Are you uncomfortable being touched? Do you worry about body image? Are you incapable of relaxing or spending money on yourself?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, having someone knead your muscles may not be appealing.
So, why get a massage? Keep reading for five of the best health benefits of massage therapy!
1. Why Get a Massage?
One of the most obvious benefits of a massage is stress relief. Massage works to relax our tissues and reduce muscle tension. This makes it the perfect activity after a long week at work, or as a frequent method of self-care.
However, there are health benefits beyond feeling relaxed.
2. Mental Health
Massage has an impact on the body’s hormones. Just one appointment can lower levels of cortisol and increase serotonin. Serotonin is closely tied to our mood. Massage helps us manage anxiety and deeper feelings of sadness associated with depression.
3. Immune System Boost
Cortisol is the stress hormone and affects more than our mental well-being. Those with high levels of stress are more susceptible to physical illness and even injury. Some examples of stress-related issues include heart disease, headaches, trouble with sleep, and obesity.
These health issues negatively impact the quality of life. That is why it’s important to keep our stress levels as low as possible.
Additionally, massage has been shown to affect our lymphatic system which is responsible for transporting immune cells. This system filters out toxins and other harmful bacteria while simultaneously producing cells that fight infection.
Massage therapy should be used in conjunction with and not as a replacement for medical care.
4. Better Circulation
Poor circulation is a common side effect of more serious health issues. It causes numbness in the extremities, swelling, and pain. When pressure is applied to your body during a massage, it encourages blood flow in those areas.
Older individuals and those with diabetes or weight concerns are especially susceptible to poor blood circulation. Therefore, they may benefit the most from frequent massage.
5. Flexibility
When massage strengthens our circulation, it allows our muscles to receive higher amounts of oxygen and nutrients. This can speed up our body’s healing process. Additionally, it warms the muscles and stretches them providing greater flexibility and mobility.
Plenty of athletes and others with soft tissue injuries use massage for the rehabilitative benefits.
Flexibility exists in massage treatment, too. There are several methods such as Swedish massage, deep tissue, and hot stone. However, if you aren’t interested in frequent massage appointments, there are plenty of alternatives.
Investing in an FDA approved massage chair may be more time and cost-efficient. You can decide when and how often to “schedule” appointments. Maximize results by adjusting each setting to fit your body’s needs.
Book Your Appointment
I hope this article answered your question of “Why get a massage?”. Before booking your appointment, consult with your massage therapist to determine which treatment method will work best for you. Whether you’re seeking stress reduction or alternative relief, one appointment is all you need to experience massage benefits.
Keep browsing our site for other informative health and lifestyle articles!
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