Massages Are Much More Than Just Relaxing: 20 Health Benefits of Massages

Massage has become increasingly popular and well-known for its relaxing properties, but it is far more than just an indulgent luxury. In fact, massages offer numerous health benefits that can greatly improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The therapeutic value of massage has led to the rapidly growing field of massage therapy, and there are now a variety of styles and lengths of massages that can be customized for individual needs and lifestyles. Here are twenty of the many health benefits of massages:

1. Alleviate Headaches: Whether you suffer from tension-type headaches or migraines, regular massages have been proven to reduce or even eliminate the pain.

2. Soothe and Relax the Body: Swedish or hot stone massages can offer the right amount of pressure, sometimes combined with heat, to soothe your achy muscles and promote relaxation.

3. Reduce Joint Pain: Many medical professionals refer patients with joint pain to licensed massage therapists, as regular massages can relieve pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

4. Dramatically Reduce Anxiety: With approximately 40 million Americans experiencing some form of anxiety, massage can cut your body’s level of stress hormones in half, which helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

5. Minimize Back Pain: Studies have shown that massage is more effective than chiropractic or acupuncture in reducing the need for painkillers due to back pain.

6. Address Repetitive Movement Injuries: Neuromuscular techniques can address the root cause of muscular problems that result from performing repetitive tasks at work, to relieve pain and discomfort.

7. Promote Flexibility: Sports massages are tailored to individuals who wish to increase their flexibility and range of motion.

8. Help Cancer Patients: Massage is now widely used as a complementary treatment for cancer patients, as it provides relief from many of the symptoms associated with cancer, including nausea, pain, insomnia, and fatigue.

9. Re-energize: Swedish massages can relax and leave you feeling more energetic throughout the day.

10. Relieve Insomnia: Regular massages have been shown to reduce insomnia, which helps combat a weakened immune system and depression.

11. Increase Quality of Life: Both medical patients receiving palliative care and the general population have experienced a boost in their quality of life due to regular massages.

12. Help Digestive Issues: Abdominal massages can help with many digestive issues, such as constipation, IBS, or chronic digestive issues.

13. Combat Stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung ailments, but massage therapy can combat stress and reduce stress hormones.

14. Boost Immune System: Massage can also strengthen your immune system, especially when received on a regular basis.

15. Beat PMS: Massage can effectively combat the pain and discomfort women experience before and during their menstrual cycle.

16. Become More Alert: Chair massages can make you feel more alert, which can increase productivity and reduce accidents in the workplace.

17. Improve Face, Scalp, and Hair Health: Massages can improve the health and appearance of your skin, scalp, and hair.

18. Fix Postural Stress: Massages can relieve pain and discomfort associated with postural stress caused by sitting all day.

19. Lower Blood Pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure can benefit from as little as a 10-minute chair massage once a week.

20. Increase Blood Circulation: Massage can improve blood circulation, which can benefit the skin, organ functionality, and cell growth.

Self-Massage Tips

While visiting a licensed massage therapist is the best course of action, utilizing self-massage techniques can provide some of the same benefits. Here are some tips to try at home:

– Place a ball between the wall and your back, using circular motions to massage your back.
– Ball your hands into fists and knead the lower back and sides of your spine.
– Massage your arms with your hands using small circles and long-flowing strokes.
– Press your thumb down and move it in a circular pattern to relieve tension in your hands.
– Use a light karate chop motion up and down your legs to relieve tension.
– Make circular motions with your thumbs to massage the soles of your feet.

Conclusion

Incorporating regular massages into your lifestyle is an easy and natural way to promote physical and mental health. The many health benefits mentioned above, combined with the relaxing properties of massages, make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall wellbeing. From reducing stress and anxiety to relieving pain and promoting better sleep, regular massages can play a significant role in your health and happiness.