10 Benefits of Massage Therapy
Who doesn't like a good massage right? Especially in times like today. For most of us its been weeks since we have had one, which can feel like years for some of us that get regular massages. Speaking for myself I love giving massage as much as I enjoy receiving. Self massage, using foam rollers and lacrosse balls, can do wonders, but nothing beats “human touch”. The good news is that we soon will be getting back to the “new normal“, and we will be able to give and receive massages too!
Here are some Top 10 Benefits of getting regular Massage Therapy:
Manages Anxiety and Depression - massage therapy can help reduce the stress hormone cortisol and boosts serotonin and dopamine. This leaves you feeling happier, less stressed, it also helps to lower blood pressure.
Reduces Pain – massage therapy can help to reduce common low back pain and stiffness and increase range of motion. Other effective therapies include yoga, exercise, and foam rolling.
Reduces Delayed Onset of Muscular Soreness (DOMS) – the soreness one gets after strenuous or unaccustomed activity 24- 72 hours post-exercise; that sore, achy feeling you get after a long run, hard workout or new activity. Massage helps by increasing circulation and blood flow to sore muscles and promotes recovery.
Improves Sleep- there are many reasons why people doze off on the table. Massage can increase delta waves in the brain which can promote sleep. Massage also affects the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) responsible for rest and digest.
Boosts Immunity- massage helps by decreasing cortisol, which helps to increase natural killer cells in the body thereby improving immunity.
Relieves Constipation- abdominal massage can be very effective for reducing chronic constipation by helping to increase bowel movements and relieve discomfort and pain.
Addresses Sport Injuries and Joint Pain- caused by soft tissue restrictions, which can cause trigger points (knots). Massage therapy can help address” working out the knots” by increasing circulation to the tissues.
Reverses Postural Stress – for office workers, who sit at a desk most of the day, stress can manifest in the neck and shoulders. Prolonged sitting can advance to weakness or pain in the back and glutes. Regular massage therapy can help counteract those muscle imbalances created by so that you can continue your desk job.
Decreases Headaches - tension headaches and migraines are caused by stress or poor posture resulting in tight neck and shoulders, too much screen time, dehydration, or hormonal imbalances. Regular massage therapy can help reduce an active headache by relieving pressure points in the face, neck and shoulders which can cause discomfort.
IT MAKES YOU HAPPIER - taking the time to take care of yourself is vital and important. Booking that massage appointment simply tells yourself “I'm worth it, I'm important, I deserve to feel good.” Think of massage as an investment in your physical and mental health that increases your quality of life. Because if taking care of yourself doesn't make you happy, what will?