Tag: massage

Feeling stressed? Maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a massage. They really can work wonders!  Massages relieve stress, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation and can even help you sleep better. And that’s not all…

What makes massages so great? Well, they have a whole range of health benefits – both physical and mental. Massages can be used to manage pain, help heal injuries, speed up recovery, and promote overall wellness.

I’m most definitely a fan of massage and a great believer in taking time out to look after yourself.   I found that a regular massage does my body and mind the world of good.

It Helps You Feel Good

Massage has numerous physical and mental benefits.  Research shows it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphins. Both serotonin and dopamine are released through massage. That’s why you feel so calm by the time you’re done. Through physical touch, massages produce feelings of caring, comfort and connection too.  I try to indulge in the aromatherapy massage regularly because how wonderful I feel afterwards.  It leaves me relaxed, refreshed and revived!

It’s Good For Recovery & Stress Busting

You might think that massage is just used for sore muscles and aching joints but actually massage is wonderful for a number of different ailments.  Yes, many years ago massage was purely used in alternative medicine but nowadays it is regular practice in the medical world and certainly, many medical procedures involve massage for full recovery.  This is because massage is especially efficient for loosening muscles, alleviating pain and it’s also a superb stress-buster.  It’s especially calming and helpful in reducing stress levels, bringing a feeling of relaxation.   For those who suffer with insomnia, a regular massage can  help to induce sleep in the right circumstances.

Massages also have a number of health benefits for athletes and people who exercise regularly

Massage can increase range of motion and flexibility, decrease muscle stiffness and soreness after exercise and even help prevent injuries. Just make sure to give yourself a few rest days before getting one. It’s important to make sure you don’t have any lingering aches, pains or serious injuries first.

If you work at a desk, getting a massage is a great way to relieve postural stress and counteract imbalances caused by sitting. They can help manage lower back pain and relieve tension in the neck and shoulders.  Studies show that massages can decrease the frequency and severity of tension headaches too.  Headache sufferers often report a dramatic reduction in attacks.

It’s Wonderful For Your Skin

A very good facialist will usually massage the skin, neck and shoulders during a treatment.  This is because massage is well-known for boosting a flagging complexion.  It’s excellent for circulation too, stimulating nerve endings and pumping blood around the body.  This helps your body to rid itself of toxins and impurities.  As well as luxurious moisturisers and serums, facial massage is one of the reasons why your skin glows with good health after a session.  My skin definitely looks plumper and firmer after facial massage!  If you’re looking for a natural way to beat lines and wrinkles, I can’t recommend facial massage enough.   It slows down the aging process, prevents pigmentation and halts sun damage.

It’s A Fat-Buster

Believe it or not, some massages are especially designed for digestive problems, they reduce bloating and swelling. When an experienced masseuse applies pressure to your body, it creates a gentle heat.  This heat speeds up the breakdown of fat and helps you to digest food better hence the belief that it’s good for digestive disorders.  Of course, when a masseuse uses pressure on specific areas this helps them to stretch out muscles gently and increases flexibility.  I believe that regular massage gives my muscles better definition,  and  help reduce body fat.

It’s Good For Overall Body Health

You may have heard of lymphatic drainage and for you to feel healthy your lymph system needs to work efficiently.  When we are run down or feeling tired, our lymphatic system doesn’t work as well as it should.   This is why we experience lethargy.  The lymphatic system is essential in ridding the body of waste.  When it doesn’t work properly, our tissues swell up with waste, affecting our immune system and making us more susceptible to mild illnesses.  A good lymphatic masseuse will stimulate the system to operate effectively by applying gentle pressure on specific areas.  When I  feel low on energy or have recently suffered from illness or just need a wellbeing boost this type of massage is my favorite!

 

Massage today is becoming so popular that you can enjoy it almost anywhere you go!  I remember being at the airport recently and noting that massage therapists were available before flight and even in-flight!  For me there’s no excuse to avoid it, it’s just a matter of building it into my schedule.  The positive mental and physical benefits are enormous – I’d love to know what you think?