I'm sure you've always thought of Swedish Massage as
"just a nice way to relax and spoil yourself".
But do you know how healthy a massage actually is?
Are you aware of the numerous health benefits that a massage has on your body??
Here are 12 reasons why you should be getting regular massages:
Stress relief is key to achieving a healthier lifestyle. Even a single massage session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol levels, and insulin levels, all of which help reduce daily stress.
Relax. Reset. Repeat. Massage has been shown to help the body enter a relaxing rest-and-recovery mode, an effect that lingers long after the massage is over.
Unlike other bad habits, poor posture can be relaxing to correct. Massage can relax and loosen the muscles made sore by bad posture, reinforcing natural and healthy movements.
The pressure created by massage therapy moves blood and lymph around the body through congested areas. This causes new blood to flow in, resulting in improved body function.
Through mobilization of skin, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and the periosteum, massage stimulates receptors to send messages of relaxation to the central nervous system. These reflexes cause vasodilation, resulting in decreased blood pressure and lowers the heart rate.
Massage gets to the root of persistent pain by relaxing tense muscles. Relaxation and normalization of the soft tissue releases nerves and deeper connective tissues, reducing painful contractions and spasms.
As we age joints tend to tighten, making range of motion more restricted. Massage helps keep joints more fluid, making you more flexible and less prone to injury.
Constricted breathing is one of the signs of anxiety and stress. Massage can relieve respiratory issues and train the body how to relax, by slowing down and deepening our breaths, releasing endorphins.
Chronically tight muscles in the base of the skull and neck area are a common cause of headaches. Massage helps release spasms and tension by loosening the tight muscles.
Studies indicate that regular massage can naturally increase the activity level of the body's white blood cells that work to combat viruses.
Massage helps the body pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. This makes massage therapy a great supplement to post-operative rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation can be long and frustrating. A continual massage program can accelerate that recovery process (after the initial stage of inflammation), as well as help you stay relaxed and motivated.
