Massages are a well-known solution for relieving stress and promoting relaxation, but there are many other unique ways massage therapy can help you along your wellness journey.
1. Massages can boost your emotional wellness.
In addition to the stress-relieving effects of massage therapy, patients have reported seeing significant emotional wellness benefits as well. The moderate pressure that is applied to the body during a massage has been shown to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Contributing writer to Everyday Health, Madeline R. Vann, MPH, says "as little as 15 minutes of massage on a regular basis may be beneficial to [a patient's overall] mood."
2. Massage therapy helps improve athletic performance. Massage therapy can be an essential training tool for athletes of all ages. Sports massage techniques target certain areas of the body that experience the most strain during physical activity. Integrating a pre-performance and post-performance massage session into your training routine can spark a wide range of athletic benefits, including:
Improved flexibility
Quicker recovery time
Better endurance
Reduced muscle fatigue and soreness
Injury prevention and/or injury recovery
Mental and physical preparation
3. Massages provide comfort during pregnancy.
Prenatal massages are specifically designed with the expectant mother in mind. Massage techniques used in a prenatal session can help relieve uncomfortable changes in the body during all three trimesters, such as headaches, backaches, muscle tension, swelling, and cramping. For maximum effectiveness, prenatal massages can also be combined with chiropractic care, which helps correct misalignment that may occur during the body's physical and hormonal changes.
4. Massage therapy can support weight loss efforts. Massage therapy can be an essential supplement to a patient's weight loss journey. Regular massages can help support a patient during weight loss by releasing toxins that may be hindering weight loss, reducing bloating, improving posture, and supporting proper muscle function (especially for patients whose weight loss regimen includes regular exercise).
5. Regular massages can improve poor circulation.
Gently massaging soft tissues can help increase blood flow throughout the body, improving a variety of health conditions such as joint pain, muscle soreness, numbness and tingling. For those with genetic history of poor circulation or high blood pressure, regular massage sessions can help lower blood pressure by opening up blood flow to all areas of the body.
6. Massages can help tighten and tone your skin. Massage therapy helps the body restore collagen, which provides the skin with its basic structure. These benefits are seen most prominently in patients who have recently lost weight or have undergone surgeries that have disrupted the skin's normal structure.
7. Massages can give you relief from cold and allergy symptoms. By applying adequate pressure to certain points in the body, massage therapists can release the pressure built up in sinuses that causes uncomfortable congestion. In addition, massaging the body's tissues helps release harmful toxins that may be causing sickness, speeding up the patient's recovery process.
Interested in booking a massage? Visit okhealthandwellness.com/massage-therapy to find a session that is right for you.
Source:
Vann, M. R. (2009). Massage and emotional wellness. Everyday Health. Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/the-benefits-of-massage.aspx
Comments