Massage: A luxury or a much-needed part of your life?
November 17th, 2019
Usually when people hear the term ‘massage therapy’, they associate it with luxury or indulgence that
they can experience once in a while. For them, it’s an ‘occasional’ treat, given as a gift or to be enjoyed
once in a while. However, a good massage is more than just a luxurious pampering. It is an important
part of an overall healthcare regimen and helps fight everything from chronic pain to the negative
effects of stress.
Here are some of the therapeutic benefits of massage therapy:
- Reduces stress and anxietyWhen you are stressed out, your body pumps out more of the stress hormone Cortisol. A good massage thoroughly relieves your muscles through soothing strokes and increases the level of oxygen in the blood. Stress can sometimes be caused by a buildup of tension within muscles, which restricts movement and increases pain. A massage helps relieve tension by stretching and spreading muscle fibres and tissues allowing the muscles to relax and loosen.
- Manages pain and achesDuring a massage, therapists use kneading, long strokes, deep circular movements and passive joint movements to stimulate nerve endings, increase blood flow and lymph drainage and help you relax. It also lowers levels of chemicals that generate and prolong the pain.
- Promotes sleepLack of sleep has been associated with numerous problems such as an increased risk of depression and a weakened immune system. Massage therapy can help improve your quality of sleep, which can have tremendous benefits on your overall health and wellness. If you’ve been experiencing insomnia, try going for a massage to improve your sleep cycle.
- Lowers blood pressureSeveral studies have found that regular massages can help reduce blood pressure levels. A massage reduces anxiety and depression thereby lowering blood pressure levels. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and several other diseases.
- Strengthens immunityWhen stress is combined with improper sleep and unhealthy eating habits, the immune system’s ability to fight antigens is decreased. Getting consistent massages not only help reduce stress but can also enhance the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity.
- Helps improve postureA lot of people experience back, neck and muscle pain that usually results from poor posture. Massage therapy can help get the body back into proper alignment by loosening the tensed muscles and improving flexibility and range of motion.
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