We all know massages feel great, but did you know that a massage has some serious health benefits too?
In our modern world, our lives are so busy that we often neglect to look after our most precious assests – ourselves. Your body and its health are primal to your overall wellbeing. You cannot go to work, or make money or enjoy the company of family or friends if you do not have your health. But with time so tight and schedules so demanding, it can truly be very difficult to eat right, exercise right, and sleep right to maintain optimum health. And with so many health fads inundating the market, it can be confusing to know which advice to follow.
But there’s one simple thing you can add to your week that will make you feel better, more relaxed, and more ready to take on the world. Plus, its benefits to your health are innumerable. You guessed right – a massage!
A massage, or any form of rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints to relieve tension or pain, is first and foremost, relaxing in nature. For this reason alone, it can greatly reduce stress and increase wellbeing. It also greatly improves circulation, so will provide a boost in energy as well as help the body clear itself of built up toxins. According to the Mayo Clinic, massage is also beneficial for the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Paresthesias and nerve pain
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
Be mindful though that even massages have their limitations. A massage may not be appropriate for people who experience:
- Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
- Burns, open or healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Severe thrombocytopenia
The take home message – life is busy but making the time for a massage, at least once a week, can vastly improve your health and wellbeing. A massage is a powerful tool, not only to feel nice and relaxed, but also as a treatment to specific diseases, and to improve energy levels, circulation and detoxification, while relieving stress and anxiety.
We suggest you always consult your medical professional for questions or concerns on whether a massage is right for you. It’s also a good idea to drink plenty of pure water after a massage to help your body flush out any toxins that were moved. And most importantly, we urge you to make the time for yourself and take care of your health – your most important asset.