5 Legit Reasons Why You Need a Massage

Whether it’s a back rub from your partner or head massage during a spa session, a good rubdown is quite soothing and feels like a total godsend. However, getting a massage is not just a feel-good experience.

                               

 

It also provides positive benefits to your health.  In fact, several studies suggest a regular massage is key to good health and happiness.   

If you are still not convinced on how a massage can benefit your health, here are a few facts to keep in mind:

Natural Painkiller-  Working long hours sitting behind a desk or standing on your feet can cause pain and soreness in your muscles.  Getting a massage will get you rid of the knots. The soothing and relaxing massage movements take away the tension in the muscles and help you unwind in the simplest way possible. A massage is a much safer way to treat tense and sore muscles than prescription medication. 

Immunity Boost- According to a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, “massage not only enhances blood circulation but it actually changes your blood's composition for the better. After a 45-minute massage session, the recipients had significantly higher levels of blood proteins that play a major role in protecting the body from tumours, viral infections, and other pathogens.”

Reduce Stress- No matter what is causing you stress – whether it’s work, home life, or even a medical condition --a massage will help alleviate the tension in your mind. One Korean research study shows, “Patients who got hand massages five minutes before cataract surgery had significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those who went into surgery without any kind of rubdown.”

Enhances Mood- Having a stressful day at work? At home?  Don’t let it ruin your day.  A massage is the perfect therapy to boost your mood. A 2005 study conducted by expert authors found “massage increases your levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter linked to happiness) by 28 percent and dopamine (a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, arousal, and reward) by 31 percent. Combined, this boost should pretty much make your day.”

Perfect Treatment for Sore Muscles- A recent study conducted by the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy says “adults did a whole lot of deadlifts (an exercise that seriously exhausts the back of your thighs), then either rested or used a foam-roller to self-massage the hamstrings for 10 minutes. Afterward, the group who foam-rolled reported less of the muscle soreness and pain that can interfere with things like effectively walking out of the gym and driving home without complaint.”

The facts speak for themselves. Making a massage part of your routine increases your well-being. It’s worth it to your mind and physical health to make an appointment for your first massage today.