Massage therapy isn’t just a luxury splurge when you are on vacation, it can actually be a key piece of your overall health and wellness. Regular massage therapy has been shown to ease pain and reduce inflammation while also working to reduce stress and anxiety. Below are three ways massage can benefit your overall health.
Anxiety Relief
One way massage helps relieve anxiety is by lowering the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for that flight or fight response. Massage also helps to improve blood flow and circulation to tight muscles and connective tissue which can cause pain leading to anxiety and possibly other health problems.
Depression
Massage therapy boosts the body’s serotonin levels, thus encouraging the release of dopamine and oxytocin, which can ease the symptoms of depression. It can also help to lower blood pressure by triggering the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which helps the body get back into a chemical and emotional balance.
Sound Sleep
Sleep deprivation can cause a host of other health concerns including lowered immunity, increased inflammation, and high blood pressure just to name a few. As we’ve already mentioned above, massage increases the body’s serotonin levels while reducing the stress hormone cortisol, thus promoting relaxation and better-quality sleep.
There are various types of massage including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, myofascial release, lymphatic, and prenatal as just a few examples. Talk to your massage therapist about your concerns to see which form of massage will be right for you. Massage doesn’t have to be a luxury expense! Make an appointment today and get your wellness journey on track.
