Caring for your personal health takes a variety of forms. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet are just a few ways we work to stay happy and healthy.
However, occasionally seeing health and therapy experts is a great way to update your self-care routine. There are hundreds of different therapies available that can improve a person's health, help manage stress, and even improve their appearance.
One of the best professional therapies for health and relaxation is therapeutic massage. From pain management to better sleep, massage can work wonders for anybody's body. Here are just five of the health benefits associated with massage:
Improved Mental Health One of the great things about massage is that for many people, massages feel really good! A nice massage promotes the relaxation necessary for reducing stress and muscle tension. In fact, according to WebMD, massage can reduce Cortisol levels by up to 50%, and in several studies has been associated with reducing anxiety and depression.
Headache Relief Many types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, can be relieved and prevented by therapeutic massage. Some headaches are caused by tense muscles in the neck, back, head, and facial area, which massage treats directly. Stress, another cause of headaches and migraines, can also be reduced by regular massage therapy sessions.
Pain Management Massage has been known to reduce pain associated with chronic illnesses, like osteoarthritis and even cancer. In fact, a national survey found that 92% of people who received massages reported that massage was effective for reducing their pain.
Improved Circulation The pushing and pulling actions of massage therapy improve blood circulation in the massaged areas, which promotes healing by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to muscle and other tissues. Good circulation can also result in skin brightening and an overall healthy appearance.
Better Sleep Sleep patterns are regulated by hormones, including serotonin and melatonin. Regular massage boosts the body's production of serotonin, which in turn helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle naturally. Rather than relying on prescriptions, a massage can help insomniacs get much-needed rest.
Massages feel good in the moment, but they can also help you feel good in the days and weeks after a massage therapy session. By reducing pain, promoting good sleep, and helping lower your stress, massages are a great way to naturally care for your health and happiness.
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