At the end of a particularly draining week, it is only natural to want to wind down, relax, and put your mind at ease. A day at the spa is a rejuvenating experience that will ease away all of your stressors and leave you feeling more relaxed. A massage treatment is a great reward after working hard and overcoming challenges. Massages are well-known treatments for relaxation, but they also come with therapeutic benefits that work to relieve tension, reduce stress, and improve sleep. There are different massage techniques to consider for relaxation, sport recovery, or deep tissue healing. If you are considering treating yourself to a massage, keep reading to uncover the many benefits massage treatments can provide for your body and mind.
Relief From Anxiety
If you suffer from anxiety, studies have proven that massage therapy can significantly reduce your symptoms. Our bodies have two different nervous systems: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. Your sympathetic nervous system is your “fight or flight response” which would kick in if you were being chased by a lion. During a massage, however, your parasympathetic nervous system (calming response) is increased which de-stresses the body and decreases anxiety. Regular massage sessions have been proven to boost energy levels, reduce pain, and reduce feelings of anxiety for prolonged periods of time.
Boost Your Focus
Are you having trouble paying attention during meetings at work? Maybe you can’t seem to complete a project on time without losing focus? That is because in order for you to keep focused, your heart rate needs to be lowered. Since massage therapy slows your nervous system, your heart rate is effectively slowed down too. The soothing effects of a massage will decrease your heart rate which will ultimately improve your focus.
Improved Circulation
Increased circulation will bring oxygen-rich blood supply to promote healing for damaged, stiff, and tense muscles. As your massage therapist puts pressure on your muscles, they are allowing the movement of fresh blood to flow into damaged and congested areas of your body. The squeezing, twisting, and pulling of the muscles also removes lactic acid buildup in the muscle tissues. This increases lymph fluid circulation which carries metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscle tissue to be excreted from your body which results in lower blood pressure and improved overall bodily function.
Strengthen Your Body’s Immune System
When stress is combined with poor sleep and poor nutrition, your body’s immune system becomes much more vulnerable. Its ability to naturally protect against bacteria, pathogens, and infections is greatly reduced. Regular massage sessions not only reduce stress, but they also boost your immune system's natural ability to respond to pathogens and enhance the body’s ability to deliver nourishment. Just as exercising keeps the body strong, regular massage sessions can help keep your immune system resilient.
During a massage, although you may be in a state of total relaxation, your body is in full activation mode. A massage wakes up your nervous system; wakes up your muscles, organs and glands; moves blood and lymph fluid and allows your cells to release chemicals and hormones. A massage allows your body to renew itself and reverse the effects of stress. Massage therapy is a great way for you to relax and treat a range of emotional and physical health problems.
To find out more about the costs and benefits of our massage services, and how our team can help you relax and feel rejuvenated, contact our Edmonton medical spa today at 780-481-9772 or fill out our online contact form.
Q: What are some of the different types of massage techniques?
A: The most common massage therapy treatments include:
Q: How often should I get a massage?
A: Massage duration and frequency will vary depending on the type of massage you want and what area of your body you wish to target. Patients commonly receive a massage either once per week, once per month, or only a few times a year. It will also depend on why you need a massage. If you require one for injury recovery, you may have to receive a massage treatment more frequently than someone who just wants a relaxation massage every now and then.
Q: Do massages hurt?
A: Depending on what type of massage you get, you may feel slight pain. If you require a deep tissue massage to target knots and painful muscle tension, the massage will hurt more than a general relaxation massage. However, if you feel too much pain or discomfort, let your massage therapist know and they will adjust the pressure they are using to make your experience more comfortable.
