The Power of Massage: why your body (and mind) will thank you
When life gets busy and stress starts to build, it is vital to find ways of unwinding that don't cause us further damage. One of the oldest and most well-known ways is massage. It has clearly stood the test of time, and for good reason. Beyond just feeling good, massage offers myriad benefits that enhance our overall well-being. Understanding what massage truly offers can help us all make the most of this ancient practice.
So what is massage?
Massage is the manipulation of soft tissues in the body which includes muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin. It dates back thousands of years with roots in many cultures across the world including China, India and Greece. Massage can be performed in a variety of ways ranging from light stroking with aromatherapy oils to firm sustained pressure, depending on the intended outcome. As I write this, I’m teaching my 9-year-old the different types of massage by asking her to demonstrate them on me and despite the fact she thinks ‘hacking’ (an actual technique) and ‘making a bum out of the skin folds’ are the best techniques, I’m confident I’ll make a good manual therapist out of her yet. Lol.
Benefits of massage
So, let’s dive into the reasons why massage is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind.
Goodbye, stress!
Perhaps the most widely known benefit of massage is its ability to reduce stress and this is no gimmick. When under stress, your body produces higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, that can be great in small doses, but wreaks havoc when around for too long. Massage lowers cortisol levels and increases the production of dopamine and serotonin, the body’s feel-good hormones.
Pain relief
Whether you’re dealing with a new injury, coping with chronic pain or just plain sore from sitting at your desk all week, massage can be a game-changer. By improving blood and lymphatic circulation, reducing inflammation and easing muscle tension, massage can help you manage pain naturally and more enjoyably than reaching for the paracetamol.
Immune system booster
Studies have shown that regular massages can actually make you healthier, by increasing your body’s ability to produce white blood cells, needed to fight against infection and disease. So, not only are you treating yourself to some much needed relaxation, you’re also giving your immune system a little power boost. Who knew!
Improved sleep
This proves to be an elusive goal for many of us. If that lavender spray isn’t quite doing it for you, a massage may be just the answer. It promotes relaxation by improving circulation and stimulating the parasympathetic system, responsible for encouraging your body to switch to the ‘rest and digest’ state.
Mood booster
Have you ever wondered why you feel so light and care-free after a massage? This isn’t just your imagination- massage really does reduce feelings of anxiety and depression by increasing those happy hormones, dopamine and serotonin and lowering cortisol.
Glowing skin
Well, who doesn’t love a glow up? The increased blood flow benefits your skin as well as your muscles, as more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your skin cells. Add to this, the moisturising effects of the oils or lotions leaving your skin soft and supple.
Conclusion
Massage isn’t just a luxurious treat. It can be a powerful tool for maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re looking to manage pain, reduce stress or improve sleep, the benefits of massage are manifold.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact our Uxbridge and Ealing team on 01895 200050 or email Kate to make the most of this offer!
