Massages are amazing. They allow you to relax and unwind, release stress and tension in muscles. Most people view them as a luxury, but massages really need to be a regular part of your self care routine.
Types of Massage:
Swedish - gentle form of massage using long strokes, kneading and deep circular movements to help relax and energize you.
Deep - slower, more forceful (higher pressure) strokes to target deeper lawyers of muscle and connective tissues. Commonly used to help muscle damage due to injuries.
Sports - Similar to a Swedish massage, but geared towards treating athletes and preventing/treating injuries
Trigger point - focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers that form after injuries or overuse
Prenatal - massage for women during pregnancy, targeted to relieve tension and pain without harming the pregnancy
Lifelong benefits of regular massage:
Ease pain
Massage increases and improves circulation, as well as works out muscle kinks and soreness. Even daily wear and tear, like sitting, carries both pain and muscle tension. Massages counteract the stress daily job functions - like sitting at a desk - can cause. According to an Australian study, ten minute massages after workouts can reduce soreness and pain levels by 30%.
Improve sleep
Massages encourage a restful sleep, and are especially helpful for those who have issues sleeping. Not only are you relaxed while getting a rub down, but fully releasing all those tense muscles makes it easier for your body to go into REM cycles at night.
Soothe anxiety and depression
According to a study published by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy with lower stress levels after massages. Pain reduction is directly linked to relief of depression, according to the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami. Studies at the Touch Research Institute also show that massage increases blood flow to the areas of the brain associated with stress and mood regulation.
Boost immunity and relieve headaches
According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, massage boosts white blood cell counts, which play a huge role in defending the body from disease. Massage can also decrease both the occurrence of and severity of tension headaches.
Have you booked a massage yet? With all the added benefits, you absolutely do NEED that massage - it's healthy!