Massage therapy shouldn’t be considered a luxury. The psychological and physiological health benefits of massage prove that it should be part of everybody’s everyday routine.
Massage helps increase circulation, reduce stress, improve sleep, relieve anxiety and promote relaxation throughout the entire body.
Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to wellness based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Here’s how massage therapy can benefit your health-
- Ease muscle pain
Got sore muscles? Massage is the answer. “Massage increases and improves circulation. Just like rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve pain,” says Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto.
A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that massage therapy is as effective as other prescribed methods of treatment for chronic back pain.
- It counteracts desk jobs (all that sitting you do)
“Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress,” says Aaron Tanason. “More often than not that stress tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.” Specifically, the desk workers are most likely to suffer from postural problems.
Fortunately, massage can provide relief, and can even realign a disproportionate spine and/or posture.
- Soothes anxiety and depression
“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason.
According to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, it is concluded that the women who were suffering from breast cancer reported being less depressed and less angry after receiving a massage three times a week.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy and had reduced stress levels after a massage.
- Improve sleep
A massage encourages deep sleep. “Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy,” says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.
Also, massage can help infants sleep more and in turn, cry less often during the night.
- Relieve headaches
“Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches,” says de Miranda. Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy immediately effects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
So, integrate a regular massage in your healthcare regime and experience a happier, healthier you.
