Having a massage makes you feel pampered, special, and amazing. It is the best self-care there is. But, did you know that massage therapy has many health and therapeutic benefits, including mental and physical health?
Adding a massage to your wellness routine is one thing that is often overlooked and underrated.
Various massage techniques have been around and documented for centuries. It is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment dating back to the Egyptians. You might even find pictures in Egyptian tombs of people receiving massages.
You can find a large range of types of massages, but the most common are the Swedish, Deep tissue, Trigger, Sports, and Self massages like foam rolling or massage guns.
Here are some benefits that come with having a massage and even some fun facts:
- FUN FACT: Did you know our skin has approximately 5 million touch receptors, 3000 in a fingertip?
- FUN FACT: Did you know that Bob Hope had daily massages as part of his health regimen and lived to be 100 years old?
- Massage therapy improves lymph flow through the body, relieving aches, pains, tension, and flu-like symptoms. It helps increase blood flow to muscles, connective tissue, and lymph nodes [5].
- It has been shown to help alleviate pain for people experiencing chronic pain conditions and help reduce pain and stiffness in arthritis and carpal tunnel patients. (1)
- A massage of any kind can help reduces the heart rate and can lower blood pressure.
- A study has shown that office workers who are massaged regularly are more alert, perform better, and are less stressed than those who aren’t.
- It can improve sleep and your duration of sleep. Research has shown that having a 60-minute Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage is equivalent to 6 to 7 hours of sleep. even though having a massage has so many positive benefits on increasing your sleep; you shouldn’t omit to work on a better sleep routine, making sure you are getting a minimum of 6-7 hours of sleep. Sleep is vital for your overall health, wellness, and fitness; it shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored. (2)
- Help alleviate pain and improves fatigue, stiffness, and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients (3)
- It has positive effects on anxiety and depression by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, and the feel-good hormone. It also helps lower cortisol levels helping you relax and reduce stress, which also helps with your hormones. (3)(4)
- Getting a sports massage helps increase energy and performance by having a better recovery with your muscles and body. Research has shown that athletes who receive a sports massage after exercise recover faster, heal quicker, have a better range of motion, and have less pain (6)
- Foam rolling, also called self-myofascial release (SMR), is a form of self-massage. It is the best form of recovery as it helps reduce muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation – while improving circulation & range of motion.
- It can help improve the range of motion, enhancing flexibility, mobility, and balance.
- Your skin is the largest organ in your body. A massage helps moisturize and soften your skin and also helps it detox better.
- It helps eliminate toxins in your body, improves digestion, and helps reduce inflammation. (7)
- Elderly people performing massage on their grandchildren have higher self-esteem and are less likely to suffer from depression-based conditions.
Remember that massage therapy should never be in lieu of seeking medical attention. Always consult your physician.
The bottom line is that massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It is a perfect addition to your Health, Wellness, & Fitness routine.