Massage: Luxury or Necessity? Ahhh, finally you lie back on a crisp clean sheet, calming and soothing music plays in the background, there’s the scent of chamomile that fills the air and the gentle sound of the massage oil being warmed in your therapist hands. You’ve waited all week to treat yourself.
Evidence shows the more massage you allow yourself, the better you will feel and here’s why.
Massage has been a healing tool for thousands of years and in many cultures. Just think when you bump your shin or elbow you immediately massage the area to make it feel better. Throughout the years healers instinctually and independently developed a wide range of therapeutic techniques incorporating touch. Now, we have the scientific proof that massage heals and aids in many facets.
Research suggests getting a massage regularly is making us healthier in mind, body, and spirit. Typically we seek a massage therapist to help us because we are in pain or suffering from an injury. Yet, treating yourself to a massage even though nothing hurts is healthy for you as well. According to Mark Rapaport, MD, chairman of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, found those who received massage with moderate pressure had a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in white blood cells, indicating a boost in the immune system.
Studies and research has also found that massage relieves stress, encourages relaxation, improves posture and circulation, lowers blood pressure, strengthens immune system, relaxes muscles, enhances breathing, relieves headaches, and improves rehabilitation after an injury. There is also increased circulation allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to our vital organs and tissue.
We live in a fast paced and stressed society and the consequences of stress can lead to disease and even death. 80 percent to 90 percent of all disease is related to stress. Massage is there to remind us how we can combat these startling statistics and teach us how to relax. Treating one’s self, a family member, or friend to a massage could be one the greatest gifts. Choosing a massage therapist who has the essential credentials is important as well. Just think by booking an appointment you can take a deep breath and reflect on what really matters in your life. Therefore, stop viewing a massage as a luxury and schedule your massage… because you deserve it!
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