Improve your overall health and reduce stress by taking care of yourself. Whether your goal is to relax and have some quiet time, or deep tissue work to restore your body and recover faster from training, a massage can do wonders for body and mind.
Here are 10 top reasons for making time for massage (hint: it’s not all about pampering):
- Stress Relief
Research shows that massage helps relieve both physical and psychological stress, resulting in decreased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a shift in one’s emotional state.
- Reduces Muscle Tension
Massage promotes blood circulation, reduces inflammation, increases range of motion, and decreases muscle stiffness and fatigue after exercise.
- Better Sleep
Massage has been shown to reduce stress and tension, and promote deeper and longer sleep.
- Alleviates Chronic Pain
Regular massage therapy has been shown to help alleviate pain and discomfort (including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, arthritis, and postoperative pain), improving one’s quality of life.
- Regulates Hormones
Massage has been shown to increase oxytocin (the “feel good” hormone) while also reducing cortisol (the stress hormone).
- Enhances Exercise Performance
Sports massage can be used to improve athletic performance by improving flexibility and circulation, as well as speeding recovery following workouts.
- Relieves Tension Headaches
Massage therapy has been used as an effective therapy for those who suffer from headaches caused by jaw clenching, muscular tension in the face, eyestrain, or musculoskeletal imbalances.
- Increases Circulation
Massage improves the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles, reducing pain and discomfort. This results in healing muscle tissue, faster recovery, and a quicker return to activity.
- Improves Lymphatic Flow
Tight muscles slow down the removal of waste products. Massage has been shown to increase lymphatic flow, supporting the immune system and decreasing edema (swelling).
- It Just Feels Good
Massage has been shown to increase feelings of wellness, calmness, relaxation, and sense of belonging.
-Raye Alidina
PRO Pulse Editor
