Why Regular Massage is Important
We have all had massages and we all understand how relaxing they are and how good we feel, mentally and physically, after. But why should we have them on a regular basis? What do they do other than just relaxing us?
There are many reasons why we should all be having regular massages. I’m not going to list all the reasons as I will be here all week but these are the reasons I think are most important.
It helps to counter balance the modern world. We all spend too much time sitting down, whether it is at a desk or in a car. Having a regular massage can help with our posture and get rid of all those knots we accumulate from sitting down for too long.
Massage therapy can help with muscle pain. It increases and improves circulation. A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain. A 2017 study by Indiana University also showed that massage therapy produces Meaningful Effectiveness for Patients with Chronic Lower Back Pain. By massaging the muscles, the circulation of blood around the muscle is improved and any knotted muscles can be relaxed and the knots removed. Shortened or weak muscles are also stimulated leading to more balanced muscles.
Regular massage can help decrease the frequency and severity of tension headaches. Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy immediately effects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
Massage increases blood and lymph circulation. It can dramatically aid lymph movement, which together with the blood, supplies nutrients and oxygen while also getting rid of wastes and toxins from the body. This is why its so important to drink water after a treatment, to aid the body in flushing out these toxins. Massage can also increase the bloods oxygen capacity by 10-15%.
Massage boosts immunity. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease).
Regular massages helps speed up the muscle recovery time needed after exercise. By helping reduce fatigue and aid recovery, massage enables more productive training, with longer, more effective workouts. The ultimate spin-offs are better performance with fewer injuries.
Regular massage can help soothe anxiety and depression while also reducing stress levels.
Massage helps improve the quality of sleep.
Massage knows of no age limits; it works equally well on the young and the old. However it can be especially helpful to the elderly who are experiencing the physical effects of aging which can include: thinner and drier skin, reduced tissue elasticity, loss of mobility, slower nervous system response, decreased bone mass, sleeplessness, constipation, and a less efficient immune system.
Massage helps keep the body and mind functioning optimally by promoting well-nourished and healthy skin, improving circulation of blood and lymph, improving immune system functioning, improving energy flow, enhancing general relaxation, reducing muscular tension and associated discomfort, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, increasing feelings of well-being, enhancing flexibility and strength, increasing range of motion in joints, reducing discomfort from arthritis.
The Chinese began using massage to heal the body in approximately 5,000BC and it is still being used today. The Indian head massage routine I practice in the All Natural Beauty room has been passed down through generations from the ancient Indian practice of medicine called Ayurveda over 1,000 years ago and is still being practiced today.
So what’s not to like? Whatever your preferred massage type is, do yourself a favour and book in for a massage today. Your body will thank you for it!
Vic x
Greener Salons