If you’re no stranger to massage therapy, you already know that massage benefits can be both profound and long-lasting. But beyond that luxurious “chilled out” vibe you carry home with you, why does massage therapy have such an impact on your physical and emotional well-being?
Of course, the number one reason most people seek massage is to achieve stress relief. By systematically addressing the major muscle groups in your body, your massage therapist warms and soothes those muscles, using techniques like trigger point therapy.
So why is stress relief more important than just lifting your mood for the afternoon? Stress has been shown to pose numerous health risks, from chronic tension headaches to high blood pressure. By helping reduce the severity and frequency of your stress bouts, you may be able to reduce the negative impact that tension and anxiety have on your overall health.
Of course, stress doesn’t just do a number on your body. It can also become a daily mental health issue. Chronic anxiety and depression are daily challenges that many people have to deal with.
Although mental health professionals should always be the core part of your emotional wellness plan, consider adding massage therapy to your other treatments. By relieving stress and helping you sleep better, among other massage benefits, regular massage may offer significant mental health advantages.
Many of those ongoing aches and pains you’re having can be relieved by regular massage therapy. Massage works primarily by increasing the circulation to the tissues in your muscles, joints, and tendons.
Researchers also believe that massage therapy helps to block the nerve pathways that send pain messages from and to the brain, according to Harvard Medical School. It does this primarily by stimulating competing fibers of nerves.
The body’s immune system fights off harmful pathogens from both external sources such as germs and environmental hazards, as well as internal anomalies, such as cancerous cells.
The Centers for Disease Control notes that among the conditions that may be improved or prevented through improving the immune system are:
Of course, there’s no one “magic bullet” when it comes to health and wellness. But massage therapy can also support other lifestyle goals you may have. For example, many people report sleeping better during a course of regular massage – and we all know how important rest is to your health!
Massage can also help you with your fitness goals. By reducing any chronic muscle or joint pain you have, massage therapy can make it easier for you to hit the gym. Even better, massage benefits extend to aiding recovery between workouts, notes the Mayo Clinic.
If you’re looking for a massage in Hot Springs, AR, consider FLOATspa. Our unique wellness center not only offers one-of-a-kind therapeutic experiences such as flotation therapy in a specially-formulated float tank but also a range of massage services.
Choose from 30, 60, or 90-minute visits with our highly qualified massage therapists. The massage therapy sessions can also include hot stone, hot towel, and/or aromatherapy components. We also provide prenatal massage, couples massage, and reflexology services. If you’d like, you can even add a waxing or facial session to your day of massage benefits!
