Having regular massage is important for your body and mind. There are many reasons why you should be having regular massages and I recommend that you try different types of massage and find a therapist who you connect with and will improve your physical and mental state of well-being.
In most cases people have massage to help relieve pain, as among other things, massage helps to release endorphins (a natural pain relieving chemical in the brain) and therefore reduces tension in the muscles. Massage may also help with more specific painful conditions such as, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, back issues, sports injuries and much more. Massage increases blood circulation throughout the body, which helps to relieve fluid retention, improves blood flow to your organs, lowers your heart rate and even helps to lower high blood pressure. Massage will also give your immune system boost via increased lymph fluid circulation through the body. Since the lymphatic system helps to rid the body of waste, toxins and pathogens, this process gives your immune system a pick-me-up.
Many cancer patients are encouraged to have regular treatments of massage as it may help them cope with stress, anxiety, headaches and pain, which are common side effects of cancer treatment. In certain situations, massage techniques need to be adapted specifically to cancer patients and therefore patients should always seek medical advice before having a massage.
Massage therapy is also fantastic for Mum’s to be! In fact, the most common alternative therapy recommended during pregnancy is massage therapy. There are numerous benefits of pre-natal massage including decreased leg and back pain, decreased rates of depression and a reduction in anxiety. In a 2004 study on “Massage therapy effects on depressed pregnant women” by J. Psychosom. Obstet. Gynaecol.’ showed depressed pregnant women who were massaged over a 16 week period for just 20 minutes twice a week, had a decrease in cortisol levels, depression and anxiety. Another important finding in the study was the lower incidence of premature births.
The above examples are just a handful of ways in which massage therapy is great for the mind and body. Furthermore, since massage also increases the level or serotonin in the brain, massage can improve the quality of sleep; and we can all benefit from more ZZZ’s!
As you can see, having regular massage isn’t merely a luxury; it is a must-do for a better quality of life. Why wait another minute, book your next massage NOW!
Elana Jade
