This year, we’ve all taken a closer look at our health, and many of us have adopted healthy habits that will benefit us for a lifetime. Because stress can affect our wellbeing, many have focused on things that reduce stress, and regular massages are one of the most enjoyable ways to cut down on the stress in our lives. Massage has many important health benefits in addition to being a relaxing way to spend part of your day.
Improved sleep. Some studies suggest that as many as 70 million people in America don’t get enough sleep. Poor sleep habits can wreak havoc on your health in many ways. Lack of sleep can affect your immune system so that you get sick more often, make it harder to remember things and make decisions, cause weight gain, and even increase your risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Massage helps improve sleep by helping you relax, and it also helps your body produce serotonin, a hormone that helps you get the sleep you need.
Pain relief. Pain has many causes, but it often is intensified by muscle contractions when your body is tense. Massage targets muscles to relax them, helping calm some of those contractions. Even the relaxation enjoyed when you get a massage can help alleviate some pain because it helps relieve tension and the physical effects of stress. In conjunction with the therapies prescribed by your doctor, massage can help relieve some pain caused by:
Improved circulation. Massage helps relax your body and helps stimulate the body’s circulatory system. This includes blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your cells and organs as well as your lymphatic system, which flushes wastes and toxins from your body. A better functioning circulatory system helps your organs work more efficiently, improves your cell growth and replenishment, and even gives you healthier skin for a more radiant glow.
Less stress and anxiety. Stress is that natural fight-or-flight response your body gets when you’re faced with danger. If something threatens your safety, your brain releases hormones – adrenaline and cortisol – that trigger changes in your body so you’re ready to react. Your blood sugar rises, your heart beats faster, and your muscles tense up so you’re ready to fight or run away quickly. Unfortunately, your body has the same reactions when you feel everyday stress like being stuck in traffic or getting nervous about giving a speech. Over time, those excess stress hormones and the reactions they cause can negatively affect your wellbeing. Massage helps you relax, reversing that state of tension caused by stress hormones for some much-needed relief for your body. Less stress can also mean less anxiety about the things you experience in everyday life, helping you feel calmer.
A lift in your mood. Besides feeling calmer, massages can actually result in a better overall mood. Massage helps your body produce more dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, which are all chemicals that make you feel good. That’s why you feel so energized and happy when you walk out of your professional massage session!
Massage has many benefits, and you get the most out of your massages when they are done regularly. Taking that time for yourself at least once a month helps improve your wellbeing both mentally and physically. And having professional massages more often gives you even more positive benefits. At The Glam Room, our professional massage therapists offer a full menu of massage techniques so you get the treatment that’s right for you, including special treatments for sports and prenatal massage and techniques like Swedish, hot stone, and deep tissue massage. Our expert massage therapists will help you choose the massage treatment that’s right for you.
Due for your regular professional massage session? Make an appointment at The Glam Room today and our expert massage therapists will help you feel amazing all year long! Find us at 308 Delaware Street in Kansas Cityorcall 816-605-1949 to schedule your appointment, or you can schedule your Glam Room massage session right from your mobile device with our free mobile app, available on iTunes andGoogle Play.