The Benefits of Regular Massage
How often do you lie down in a warm room with a blanket and soft music? Regular massage is part of a good self-care program, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The benefits of massage are cumulative and are enhanced by receiving on a regular basis, such as weekly, twice a month or monthly - as often as the schedule and budget allow. Here are some "feel-good" reasons for having a massage on a regular basis:
Say Goodbye to Pain!
It's not clear why, but several studies show massage reduces levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, while boosting the "feel-good" hormones seratonin and dopamine. Those changes slow your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and block your nervous system's pain receptors.
The Return of Brain Power!
The Touch Research Institute study that connected massage to sleep also found that a 15-minute chair massage boosted alertness. Tests also show that brain-wave activity stimulated by massage is linked to improved attention.
Blues? What Blues?
Massage is a "feel-good" therapy. The simple act of touch can be a very powerful thing. When we hurt we can often make ourselves feel better by getting a hug from a loved one. Lidewise, a massage should convey a comforting touch. Physiologically, massage may lower cortisol and increase seratonine and dopamine in your system leading to less stress, anxiety and depression.
Stress Be Gone!
Life is becoming busier and more stressful, so what are you doing to keep your stress at manageavle levels? It is estimated that 75% of all illness is related to stress and tension. Something as simple as regular massage can help reduce that stress. Massage therapy not helps reduce stress but is also delivers results FAST! it can have dramatic results in as little as an hour.
So the next time you find yourself feeling run-down, stressed or tired, think of booking in for a massage rather than taking a pill. In the long run, your body will thank you for it!