Have you ever wondered what a simple massage can do?
Lying on a masseuse’s table is a calming experience. Receiving a massage with benefits can be exactly what a person needs to feel like they’re ready to get back to their busy life.
But are there any benefits that we don’t talk about?
Read on to discover five benefits of receiving a massage!
Soothe Anxiety and Depression
Massages can reduce stress levels by decreasing the levels of cortisol in the body, leading to lower levels of anxiety. These effects can even last for a while after the massage.
Human contact, when consensual, has been proven to be therapeutic and calming. Receiving a massage can release oxytocin which counteracts stress and makes us feel loved. It can also produce serotonin and dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitters in our brains that counteract depression.
Several of these massages involve slow, sweeping strokes that melt away stress and anxiety.
Decrease Muscle Pain
The benefits of receiving a full body massage include reducing muscle pain wherever you may have it. For example, a deep tissue massage on the lower back can reduce pain and stiffness.
Getting a massage regularly can also help improve your posture, easing pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. People who suffer from osteoarthritis can benefit from massages by having improved movement in their joints.
Massage can also lead to better sleep, which in turn can reduce the feeling of pain by lowering the levels of a neurotransmitter for pain.
Better Sleep
Massages have been known to relax people and sometimes lead to people falling asleep during the massage. That’s because when pressure is applied to the nervous system, it slows down and induces a relaxed state that makes it easy to fall asleep.
When you’re sleeping better, you’re not feeling as fatigued during the day, so massage can lead to higher energy levels.
Improve Blood Flow
Stimulating the nerves and muscles in your body can increase blood flow, causing your muscles to receive more oxygen and reducing inflammation, especially after exercising. It can also help reduce blood pressure.
Receiving massages regularly raises your white blood cell count, thus boosting your immune system and helping your body defend itself against disease.
Help Focus
If you frequently find yourself zoning out at work or during conversations with friends, getting a massage can help! A massage can lower your heart rate by slowing your nervous system, thus leading to increased focus.
Receiving a massage has a meditative-like effect that encourages you to focus on your body and how it’s feeling. This will increase your mindfulness in your day-to-day life, making you more aware of your surroundings and yourself.
Receiving a Massage with Benefits
Now that you know of these health benefits, it’s time to schedule a massage! Getting a massage once a week is enough to see these changes, so schedule a massage with benefits like the ones mentioned above, and be on your way to healthier living!
Be sure to check back regularly for more health and wellness tips!
