BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
We know that getting a massage is relaxing, feels good and can help relieve bodily aches and pains. However, making massage part of your regular self care routine can have enormous benefits on your overall health and wellbeing.
RELAXATION AND RESTORATION
Regular massage therapy has been shown to decrease cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a well-known stress hormone that can contribute to weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems, and headaches. People that get regular massage over a period of time often experience improved mood, better sleep, less feelings of anxiety and overwhelm, and a boost in energy levels.
The relaxation experienced during a massage treatment releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways–both physically and emotionally.
PROMOTES HEALTHY MUSCLES
By releasing tense muscles and softening the surrounding tissues, regular massage therapy gives the body the ability to move more freely, with increased flexibility, and less pain and stiffness. This helps get the body back into proper alignment, and can even improve posture. Massage encourages the circulation of nutrients and oxygen to tight, stiff, or injured muscles, promoting muscle tone and preventing muscle atrophy. For those who do heavy exercise or play sports, massage can be an important component in preventing injury and improving performance.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION
Proper circulation brings stiff, tense, or damaged muscles the rich blood supply they need to promote health and healing. Massage also promotes lymph fluid circulation, which carries metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles in order to be eliminated by the body. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy can help keep the immune system strong and resilient.
CAN HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
Regular massage therapy sessions have been found to reduce blood pressure levels. Some long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can reduce both systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number) blood pressure. Lower blood pressure levels in turn can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and/or kidney failure, as well as many other health issues.
INCREASES SELF AWARENESS
Getting even an hour treatment once a month gives us time to pause, to be consciously in our body rather than in our to-do lists. This pause is essential in order to reset, center, and balance ourselves, to clear the mind so that we can handle life’s demands. During massage, sometimes people notice tension they didn’t even realize was there. This gives us the opportunity to address it so that it doesn’t build and become painful or problematic. Increasing our connection to our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves helps us to feel more whole, happy, and connected to life.