical that puts you in a calm mood. Being in this state makes it easier to fall asleep.
In addition to this, getting a massage boosts your mood. It releases endorphins that ease your mind and make you feel happy, which promotes better sleep quality. Your body will feel energized rather than groggy when you wake up.
Book Your Massage
It’s your turn to join the millions of people who turn to massage therapy for these health benefits.
There’s never been a better time to schedule a massage than now, and after learning about these incredible 5 health benefits of a massage, why wouldn’t you?
Still interested in learning more? Check out other great information about how you can benefit from a massage here!
