It is often thought that getting a massage is an indulgence. The truth is, the benefits of getting a massage run significantly deeper than you may think! If you've never tried massage therapy before read on to learn what it's all about and its most popular health benefits.
What is massage?
Massage is a term to describe how a massage therapist uses their hands, fingers, forearms and elbows to manipulate your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. The two most common types of massage are Swedish and Deep Tissue. Swedish (or as well call it, Relaxation) massage is very gentle and helps to relax and energize you with long strokes, kneading, and deep circular movements. Deep Tissue massage is known to be beneficial for those with muscle damage due to injuries. It involves deep, pressured strokes to target the sore muscles and any associated pain radiating from them.
Massage Health Benefits:
- Massage Can Alleviate Chronic Pain.
While this may seem obvious many people live with chronic back, shoulder and neck pain. Massage has been proven to reduce such pain and is an excellent, long-term alternative to the use of pain relief medication.
- Massage Promotes Better Sleep.
Countless people struggle with falling and or staying asleep each night. Massage is beneficial to those as it reduces muscle tension and also changes our sleep inducing hormone levels, allowing for a deeper, more profound state of relaxation. Massage therapy has been proven to increase REM (rapid eye movement), which is connected to a deeper, more restful sleep.
- Massage May Relieve Mild Depression And Anxiety.
Massage therapy has been praised for releasing tension and stress that is associated with mild depression and anxiety. It is believed that massage lowers our stress hormone (cortisol) levels significantly. Therefore, massage can be very helpful to create a more relaxed state of mind, improving overall mental and physical well-being.
- Massage Can Boost Immunity!
When we are stressed and overwhelmed it is very difficult for our bodies to fight off the countless germs that we are exposed to on a daily basis. Massage is most beneficial to the immune system as it encourages the lymphatic system to drain. This drainage releases bacteria and viruses from the body more efficiently, increasing the chance that the body will fight off the germs we come in contact with quicker and more effectively.
Additional Benefits of Massage:
Studies of massage have proven that it is a very effective treatment for the above-mentioned reasons. In addition, it is also known to be beneficial for those with the following conditions:
- Digestive disorders
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
Remember, massage isn't just for special occasions. The experience runs much deeper than an occasional indulgence. Massage is an excellent way to improve your overall health, emotionally and physically. We offer many types of massage, from Relaxation to Bamboo! Click on our Spa Menu or call one of our four locations to learn which type of massage is most beneficial for you!
