5 Reasons Why You Should be Getting Regular Massages

If you’ve ever had a massage before, you know just how incredible they can make you feel afterwards. However, you might not be aware of are the exact benefits a massage can provide for you, both physically and mentally. So you know just why they’re great for you, we’re sharing five reasons why you should be getting regular massages. Before you start reading though, we’d like to offer a warning… You’re going to want to book a lot more massage sessions after this! 

1. Massages can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.

It’s safe to say that every single person reading this post has felt anxiety or stress and it’s quite possible you experience those feelings on a daily basis. If you do, you know just how overwhelming those feelings can be, as they can really weigh on you mentally and can even cause physical side effects. While there are many ways you can relieve anxiety and stress in your life, massage is just one option.

Massage has been proven to lower cortisol levels in our bodies while increasing serotonin and dopamine, which helps to rid us of the stress we’re feeling. When those stressful feelings have subsided, we regain clarity and feel more open to peaceful emotions. Plus, many of the diseases that are prevalent today are brought on by anxiety and stress. Getting a regular massage can help alleviate those feelings and they just might lower your risk of disease. It’s also a great reminder that you need to step away from those stressful situations at times and do something to treat yourself.

2. Massages can enhance your immune system.

If you find that you’re constantly getting sick and feeling like rubbish, massage might be a way to help. Studies have shown that the stress-busting benefits of regular massages can even give your immune system a boost. The reason this works is because the stress-related hormones can actually weaken our immune systems. Because massages eliminate feelings of stress by increasing the body’s level of serotonin and dopamine, it in turn promotes a healthy immune system.

3. It’s helpful for combating lower back pains.

Because so many of us spend our days sitting at a desk, hunched over as we type away at our computers, it’s no surprise that a lot of us struggle with back pain. Massage is a great way to address the soreness and tight muscles, especially in the lower back area. Whether you receive a deep tissue massage or a lighter massage, you should still notice an improvement in lower back pains.

A massage therapist will concentrate on the stiff muscles and any problem areas you have. Using various techniques, they can loosen those tight areas and increase blood circulation. While it’s not a permanent solution for lower back pains, it can temporarily help you feel much better. So, if you’re struggling with lower back pain, getting regular massages will provide many benefits to you.

4. Massage can help those who struggle with mental health issues.

Mental health issues are extremely prevalent in our society today and can cause debilitating feelings and stressors for those that struggle with them. While many rely on medications to help them get by on a daily basis, massage may be able to work alongside them. You obviously should not stop taking your medications if you struggle with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, but you can use regular massages as a way to promote a healthy mind.

Because massage is soothing for you both physically and mentally, it promotes a state of relaxation. It allows you to just unwind and let those negative, stressful emotions melt away. Due to the increase of serotonin and dopamine you receive as a result of a massage, you’ll be in a happier, peaceful state of mind afterwards. The key is to allow your mind and body to rest during the massage session. Focus on releasing the negative emotions that you’ve been holding onto and welcome positive vibes back into your mind.

On the other end of the spectrum, a study showed that adolescents who suffered from ADHD and received regular massages noticed positive changes in the way they felt on a daily basis. They felt happier and even their school teachers noticed an improvement in behavior.

If you’re someone who struggles with mental health issues, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor about the benefits massage can provide to you. If your doctor recommends it, try getting regular massages to see if it helps you emotionally. If it does, it’s all the more reason to start getting massages on a regular basis.

5. It helps with fibromyalgia, injuries, and much more.

If you struggle with fibromyalgia and have yet to try massage to relieve some of the symptoms you’re dealing with, now is the time to book yourself a session. A study showed that because massage can lower stress hormones, it reduced anxiety and depression in those that have fibromyalgia.

Besides fibromyalgia, it’s been reported that massage is also beneficial for those that struggle with digestive disorders, frequent headaches, insomnia that’s caused by stress, and even temporomandibular joint pain.

Regular massages can also help athletes prepare and recover from sporting events. They’re also great for relieving pain from any injuries they may have endured as a result of the sports played. Massage is ideal for reducing muscle soreness, but can also promote joint mobility and flexibility.

Before Getting a Massage

It’s also important to note that you should consult with your doctor before incorporating regular massages into your lifestyle. While they provide many benefits, there are contraindications for some. If you have any kind of bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medication, have deep vein thrombosis, fractures, or severe osteoporosis, it’s wise to consult with your doctor first to make sure massage is a suitable option for you.

If you find that massage is a viable option for you, feel free to schedule them into your regular routine so you can reap the benefits they provide.

If you don’t have the time to go for regular massages, you should consider purchasing a massage chair for your home or office. Many of them provide the same type of health benefits.