Rejuvenate Your Body: The Plentiful Health Benefits of a Massage
You might be surprised by just how valuable massage can be for your body. Click here to learn about the plentiful health benefits of a massage.
Did you know, in the US, only 21% of women and 16% of men had a massage in 2018? You may be thinking, “a massage is a luxury. So it’s not a big deal, right?”
Actually, there is more to a massage than meets the eye. Having this popular spa treatment can be a huge boost to your health and well-being. Some people even choose to supplement their healthcare with regular massages!
But apart from a relaxing afternoon at the spa, what are the health benefits of a massage?
Read on to find out.
Surprising Health Benefits of a Massage
Whether you head to the spa or you snuggle up on a zero gravity massage chair, you’ll feel the benefits. Not only on the day of your massage but for the days and weeks after too!
Read on for the 411 on massages. And watch out, these full-body massage benefits might surprise you.
Stress Relief
Of course, first on the list of massage benefits is stress relief. Stress can have a tremendous impact on a persons well-being. In several studies, subjects showed huge changes in cortisol levels (the stress hormone) after a massage.
A relaxing spa day promotes ultimate relaxation. It also calms the nervous system. This makes it a perfect way to unwind and de-stress.
Pain Reduction
Benefits of therapeutic massages also include pain reduction. A licensed therapist can target problem areas and relieve pain. For example, chronic back, neck or shoulder pain.
A massage can also help to reduce pain for those who have recently had surgery or a sports injury.
Improved Circulation
Another on the list of full body massage benefits is an improvement in blood circulation.
A good massage improves blood circulation which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This chain reaction increases blood flow throughout the body. This, in turn, loosens muscles and tendons.
Massages are great for people who suffer from poor circulation. Or those who have damaged or tense muscles. Increased blood flow can also help to reduce fatigue.
Enhanced Range of Motion
As noted, increased blood flow from a massage can loosen and relax your muscles.
Regular massages will lead to looser muscles which will lead to increased flexibility. This will give you the chance to achieve your body’s full range of movement. Fluid joints can help you to avoid injury in the future.
This improved range of motion may also help people suffering from arthritis. Tiffany Field, a research psychologist believes massages are key to pain relief. She said, “Massage can result in a significant reduction in pain for people with all types of arthritis”.
Better Immune System
Studies suggest that a massage may benefit your immune system.
One study showed that those who had a 45-minute massage had an increased number of white blood cells afterward. White blood cells are vital in defending the body from disease, viruses, and bacteria. The more you have, the easier it will be for your body to defend itself.
Remove Impurities
Many professionals believe that a deep tissue massage can help to detoxify the body. Although there is no scientific evidence to prove it yet, many practitioners swear by it.
How does it work?
Detoxification is a natural process of the body, but a massage may flush the impurities faster. They do this by squeezing the muscles and lymph tissue which releases toxins into the bloodstream. Practitioners recommend drinking a large glass of water after the massage, as this may speed up the process.
Relieve Digestive Disorders
Many who suffer from digestion issues may benefit from an abdominal massage. The relaxing motions of a gentle massage may help to relieve those with constipation, bloating or menstrual pain. “Self-massaging” your stomach 5-10 minutes each day might make a huge difference.
Goodbye to Headaches
A gentle head massage can ease pressure from a migraine or tension headache. This tension-relieving massage works well when it’s combined with a neck and shoulder massage.
Although, it’s recommended to take a proactive role and try massage treatments beforehand. Massages on a regular basis may reduce the chance of migraine attacks and other intensive headaches in the future.
A Good Nights Sleep
Massage benefits also include a good nights sleep. The massage will help you to feel relaxed and sleepy. You may even fall asleep on the table!
When you finally get to bed, your relaxed, loosened muscles will help you to rest peacefully throughout the night. The massage will also release hormones that promote to sleep. This means you’ll probably feel less tired in the morning.
Massage therapy may also help people with insomnia or sleep apnea to sleep sounder too.
Happy Hormones
Massage therapy can alleviate depression and anxiety. This is because a massage releases endorphins into your body.
These endorphins can help you to feel happier and more energized. And when these “happy hormones” combine with relaxed muscles, it may help to lessen anxiety too.
For the Best Workout
One of the best benefits of a body massage has to be for the gains! Getting a massage before and after your workout can boost your workout immensely. How does it work?
A gentle massage before working out warms up and stretches your muscles, making you more flexible. But keep it gentle, anything too intense will have the opposite effect.
A deep tissue massage after a workout will reduce muscle soreness. It does this by reducing inflammation and speeding up your cell recovery. A post-workout massage may also rev up your endurance too.
Get a Massage—You Know You “Knead” It!
Whether your muscles are tight due to sitting at a desk all day. Or if you’ve gone hard at the gym, get a massage. The health benefits of a massage are just too good to miss!
Now you know all there is to know about the benefits of a massage, what’s next? Get to know more healthy lifestyle tips in the “Health and Nutrition” section of our blog.
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