To this day, the word massage conjures up images of going to the spa and having some much needed “me-time.” Many people receive massage therapy as some sort of reward after a long day at work.
But it’s important to realize that massage offers a lot more than just making us feel calm and relaxed.
Different forms of bodywork treatment provide several health benefits which may not be readily apparent. Read on and learn more about the benefits of massage and the compelling reasons to receive it more frequently.
1. Relieve stress
Stress relief is one of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy.
Everyone would agree that a single massage therapy session provides a special feeling of comfort and relaxation. While stress is often perceived to be something bad, it is important to understand that stress can be also beneficial. Stress is necessary in executing everyday functions and preventing accidents such as hitting the brakes when you’re about to collide with another vehicle. But when your stress levels get too high, it starts to become detrimental to your health.
Numerous studies show that a massage therapy session can measurably reduce stress. This is due to the reduction in heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels following the massage.
2. Boost the immune system
It may come as a surprise to many that massage can actually boost the immune system.
This might not make a lot of sense at first, especially since massage involves exterior bodywork treatment. But there are plenty of studies showing the correlation of massage therapy and improved immune functions. One study involved HIV patients who received massage therapy for 45 minutes 5 days per week for an entire month. This group exhibited an increase in production of cells that are regarded as the body’s first line of defense against infections.
3. Improve posture
Millions of people across the globe suffer from bad posture, but only a handful take the necessary measures to correct this ill habit. Office workers who sit in front of the computer all day are particularly at risk.
Massage can correct bad posture by reinforcing the natural movements of the different parts of the body. Bodywork treatment can also relieve pain and soreness caused by poor posture.
4. Injury recovery
Rehabilitating from a physical injury can be a very painful process. In most cases, patients find a physical rehabilitation program inadequate in restoring the affected area to its pre-injury state.
Many experts use massage therapy to supplement a rehabilitation program, speeding up the healing process. Massaging the injured area helps improve blood flow, delivering much needed nutrients and oxygen.
It also helps the patient regain flexibility and improve range of motion.
5. Improve blood circulation
When it comes to the long-term effects of massage therapy, improved blood circulation cannot be understated. Regardless of the technique used, massage can promote better blood flow through different areas of the body as a result of the pressure created during the massage therapy session.
This enables blood to enter congested areas and allow new blood to flow in. This process also helps flush away lactic acid which may build up in the muscles, causing chronic soreness and fatigue.
These are just some of the health benefits of massage.
Incorporating this important form of self-care in your routine can help bring you closer toward your goal of living a healthier life. It’s time to view massage as more than a luxury and start looking for a professional massage therapist who can help you set up a regular bodywork treatment schedule.