Massages are often thought of as a luxurious pampering experience that you enjoy on a vacation or on a girls day out.
However, massage has been used for its health benefits for centuries–and we at Carolinas Natural Health Center still use it for many of our patients today.
Aside from relaxation, massages provide many health benefits and are a worthy investment for anyone’s wellness routines.
What could massage therapy do for you and why is it important?
Here are the top 5 benefits of massage therapy.
Benefit #1 – Improve Your Cardiovascular Health
These chemicals are designed to prepare the body to fight or run away from dangerous situations.
When these chemicals are released, your body will respond with…
- Tensed muscle
- Shortened breath
- Racing heartbeat
When your constantly stressed out, these effects can take a big toll on your cardiovascular system.
Massage helps the induce the body into a state of relaxation which relieves stress.
The more often you are able to relax and de-stress, the less work your cardiovascular system has to do.
Benefit #2 – Reduce Anxiety Levels
If you’re someone who deals with constant anxiety, your body needs an opportunity to rebalance and relax, otherwise, your health will suffer.
Massage helps ease anxiety by releasing two feel-good chemicals, oxytocin and serotonin.
When these chemicals are released, both stress and anxiety levels will decrease
As an added bonus, your blood pressure will also drop to a healthy level and your mood should shift to a calm, happy nature.
Benefit #3 – Relieve Joint Pain
It’s no secret that getting a massage is a great way to relieve joint pain.
But, what’s the science behind why it’s so helpful?
First and foremost, massage techniques move and warm the muscles. A little heat and stretching helps soothe the muscles, allowing them to become more flexible and less painful.
On top of that, massage can lower the production of the neurotransmitter substance P that sends signals from the brain to the joints. This is linked to pain.
Once the transmission is blocked, you’re less likely to feel constant pain.
Benefit #4 – Improve Balance
Without good muscle control, it’s hard to have solid balance.
Undergoing regular massage treatments can help you keep your bodies muscles flexible and limber, which helps with coordination and balance.
Massage therapy can also help prevent your muscles from becoming stiff–an issue that contributes to many balance issues, especially in seniors.
Benefit # 5 – It’s Enjoyable
Changing your diet, adding more exercise into your routine, and taking supplements aren’t always the most fun things do.
However, having to go for a massage appointment is actually quite a treat.
Everyone deserves to be pampered from time to time. And, when it’s for the benefit of your own health, why miss out on the opportunity to treat yourself?
Before I wrap things up, I just want to express how important it is to have a licensed therapist provide massage therapy services.
Getting a back rub from a family member or friend is nice, but a trained professional will have the expertise to provide you with massage therapy treatment options that will suit your own personal needs.
If you’re looking for a massage therapist, I recommend that you check out what our licensed massage therapists can do for you at Carolinas Natural Health Center.
Check out massage therapy information here.
