10 Reasons Why Women Should Get Massages Regularly
A lot of people don’t understand the need for getting a massage. They think it’s just a luxury or something that only people with too much time and money would do. But, there are many reasons why you should get a regular massage! Here are 10 great reasons to consider:
- It reduces stress and anxiety
Massage has been proven in numerous studies to be effective in relieving stress. Anxiety disorder patients who receive massage therapy, for example, exhibit a significant improvement in symptoms, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2016.
The “feel good” chemicals — endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — that the body releases during and after a massage are credited with this improvement. It’s no surprise that treatment patients who see their massage therapists on a regular basis report a significant reduction in stress.
- You’re more likely to have better sleep
Good health necessitates a good night’s sleep. A massage functions as a comprehensive sedative and rivals any sleeping pill, whether you’re having trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night.
Massage promotes the release of serotonin in the body, which facilitates sleep. Monthly massage almost guarantees sound sleep – night after night – since regular therapy ensures a consistent flow of neurotransmitters.
We’re sure to learn many more benefits of monthly massage as more research and data accumulates, but for now, the items listed above are reason enough to consider switching those one-time massage sessions to monthly appointments.
- It helps alleviate pain and stiffness in your muscles
When you exercise regularly or experience chronic pain, massage therapy can help alleviate the stiffness and soreness that may accumulate in your muscles. Massage is a form of physical therapy with many benefits for athletes as well as individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles.
Massages stimulate blood flow to the area being treated and break up adhesions (bands of scar tissue) resulting from trauma to muscle fibers, such as might happen during an injury or accident. A 2000 study published by the American Society of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation found that “massage was effective at reducing pain intensity.” That reduced pain means less stress on other parts of your body due to compensating for it; this decreased stress helps reduce discomfort even further!
- It can help improve your mood overall
Massage therapy has a significant impact on mood. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients who received massage therapy reported a decrease in depression symptoms, anxiety, stress levels, anger-hostility scores (which measure hostility), and fatigue when compared to control groups with no treatment.
- Massages reduce blood pressure levels-which is good for heart health
Massages have been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which is good for your cardiovascular health. Studies show that massage lowers both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressures as well as resting heart rates when compared to control groups.
Evidence of the benefits of massage therapy on hypertension extends beyond lab studies: a 2011 study published in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that people with high-normal blood pressure who received regular Swedish massages “showed significant decreases in sitting systolic and diastolic BP.”
- Improves circulation which leads to healthier skin
Massage has a significant effect on circulation, which in turn promotes healthier skin. Increased blood flow helps the body eliminate toxins and provides oxygen to cells that may not have been reached otherwise.
- Improves posture
Massage therapy has a positive impact on your posture. A study published by the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy found that “massage appears to improve postural control in healthy individuals, with statistically significant changes occurring after two weeks.”
The improved posture reduces pain levels as well as helps prevent injury due to increased body awareness from the treatment. The stress-reducing effects of massage also contribute to an overall improvement in mood and attitude!
- Increases flexibility and range of motion
Massage therapy increases flexibility and range of motion. A study published by the Journal of Sports Sciences found that “massage improved active joint ROM (range of movement) in all participants.” The subjects experienced an increase in both muscle tone and function as a result, which leads to better overall muscular health.
Both stretching before exercise, or after sports practice can lead to injury if not done properly. Massages also improve posture and help prevent chronic pain-related injuries!
- Reduces tension from the neck down
Decreased tension is a common benefit gained through massage. Tension is where muscles stay in the state of contraction and are unable to relax. Muscle tension can increase restriction, pain and muscle tightness. A massage helps to decrease tension by encouraging the relaxation of muscles resulting in reduced pain and decreased re
- Gives relief from migraine headaches
Massage therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic migraines as well as tension headaches. Professional therapeutic massage has been shown to reduce headache pain, tension, duration, intensity, and frequency in studies. Massage also relieves muscle tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders, which can contribute to headaches.
Massage has been found in studies to lessen the frequency of migraines and even pain during an active migraine. Scalp massage has shown to be effective in lowering migraine discomfort. And if you can’t bear leaving your darkened room, an in-home massage could be a lifeline when the alternative isn’t possible.
Women should be proactive about their health and wellbeing so they can live a full life. Massages are an easy way to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being through targeted pressure on the body’s muscles or joints that promotes relaxation. We’ve compiled ten reasons why you should get regular massages – do you agree? Let us know in the comments below!
