Are you finding your shoulders are hunching over and your neck is so tight feels like it might snap? Are you feeling irritable, angry and impatient or wound up due to the demands of everyday life pressures? Do you feel like you have so much going on your finding it hard to cope? Stress can sometimes be helpful because It fires you up to get things done but when being chronically stressed out and constantly feeling overwhelmed it can take its toll on your mental health and well-being.
Some people tend to forget how massage therapy is so amazing or maybe they think it’s not for them but what they don’t realise there is something for everybody. Just ask if you’re not sure. Massage Therapy isn’t a cookie cutter and therapist don’t have the exact same treatment as we are all unique. Checkout websites and always ask questions. If you have a specific medical condition, always check with your Doctor to make sure massage is suitable before booking.
What is Massage?
Massage is the use of hands or other tools to rub and kneed muscles and joints to relieve pain, stress and anxiety. Massage is an umbrella term that covers various different types of massage. This can range from the most popular Swedish Body Massage to massage that has a more tailored and specific purpose, such as Deep Tissue Massage which help people who live an active lifestyle to recover. And it all comes down to one important factor: really good pressure which in turn has a calming effect on the nervous system. Research has shown that even a short 20 minute massage is enough to see positive results. So could you imagine receiving a 60 or 90 minute can do for you, especially on a regular basis?
Massage Therapy Health Benefits
Reduces muscle tension & pain
Helps to loosen tight muscles, relieve pain and reduce stiffness by increasing blood flow and improving circulation to the effected muscles and removes any acid or other waste products. One study has found the benefits of massage can be just as effective as other methods used to treat chronic back pain. People who opted for regular massage treatments found that their back pain was much better or gone completely within 10 weeks compared to 4% of those who received usual care.
Improves flexibility & range of motion
Regular massage therapy can improve flexibility and range of motion by increasing blood flow to the muscles by working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints. It also raises the temperature, increasing elasticity and breaking down adhesions, removing waste products, reducing swelling and decreasing pain. By including massage as part of your self-care practice your body’s aches and pains will reduce and you’ll feel more calm, relaxed and renewed.
Boosts the immune system
Regular massage treatments have been found to increase the activity of white blood cells which are crucial to fight of disease and infections, flushing out toxins, increasing blood flow throughout the body and boosting white blood cell count.
Reduces stress, anxiety & depression
Massage has shown to decrease levels of cortisol and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine which are neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and happiness. If you suffer with stress, anxiety or depression then massage therapy may be able to help relieve your symptoms. Human touch is very powerful and incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. Studies have shown that patients who struggle with anxiety or depression were happier and more relaxed and less stressed after receiving a massage. When it comes to relieving emotion stress, aromatherapy, Thai massage and Hot stone therapy is a great options as it’s proven to boost the mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
Enhances athletic performance
Athletes train so hard to achieve their goals in their chosen field. However, rigorous training leads to muscle tension, joint stress and injury. Depending how serious the injury is it may require a few months of rest to heal. Integrating Deep Tissue or Sports Massage Therapy into your regime helps improve performance, conditioning, and reduces the risk of injury and reduces chronic pain, reduce muscle soreness and increases range of motion and promotes healing.
Relieves headaches and migraines
Massage has been found to be effective in reducing headaches and migraines and help people manage pain. Indian Head Massage can help relieve tension. The therapist will apply pressure to the back, arms, neck, shoulders and face to reduce pain and tension in the muscles. Massaging these areas of the body encourages the circulation of cerebral fluid, reducing any headache causing blockages. However, while massage can help, if you’re experiencing constant headaches, please contact your GP.
Improves sleep
High levels of cortisol can often lead to insomnia. Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety and reducing levels of cortisol. Serotonin influences our well-being, memory, appetite, sexual drive, and ability to fall asleep and wake-up. Massage Therapy can also help to boost serotonin levels as well.
Fight chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome CFS is a debilitating lifelong illness that causes symptoms of chronic pain, extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Living with this condition can make everyday tasks very hard and make symptoms worse. Research has shown that massage can bring comfort to people living with CFS by helping to relax the nervous system, support digestion and promote relaxation.
Improve posture
Most people deal with posture stress. Whether it’s from text neck, sitting badly in a chair hunched over a computer for prolonged periods which put stress on the lower back. It can cause pain or weakness in that area. However massage can be used to help with any imbalances that stem from sitting by loosening tight muscles, reducing tension, improving circulation and increasing joint mobility and range of movement. Deep tissue, sports massage and Swedish body massage is very good for this.
Improves focus
Massage can help with focus too. When we are sleep deprived, anxious, or struggling with fatigue or negative thoughts, we can’t give our full attention and learn anything efficiently. Sleep plays an important role in consolidating memory, which is really essential for learning anything new.
Massage therapy has various health benefits and is an effective way to make you feel amazing physically, mentally and emotionally.
A healthier happier you.
