If you are looking for ways to support better health, regular massage offers a host of benefits. These are just a few reasons to consider adding monthly massage to your schedule.
1. It counteracts all that sitting we do
Most of us are dealing with some kind of postural stress. According to Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist & kinesiologist “More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.”
Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.
Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job-as long as you schedule a regular massage.
2. It eases muscle pain
Got sore muscles? Massage can help. A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.
3. It soothes anxiety and depression
Caring, friendly and professional touch can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing. In fact, women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.
4. It improves sleep
Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep-it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest. Studies have shown that massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapies.
5. It boosts immunity
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease).
6. It relieves headaches
Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage immediately effects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
credit: http://www.besthealthmag.ca/