While a day at the spa might sound like a luxurious leisure activity, the truth is – it can provide numerous health and wellness benefits that make it worth the investment for your mind, body, and soul. From back pain relief and muscle relaxation to increased vitality and improved wellness, featured in this Health & Wellness Guide are several healing benefits of a massage.
The Healing Benefits of a Massage:
“Americans are looking to massage for much more than just relaxation,” says Mary Beth Braun, President of the AMTA. “Massage therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, lower back pain, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, circulatory problems, and recovery from a sports injury.” [Source: WebMD]
MUSCLE TIGHTNESS & SORENESS RELIEF
More often than not, a massage is best used to relieve tight, sore muscles caused by strenuous activity, over-exercising, or everyday actions (like computer work and household chores). Inflammation in the muscles can be attributed to aches and pains. To help eliminate these problems, a massage releases tension in the muscles through physical manipulation of the sensitive area(s).
Essentially, a massage therapist is helping to gently stretch out or elongate the muscles that have tightened from chronic activity. This method of treatment helps to soothe aches and pains associated with muscle tightness and soreness.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION
One of the other healing benefits of a massage is improved circulation. “Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.” [Source: Massage Envy]
INCREASED ENERGY & VITALITY
Last, but certainly not least, your energy and vitality can be increased as a result of a massage. Whenever you release stress and tension from your body, you enable your body to naturally heal itself. When these aches and pains are gone, you are able to more fully focus on other activities and interests, which gives you a renewed sense of energy and vitality. To help minimize the impact of emotional and mental stress on your body, you will experience these additional healing benefits of a massage.
[Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Doctor or medical expert for any physical treatments or procedures. Image credits: Shutterstock]
