When it comes to massage therapy, many have a preconceived notion that it's just for relaxation. However, in reality, it has many health benefits that can enhance the overall quality of your life.
The practice a massage therapist applies to your body, using touch, is a deep-rooted healing method in ancient medicine. Eastern and even western civilizations have discovered that massages could heal injuries, reduce stress, relieve and prevent pain, and cure developing illnesses in your body. Also, massages have the potential to encourage your body to get rid of harmful toxins building up in your body that can cause you several health concerns in the future.
However, this is not all. Below you'll find seven surprising health benefits you get with massage therapy that can enhance the overall quality of your life and your productivity at work. Without further ado, let's get started:
It Can Neutralize the Effects of All the Sitting You Do
Nowadays, every individual is dealing with some postural stress. As a result, they have to constantly bear pain in their shoulders, neck, and lower back. So, if you are a desk worker, this should act as a wake-up call for you as postural stress can result in several health problems in the future. For example, your lower back will start to ache very early in your life, and your glutes can get severely weak if you keep ignoring the declining state of your posture.
So when you give your body the benefit of massage therapy, you get a perfect way to neutralize the harmful effects of all the sitting you do at your work desk. So if you are an office employee who has no option but to sit on a chair for at least 7-8 hours a day, massage therapy is something you must opt for. Additionally, it will help you maintain a better posture, but it will also help you reduce your stress levels, further enhancing your productivity.
It Relieves You of Muscle Pain
Are you dealing with sore muscles? Getting massage therapy can relieve your muscle pain. Since massage not only improves blood circulation but also improves it. Like when you hit your knee and rub that area to relieve the pain, massage acts similarly. The only difference is that with massage, you get to relieve pain from all your body. So, if you are constantly living with pain, maybe it's time for you to treat yourself to a spa massage and relieve yourself from all that pain. It's because spa massage is something that focuses on every part of your body.
A well-known study published by the Annals of Internal Medicine found several advantages of massage therapy in relieving the symptoms of chronic back pain compared to the more traditional approach.
Helps You Deal With Anxiety and Depression
You'd be amazed to know that a simple human touch can be highly relaxing and therapeutic when safe, welcoming, and professional. Adding more weight to this statement, a 2005 research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience revealed that women diagnosed with breast cancer who opted for massage therapy more than two times a week reported being less anxious and depressed than those who didn't.
Also, another research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed that individuals who were anxious and depressed found themselves much more relaxed and satisfied after getting a regular massage.
It Enhances the Quality of Your Sleep
One of the most exciting advantages of getting massage therapy is that you get to have a night full of restful sleep, which is almost a luxury in today's day and age. It doesn't matter if you are unable to sleep due to an illness or otherwise. Massage encourages sleep and relaxation for anyone looking to improve the quality of their sleep.
It works similarly to the way it works on an infant. You must have noticed that toddlers fall into a deep sleep after getting a few minutes of massage. So, if you cannot get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night, maybe it's time for you to opt for massage therapy. It's because the inability to sleep well for more extended periods can add up to your stress and affect your productivity.
You Get Stronger Immunity
Another fantastic benefit of getting a regular massage is that it cultivates stronger immunity in your body.
According to a 2010 research published and conducted by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, regular massage boosts patients' white blood cell count, which plays an essential role in defending the body from infections. And if you are someone who has HIV, regular massage therapy can boost your immune function, which improves your chances of dealing with this life-threatening disease.
A Perfect Way to Deal With Those Annoying Headaches
Next time you have an almost impossible headache to bear, opt for massage therapy without even thinking about it. Moreover, with massage therapy, you get the ability to reduce the severity and frequency of tension headaches that have been nagging you for a long while.
In Spain, a study from Granada University found that even a single massage therapy session instantly reduces pain in patients dealing with chronic headaches due to stress or tension.
Promotes Flexibility
When you get a massage, it stimulates your body's production of natural lubricants that promote flexibility. By working on tendons, muscles, connective tissues, joints, and ligaments, massage therapy improves your range of flexibility with motion. This makes you less prone to injuries during old age while giving you the benefit of pursuing a happy and active lifestyle.
To Sum it Up
The reasons mentioned above clearly state that massage therapy has incredible health benefits for people who opt for it. It is a relaxation method from which your mind and body can benefit, but also a simple yet effective method that can help you live a long and healthy life in the later years of your life. So make sure you find ways to pamper yourself with the life-changing benefits of massage therapy.
Best 5 Oils for Body Massage to Get RelaxedMassage Therapy Styles- What is Best for You?
How Electric Massagers Help Relief Your Stress at Home
[Definitive Guide] How To Safely Use Essential Oils For Bathing?
Things to Analyze When Looking for the Best Spa for Men
More Articles
