Health issues affect all of us, and a massage might not be the first thing to come to your mind as a way to deal with the same. Most of us would rather pop a pill or forget about the illness till it strikes again. It is a fact that majority of medicines do not deal with the root cause of a health problem. This is where massage therapy can really help.
Especially for women, a massage can offer multiple benefits, mentally as well as physically. The benefits of a therapeutic massage go much beyond the superficial "feel good" factor; and it works even better when done by an experienced masseur. Read on as we reveal some amazing reasons why you must go for a relaxing massage this weekend.
#1. Helps you lose weight and look good
Yes, massages can help you lose some weight and look good as well. The soft, gentle strokes by a masseur enables the lymphatic system to release toxins from the body in an effective manner. This release of toxins has a firming effect on your body. Massages help to increase blood flow in the body, and some specific ones can even help to breathe life in your dull complexion and lacklustre hair. Also, massages are known to be great for those who are looking for ways to tighten their lose skin after weight loss. But remember, for this you have to follow a healthy lifestyle as well.
#2. Reduces chronic pain
Several people are distressed with shoulder, neck and backaches. Whether it is chronic pain due to some illness, or incorrect body postures, or cramps from strenuous exercise, a good massage can help ease it in a noninvasive and holistic manner. Massages bring relief through muscle relaxation, applied pressure and improved circulation. Talking on this, researcher Dan Cherkin, Ph.D., says, "We found that the benefits of a massage are about as strong as those reported for other effective treatments: medications, acupuncture, exercise and yoga."
#3. Helps relieve depression and stress
It is believed that a good massage can help to relieve stress, tension and anxiety that are often associated with depression. Physical touch boosts the release of happy hormones, endorphins, in the body. It also decreases the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. When the cortisol levels are high, it can disturb your system and lead to depression. Massage therapy is a wonderful way to regulate these hormones, thereby uplifting your mood and creating an overall sense of well-being.
#4. Promotes better sleep
The kneading and rubbing of muscles helps to decrease the tension in the body, thus providing an immense relaxation. As mentioned before, massages help in the release of serotonin and endorphins in the body, which affect your sleep positively. Studies have shown that massage therapy helps to enhance delta waves in the brain, which are known to encourage deep sleep.
#5. Boosts immunity
A massage may be your answer to those common colds and other ailments that strike you often. Researchers say that massages increase lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that prepares your immune system to fight diseases. A strong immune system keeps you healthy and energetic. Add to this the fact that it curbs depression and stress, giving you all the more reasons to indulge in a massage for the sake of your health.
#6. Reduces blood pressure
Regular massages can bring about a significant change in the blood pressure readings of people who are diagnosed with hypertension. When the blood pressure is lowered, it translates to lower anxiety, depression, stress, and helps stave off kidney failure, stroke and even a heart attack.
#7. Soothes headaches and PMS
Regular massages work wonders for people suffering from migraine and other kinds of headaches. And, if you are one of those who struggle with those awful pre-menstrual symptoms (PMS), this therapy is a great solution to banish them all for good.
Relaxing the muscles through an invigorating massage is a surefire way to do your body and mind a whole lot of good. If you have never gone for a massage, now is the time to search for the best massage parlour in town and take an appointment as soon as possible.
Source: http://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/7-healthy-reasons-to-get-a-massage-today-3190
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