For anyone who sits behind the desk or wheel for long hours as well as those who break their backs with manual labour on a daily basis, you know how tensed the body feels at the end of each work day. Though most of us resort to a good sleep after a long shower, sometimes we need to go an extra mile to get our bodies well-relaxed.
You might think that getting a massage is more of a treat you sign up for once in a blue moon but depending on the demands of your work on your posture, you may have to reconsider it as a priority. This is because there are a lot of benefits to gain aside the relaxing sensation you feel during and after a good massage.
Benefits:
1: Counters long sitting periods
Although your job might demand that you sit behind a desk or wheel for several hours a day, we were not fashioned to sit down for that long. A good massage will help to relieve the tensed muscles and make you feel so much better.
2: Eases muscle pain
Do you often get sore muscles? Massage therapy can be of help.
The aim of massage therapy is to target the source of the body’s pain by eliminating tensed muscles, thus increasing flexibility, and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also promotes circulation to the affected or injured muscles, which increases the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues. In turn, this reduces stiffness and edema (swelling) in the muscles and joints.
3: Soothes anxiety & depression
Studies have found that depressed and anxious patients were happier, much more relaxed and had reduced stress levels after a massage. Human touch, in a safe, friendly and professional context, can be really therapeutic and relaxing.
This form of therapy also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body physically and emotionally. Case in point, they promote healing, pain management and feelings of euphoria as well as help in calming nerves.
4: Improves sleep
Not only does a good massage encourage a restful sleep, it is also helpful for those who can’t otherwise rest comfortably. Massage promotes relaxation and sleep for those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy. Also, research shows that massages help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed.
5: Boosts immunity
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count, which plays a large role in defending the body from disease.
6: Relieves headaches
Next time a headache hits, try getting a last-minute massage. Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches. Research has found that a single session of massage therapy significantly reduces perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
7: Improves Posture
Massage therapy can help get the body back into proper alignment. As massage allows the body to relax and loosen the tense and sore muscles stemming from bad posture, it allows the body to position itself in its organic and pain-free posture. As part of a consistent massage therapy programme, the body’s muscles are loosened and relaxed.
Moreover, the joints have greater freedom, flexibility, range of motion and pressure points are relieved. In short, massage therapy helps to correct the positions and movements developed over time as a reaction to pain.
Made up your mind yet? Get yourself a beauty massage and stay healthy.
Source: Glitz Africa Magazine Issue 24
