Melt Your Stress Away With Massage
All that stress is getting to you, I can tell. You need an easy way to lower your stress that you can do over and over again. I highly recommend massage therapy! October 24th - 30th, 2021 is National Massage Therapy Week.
What I like about massage is that it’s super beneficial both physically and emotionally. Another great thing about massage is that it’s for everyone, regardless of age, gender, illness, or disability. There are many types of massage, so it can be customized to fit your needs.
Benefits of massage
Reduces stress - Stress can wreak major havoc on your health. That means massages go a long way to protect your health. Our bodies respond well to gentle touch. Being touched allows your body to produce more oxytocin (a hormone that makes you happier) and less cortisol (a hormone that makes you stressed).
Eases muscle soreness - As you go about daily life, you’re probably doing a lot of reaching, bending, and twisting. On the other hand, maybe you often sit for long periods of time. Either way, your muscles can become sore, which not only feels bad physically but puts you in an irritated mood. A massage therapist can work on those sore muscles and loosen them up, giving you sweet relief.
Helps with injuries and illnesses - If you’ve been injured, your doctor might recommend massage as a way to help you heal faster. As massage therapist Rachel Hogancamp explains, “During recovery from orthopedic injuries such as sprains, strains, and healing bones, massage can ease soreness and help restore range of motion.” Also, people with chronic illnesses often use massage to ease their discomfort.
Increases blood and lymph circulation - The steady motions of a massage promote circulation of your body’s blood and lymph fluid. This results in nutrients moving through your body more easily because of better bloodflow, plus a stronger immune system because of your lymphatic system working more efficiently.
Boosts athletic performance - Do you play sports? Love working out? Getting a regular massage will help you perform better. Many athletes get regular massages because the improved blood circulation and reduced muscle stiffness makes athletes’ muscles more powerful and flexible, meaning less chance of injury.
Makes you slow down - When you get a massage, you’re teaching yourself that rest is important. During a massage, you must stay still instead of being busy and active. This calms your mind and makes you appreciate the value of taking breaks. You don’t always have to be doing something all the time. Why not relax and let someone else take care of you?
Types of massage
Because there are so many types of massage, you might as well try more than one type to see what you like most! Here are just a few types:
Swedish - This is the most popular type of massage because it involves soothing strokes and careful kneading that increases physical and emotional relaxation.
Sports - Athletes use this type of massage to keep their muscles in top shape to help prevent injuries. It’s also beneficial for injury recovery.
Trigger point - A trigger point massage zeroes in on specific points on your body that are causing you pain, and promotes healing.
Chair massage - This is the most convenient type of massage because it doesn’t take long, participants stay fully clothed, and it can be done in a variety of locations such as offices, malls, stores -- anywhere a massage chair can fit.
Thai massage - This unique type of massage is combined with stretching techniques and is done on a mat. It’s especially great for those who have had another type of massage before and want to try something new.
Not sure which type of massage is best for you? Talk with a massage therapist who can get to know you and understand what you need. Then, go get a massage -- or even make it a regular habit -- and be proud of yourself for taking a big step to enhance your health.
