Massage 101: The key benefits of getting a massage regularly
Nowadays, there are many massage treatments to choose from. Some massage therapies you’ve probably heard about are hot stone, shiatsu, and deep tissue. Did you also know there is relaxation, aromatherapy, acupressure, cupping, and reiki too?
With all these choices, you may think that one type will have different benefits than another. While not all massages have the same results, there are five distinct benefits from receiving any kind of massage! Let’s take a deep dive into what these are and why you should regularly receive these treatments to best achieve them.
1. Reduced Stress & Tension
Massage therapy is a great way to reduce stress and tension in your muscles. But, did you know that studies have proven that regular massage therapy can help with mental health and wellness? From anxiety to depression, receiving regular massages can actually decrease the negative impacts from chronic stress. In other words, frequent massages can help with the following:
- Decrease cortisol and insulin levels
- Calm the nervous system to decrease heart rate and breathing
- Reduce sensitivity to pain
- Induce deep sleep
Massage therapy can reduce your stress and help you live a calmer, happier, and more collective life. It’s also a great addition to anyone’s regular self-care routine!
2. Improved Circulation
Through the regular use of massage, you can start to see some great improvements to your circulatory system. This is because the movements and pressure used during a massage helps loosen up muscle tissue, which helps your blood circulate better throughout your body.
Depending on the massage, your therapist may loosen up your muscles with movements ranging from light stroking to deep tissue pressure. No matter what technique they use, you’ll receive some great overall improvements to your circulatory system, such as improved blood pressure, blood flow, and elasticity of blood vessels.
3. Better Immune Function
Many studies have found that regular massages can improve your immune function. Through increasing your body’s activity level of your “killer T cells,” which fight off viruses, massages can help boost your immune system strength. It also helps to reduce stress, which can improve your overall immune health. This benefit truly highlights how reducing stress through massages can help your body recover, stay healthy, and become stronger overall.
4. Less Body Pain
If you experience chronic body pain or have pain in specific areas of your body, massage therapy can be a great way to reduce it in two ways:
- Loosening muscle fibers can help strengthen and release your muscles.
- Massage therapy can increase endorphins, which helps to stop the transmission of pain signals to your brain.
You may notice less pain overall because massage therapy also reduces your stress and breaks down tension. This can help keep you more relaxed and less tense, which can be the direct cause of the pain in the first place.
5. Enhanced Physical Fitness
If you’re looking to help your muscles recover faster, massage therapy is one way to achieve this. By reducing muscle tension, you can improve your exercise performance while preventing injuries. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to enjoy the physical benefits of a massage. It’s very common for elite and recreational athletes to use massage therapy as another step in their athletic routines, allowing them to achieve sharper results in shorter periods.
How Often Should I Receive a Massage to See Results?
Based on research, and our personal experiences, we recommend you receive a massage monthly to achieve the best results. However, if you’re in severe body pain, visiting your massage therapist twice a week may be most beneficial. It’s important that you consult your doctor before receiving a massage if you are experiencing:
- Broken bones
- Bruising
- Severe burns
- Cuts or open wounds
- Pregnancy, unless the massage is designed for pregnant women
- Severe osteoporosis
- Unusual skin conditions
- Varicose veins
Like any other treatment or activity, you should always consult with your doctor before receiving a massage. You must protect yourself from any potential contraindications or risks. Your doctor can also let you know how frequently you should receive a massage to improve your condition. Massage therapy is not a replacement for a condition that should be treated by your primary care provider. It’s simply a tool in your toolkit to boost your overall health and well-being.
Want to Experience the Benefits of Massage First-Hand: Contact Us Today!
If you’re interested in receiving a massage or getting into a regular massage therapy routine, contact us. We provide a variety of massage services here at Jean Paul Spa and Salons. Our therapists are more than happy to customize your massage so you achieve the best results. Whether you’re seeking stress or pain relief, it’s our goal to relax and rejuvenate you.
