In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to neglect our well-being. That’s where regular massages come in. Massages offer a range of benefits that go beyond mere relaxation and indulgence.
Cumulatively, bodywork sessions can significantly improve your overall physical and mental and emotional well-being. In my office, I am encouraging a holistic approach to well-being, and as most of you know, prevention is better than trying to solve an issue or reduce pain.
What are the physical benefits of Massage Therapy?
The list of physical benefits of massage therapy is long!!!
- Muscle Relaxation: Massage helps to relieve muscle tension and stiffness or just tired and aching muscles. It also promotes muscle relaxation and improves flexibility. Massages can release trigger points and tightness by targeting areas of tension, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve overall mobility and muscle tone. Muscle relaxation also improves posture and body awareness. Massages may do wonders for people prone to muscle cramps or muscle spasms.
- Pain Relief: Massages can help alleviate chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain or neck pain. If you suffer from headaches or TMJ, massages are known for reducing tension headaches. I also have clients with very specific issues, such as Fibromyalgia, Rotator Cuff Syndrome, Sciatica, Foot Pain, Myofascial Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Carpal Tunnel or Elbow Tendinitis, and they definitely see some relief for their pain when getting regular massages. Massages can reduce pain perception through the manipulation of soft tissues and stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Improved Circulation: Massages increase blood and lymph circulation and tissue metabolism, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues while removing waste products. As part of the relaxation, massages lower blood pressure, reduce the heart rate, slow down respiration and promote more effective breathing. Thanks to the improved circulation, you also see an improved skin tone.
- Enhanced Immunity: Studies have shown that regular massages can boost the immune system by increasing the activity of white blood cells, which play a key role in defending the body against infection and disease. Massages can help keep you healthy and resilient by supporting immune function.
- Support Recovery: Massages’ improved circulation can enhance overall health and vitality, leading to better energy levels, a strengthened immune system and faster recovery from injury or illness. Massages also reduce swelling or scarring by encouraging blood flow to damaged tissue.
What are the mental benefits of Massage Therapy?
Being forced to slow down and focus on self-care can often be a relief.
- Stress Reduction: Massages help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation and lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Mental Relaxation: Regular massages can provide a much-needed break from the demands of daily life, allowing the body and mind to unwind. This, in turn, will induce mental relaxation and promote better sleep. With better sleep comes improved concentration, so it’s a win-win!
Any emotional benefits of Massage Therapy?
The emotional benefits of a massage are often hard to describe and I can see it more in the smile that people give me after a massage.
- Reduce Anxiety and Depression: Massages have been found to have positive effects on mental and emotional health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Mood Improvement: Massages calm the nervous system, which in turn improves mood, calms bad tempers, promotes feelings of relaxation and well-being, and enhances one’s self-image and overall quality of life.
- Trigger Emotional Release: With released muscle tension, sometimes emotional baggage is released in the form of Emotional Release.
That is a long list of benefits, right? I hope I’ve convinced you that it’s totally worth the investment in your health to get a massage on a regular or semi-regular basis. No matter if your focus is on your physical, mental or emotional life, all the benefits go hand-in-hand, so your body, mind and spirit will thank you when you’re getting a massage.
If this all hasn’t convinced you yet, then check out this very interesting YouTube video from “What are the health benefits of massage? – CrowdScience, BBC World Service podcast”
How often should you get treated?
A ‘regular’ massage can look different to different people, depending on their needs. If you’re recovering from an injury, illness or surgery, you might want to be treated more often. But not too often either.. We need to let the body heal itself, it knows how to…
For maintenance, I would suggest having a massage every 4-6 weeks.
What kind of massages are recommended?
My personal go-to and favorite session to give is the Deep Tissue massage, 90 or 120 minutes. In that time frame, I can focus on a few target areas, do a full body session or mix in a few modalities like a bit of Reflexology and/or Energy Healing, depending on what we’re working on.
Other services like Aroma Touch Session, a Swedish Massage or a Hot Stone Massage can support your overall well-being and relaxation and are great options for bodywork.
Book your appointment now and feel the benefits for yourself.
Love & Light,
Liraz
Liraz Bergman-Turner is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Master & Reflexologist. She owns Heavenly Embrace Wellness, a massage and energy healing practice in Boulder, CO.
Liraz is a gifted healer. Her massage was both strong and gentle, anticipating what was needed for each muscle. Her office is beautiful and relaxing. She has all the amenities for pampering and the strength for deep tissue. I loved the essential oils throughout. Highly recommend!
