As far back as the Roman Empire, people have been enjoying massage for stress relief.

What exactly creates this bliss factor? Here is some of the science behind massage:

1. Heals Sore Muscles

This is perhaps the most widely recognized benefit of massage. Targeted pressure in the proper locations can help sore muscles recover faster, leading to less discomfort in the body and more ease in the mind.

2. Reduces Joint Pressure

Reducing soreness and stiffness in muscles surrounding the joint reduces tension and pain in the body.

3. Increases Blood Flow

When an are of the body get stimulated, blood flow increases and energy surges. This elicits a “feel good” response and, as a bonus, can also help speed up recovery from injury.

4. Human Touch

In our technology-driven world, physical interaction is less common. Think of the many times you’ve placed your hand on a friend’s shoulder to reassure her that “you can do it” or given your child a hug when they’ve had a rough day. This is because the touch of another person has an immediate, subconscious, calming effect.

5. Hormone Regulation

Massage increases the levels of endorphins and oxytocin (the love/trust hormone), while also reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).

6. Quiet Time

Whether you’re at dinner with a spouse, watching a child’s soccer game, at work or working out, technology usually keeps you connected to others. Receiving a massage (or another spa treatment) is one of the rare times that you can put away your phone and truly unplug.

The fact that you feel lighter and refreshed when you step off of the massage table is not a placebo effect. It’s the culmination of many intricate, biological functions, all working together to make you feel happier and healthier! Schedule you massage today!

Originally from PRO Pulse November-December 2015 
By Andrea Blair Cirignano