Modern life can be busy and tiring, but on the other hand, it is also full of a plethora of ways in which we can combat the stress and overwhelm that this can often bring. With all the hours that we spend on the go, our bodies end up taking the strain, and therefore it’s important to find ways to relax and restore.
From low impact exercise like yoga and Pilates, to meditation and water therapies to physical therapies such as massage, there are plenty of ways in which we can take the stress off our bodies, and massage therapy is a very popular way of doing this.
Targeting stress not only in your body, but the mind as well, massage is a great way to relax tense muscles, enjoy some dedicated time to yourself and work through common physical issues such as lower back pain. From five-star spas to local clinics, there are many places where you can get your regular fix, all you have to do is google massage places near me to find your new sanctuary.
If you aren’t quite yet convinced about the many benefits that massage can bring, then read on to see what makes it so popular and how it could benefit you.
Relaxation and stress relief
Possibly the most well-known advantage of massage therapy is its power to relieve stress and enforce utter relaxation. Not only is the act of being pampered and the fact that you are forced to lie down and think of nothing else enough to relieve any tensions, but the physical benefits are obvious too.
Massage therapy reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which eventually leads to a powerful feeling of relaxation in your body, and it is also a great way to get rid of a headache. When you get a massage, there is an increased circulation of blood in your muscles and veins, and this leads to a decrease in tension in your body and an elimination of stress.
Relieves muscle pain
Constant tension in your back, an ache in your neck that seems to pop up when you least expect it, twinges and sore muscles – all things that can start to make your life pretty miserable if not taken care of. The good news is that massage therapy is highly effective to help ease muscle pain as it improves the blood circulation in the muscles which reduces the pain.
People suffering from chronic back pain will find that this is a highly effective treatment for their aches. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2011, massage therapy is one of the most effective methods of treatment for reducing chronic back pain.
Can reduce anxiety and depression
An estimated 40 million Americans are suffering from some form of anxiety, with almost one-third of the mental health expenses in the U.S. involving anxiety. Massage therapy can be an effective tool to combat this as it eliminates half of the stress hormones in your body. Patients who are suffering from anxiety are said to feel much more relaxed and happier after getting a good massage, as indicated in some research published in 2005, where women diagnosed with breast cancer who received regular massage therapy thrice a week reported feeling less angry and less depressed.
Boosts immune system
Your body has natural ‘killer T cells’ of its own, which act as warriors against viruses and diseases, and massage can helpfully increase these as it activates your body’s natural defence mechanism. White blood cells in your body are said to be increased simply by getting a massage, which is beneficial for your body’s fight against illness.
Counters postural stress
Your posture is linked to a lot of what happens in your body. All the sitting you do at the office desk or work accumulates postural stress, and it is something that most of us go through, whether we notice it or not.
Postural stress can manifest itself in the form of pain in the shoulders and upper back, but it is not limited to that area, postural stress can also cause lower back pain and weakness. Massage therapy can counter the imbalance in the posture caused as a result of long sitting hours.
Improves the quality of sleep
Nearly one-third of adults are said to be struggling with insomnia and, if chronic, it can start to negatively impact on all aspects of your professional and personal life. Being linked with depression, anxiety and a weak immune system, it is little wonder that people who suffer are often in search of ways to improve the quality of their sleep.
Various studies have shown that weekly massages can reduce insomnia and enhance the quality of your sleep, and a massage can also be effective in helping an infant sleep peacefully too.
