Do you fall in the category, like many others, who have always seen massage therapy as a luxury? A kind of superfluous activity for those wanting that extra bit of relaxation? You’re not alone. Massages are more refreshing and affordable than you may think.
In the last few decades, massages have always been typecasted similar to that one aunt who comes around every Thanksgiving. You love her and know that she has a complete life of her own with her own group of friends but you only really interact with her once a year when the time is right and most convenient for you. It’s time to change that.
Massage therapy/treatment, and physiotherapy approaches are exponentially growing in demand in recent years. With the high stresses of our jobs, extracurricular activities, the bombardment of negative news from the media and other factors causing stress, anxiety, and fatigue; massages are quickly becoming a go-to for personal health and rejuvenation.
A recent study done showed that 78% of individuals claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the last 12 months regularly was either for medical purposes (50 percent), or stress related (28 percent).
In this post, we will be looking at 7 surprising ways massages are more refreshing than new socks; and trust me, new socks are incredibly refreshing!
- Massages are more refreshing and relaxing
Our bodies are hormone producing machines. When we are under a lot of stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, sleeplessness, headaches, and digestive problems. During massage therapy, one of the main goals of the therapist is to provide a space both physically and mentally where our stress levels are reduced. This triggers feelings of relaxation, reduced stress levels and significantly improved moods. Our bodies then experience an increase in levels of serotonin and dopamine which are known to resist feelings of depression and allow our bodies to stay calm.
- Helps with muscle pain
Whether you’re working out or simply sitting at your desk for hours on end, muscle soreness and stiffness can occur. During massage therapy, our circulation is improved and allows our muscles to get the proper oxygen and nutrients they need to feel healthy.
- Strengthen your immune system.
Numerous studies have shown that after a 45-minute massage, white blood cell counts are significantly increased in the body. White blood cells play an important role in defending the body from illness and diseases. Massage therapy also aids in relieving inflammation. Inflammation is linked many to conditions such including asthma and cardiovascular disease.
- Contributes to Improved Posture
From long, tireless hours at our desk at work or endless Netflix binges over the weekend, our posture and back muscles are taking a toll. If you experience chronic pain in your back and legs, poor posture may be a direct cause. Massages allow the muscles to relax, become more flexible and loosen up. This allows the joints and pressure points to be relieved of pressure and the body to position itself in a healthy and ergonomic posture.
- Greatly Improve Your Sleep
Muscle stiffness and soreness can cause the body to become restless during sleep, inhibiting you from experiencing a deep sleep required for cell regeneration. Massage therapy for many people helps to reset their energy levels allowing them a full deep sleep and soothes their tired muscles so they can sleep comfortably without tossing and turning all night.
- Help Ease Anxiety
Patients with anxiety disorders have been shown to lower their feelings of worry, fear, tension and insomnia after a few weeks of regular massage therapy. Many of the reasons being attributed to the list of physical benefits are listed in this blog.
- Help Lower Blood Pressure
Numerous long-term studies have shown massage therapy can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These lowered blood pressures can aid in reducing the risk of heart attack, kidney failure, stroke and many other health issues. The relaxing environment and physical techniques used to stretch the muscles can aid in proper blood flow and may reduce high blood pressure.
If you have experienced the wonderful benefits of regular massage then you know just how life changing it can be. With proper diet and exercise, massage therapy is a great addition to your healthy lifestyle activities. If you have yet to experience these wonderful benefits then we strongly encourage you to try it for yourself and have the first-hand experience in so many of the marvelous benefits that come along with massage therapy. Massages are more refreshing than you may be led to believe.