Health & Fitness
Time Well Spent
Once considered a luxury for some, massage therapy is now well-known to have substantial health benefits
Countless studies show the many benefits of massage therapy, so whether you are stressed, overworked, in pain or just fancy some pampering, there is always a reason to go for a massage.
- Relieve Stress. We all know how relaxing a great massage can be. Massage reduces the stress hormone, cortisol and provides a feeling of wellbeing as it can boost serotonin and dopamine levels.
- Reduce Muscle Tension. That tension we all feel in our shoulders and neck can be drastically improved by regular massage. Even more serious conditions such as fibromyalgia and low back pain can often be eased with massage.
- Soothe Anxiety and Depression. Sufferers of anxiety or depression can experience immense benefits of regular massage. In today’s connected, yet disconnected world, the human touch is a powerful thing.
- Counteract the effects of sitting. Whether you are at a desk or behind a wheel, most of us spend too much time sitting down. Massage can counteract these effects, reducing the strain and tension on the muscles.
- Reduce Pain. Regular massage has been shown to help people feel less pain and function better. It also decreases stiffness and can improve range of motion in people with osteoarthritis.
- Enhance Exercise Performance. Prevention and treatment of injuries can often include massage therapy. Improve soft tissue function, support muscle recovery and decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness by booking a massage.
- Relieve Tension, Headaches & Migraines. Suffering from these is no fun at all, but massage can help reduce the occurrence and intensity of headaches and migraines.
- Improve Sleep Quality. Whether it is the quick nap you enjoy on the massage table or the deep relaxing sleep at night, massage promotes sound and restful sleep by increasing delta waves – linked to deep sleep.
- Boost Immunity. Massage has been linked to an increase in white blood cell counts, which can help you fight off disease and infection.
- Improve Skin Condition. Massage increases blood flow, helping to deliver nutrients and oxygen to skin cells while also stimulating lymphatic drainage to remove metabolic waste.
Make sure you find a well-trained massage therapist; quality is often reflected in the price!
Sara Jones
Spa, Wellness & Lifestyle Expert and Founder of Spa Professional Mexico magazine
www.spaprofessionalmexico.com.
