Massage. It Does A Body Good.

Massage therapy has been long known for its relaxing effects on the body and mind, as well as the fact that massages simply feel good.  With these notions, massage has been viewed as a service for pampering and luxury for many years in Western civilizations.  If you take a look at massage therapy from an Eastern standpoint, you may discover that massage has been long viewed as therapeutic, healing, and a way of bringing an overall balance and harmony to a person’s body and health.   Regardless if you get massages for relaxation or for therapeutic reasons, the concept for receiving massages are the same; it does a body good.  

There are many reasons why receiving massages are beneficial to add to your healthcare routine.   Here are some common benefits of receiving regular massages:

1. Relieves stress levels

2. Relaxes tense muscles

3. Alleviates headaches

4. Reduces joint pain

5. Eases muscle pain

6. Soothes anxiety and depression

7. Boosts the immune system

8. Increase blood circulation and flow

9. Lowers blood pressure

10. Increases range of motion and flexibility

11. Improves quality of sleep

12. Aids in the injury recovery process

In a consumer survey that was done in 2022 by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), interviewing over 1,000 adults in the U.S., 95 percent said that they found massage to be beneficial to their overall health and wellness.  The survey also reported:

• As few as 31 percent of individuals believe massage therapy is only a form of pampering. In the previous 12 months, 22 percent of massage consumers received their last massage at a spa.

• 86 percent of consumers agree that massage therapy should be considered a form of health care.

• 60 percent of consumers have used massage for medical reasons.

• 24 percent of consumers have used massage as a form of pain relief.

• 79 percent of individuals surveyed claim the primary reason for receiving their last massage in the 12 months ending June 2020 was health or wellness (48 percent) or stress related (31 percent).

Whether you get regular massages as a form of health maintenance, pain management, stress management, to improve your overall quality of life, improve your sleeping, to soothe the aches and pains of tired and sore muscles, or to simply relax, you will find that massages, well, really does do a body good! 

If you haven’t given massage therapy a try yet, ask around for a recommended therapist and book several appointments.  Consistency and regularity are important for maximum effect.  Just like working out.  The more often and regular you are about going, the greater you will notice the results.  If going in every week or every other week is too much for you, try to go at least once a month for several months in a row.  See the difference it will make.  Your mind and body will thank you for the self-care.  Remember, massage, it does a body good!