If you’ve never had a massage before, you can probably cite a list of good reasons as to why not. Perhaps you’ve never had the opportunity, or you assume it is very expensive. Some people associate getting a massage with luxury holidays in exotic locations that are beyond the budget of ordinary people.
These days, more and more people, are accepting massage therapy as an important part of their health and well-being routine. It is also more accessible and research from the industry suggests that the demand for these services is increasing.
In this article, we’ll talk you through the top benefits of getting a massage. When you realize the array of health benefits are not only physical but can have a significant effect on your mental and emotional health, you’ll wonder why it’s taken you so long to look into it the subject.
Different Touch
Massage has been around for thousands of years. This is a practice that has transcended empires, religions, and generations. The Greek verb for massage is associated with the idea of kneading and manipulating dough.
Applying pressure is the basic concept of giving a massage. That said, don’t assume all massages are the same. The methods and techniques are very different depending on the purpose or goal of the massage. So the key point here is that you need to know which massage therapy provides which main benefits.
Healing Touch
Back pain is one of the most common health problems. As high as 80 percent of people are affected, and many are desperate to find something that will relieve the pain and discomfort apart from pain killers. A Swedish massage is great for general back pain.
Moderate manipulation and pressure on your muscles can help relax your tense back. If you want to look for relief from more chronic back issues, you might want to try a deep tissue or neuromuscular massage. This is not for the fainthearted and initially, you may feel sore after this type of massage therapy but long term it relieves deep tissue tension.
Importance of Circulation
You may not realize it, but bad circulation can be very detrimental to your health. For example, you can develop digestive problems, muscle cramps, swelling joints, fatigue, and the list goes on. Your blood must be able to freely circulate in the vascular system so that there can be an effective exchange of oxygen and other important chemicals, while at the same time removing waste products.
When a massage therapist applies pressure to key parts of your body, this serves to stimulate better circulation of your blood and other important fluids in your body. Not only that, but the blood vessels improve in their elasticity and increase the oxygenation of your organs. This is super good for your body.
Immune Booster
Interestingly, when you get a massage it stimulates the production of white blood cells. These are the little soldiers within your body that fight off all the nasty things you consume in the air, whether it be germs, pollution, or even toxins in your food.
Your immune system is one of the most important parts of your health system. If you have a healthy immune system then your body is better equipped to keep you healthy.
Massage Away Anxiety
You could say that stress and anxiety are toxic to your body. People’s stress levels are continuing to increase with financial pressures and from many other causes. This past year with COVID-19 has caused many some to experience pandemic-related anxiety.
Massage is an excellent way to relieve the tension in your body that stress causes. Plus, massage promotes the release of important hormones that help you to maintain your balance emotionally. Other affected hormones influence how your body deals with sugar and burning fat.
Regular massages as part of your health routine can make a big difference in your ability to cope with pressure, and stress at work, and in the home.
Greater Flexibility
One of the reasons we get injured in sport is that our muscles get tighter and stiffer as we get older. This lack of flexibility can lead to muscle tears and soreness.
Many types of massage, such as traditional Thai massage can really help to develop greater flexibility in your muscles and joints. You will be amazed at home much you can benefit from this after only a few sessions, so it is worth trying.
For those who just know they need to chill out and relax aromatherapy massages are a great place to start. A combination of essential oils and softer touch relaxes not just the body but the mind also.
This multi-sensory type of massage adds layers to the benefit you will receive from an oil massage. Our noses, as well as receptors throughout the skin, can detect scent.
Getting a Massage — Time to Try One
In this article, you’ve read about getting a massage and some of the main benefits. Massage can help improve your circulation, which will help boost the oxygen in your body. It will also help improve your immune system.
Besides these benefits, you will improve your muscular flexibility. This will help prevent injury. If all of this was not enough, then as you’ve read in this article you will reduce the effects of stress on your body and feel better for it. You can read other great articles on our site that fit with your lifestyle.
