In need of a day off to spend recuperating and relaxing from a stressful week? Many people would opt to make an appointment at a spa or with a masseuse to enjoy some feel-good alone time. That type of person will be pleased to know, then, that this sort of day is actually recommended by the doctor! Massage therapy is great for the mind and even better for the body — check out all the ways your physical health can benefit from a trip to the masseuse.
Those with poor posture can surely reap the benefits of getting a massage. Hunched or slouching postures can, over time, lead to many other complications, so if it is severe, it should be corrected. Most of the recommendations for training the body to stand up straight involve doing core workouts and learning proper balance. While those take time, practice, and patience, going to a masseuse is actually an enjoyable way to benefit the spine.
If you visit with a trained therapist regularly, it is true that your heart will be grateful. Regular therapy sessions promote circulation to areas of the body that are not typically the focal point. In turn, patients will notice that the body simply functions better. Additionally, the improved circulation can lead to a lowering of blood pressure, which helps to combat symptoms of depression, potential for heart attacks, and hormonal imbalances.
Everyone knows the woes of sitting in a desk chair all day long: the neck and shoulders surely suffer. This can put a person in a bad mood, make it difficult to sleep, and lead to other aches as a result of all the unnecessary tension. These types of strains and any other knots can quickly and effectively be kneaded out. In addition, regular massages will encourage flexibility in the muscles, preventing such stiffness and injury from occurring in the future.
Tension headaches are the result of straining in the muscles of the shoulders, back, and neck. When the muscles in these areas are overworked, the brain certainly feels it. This tension can be quickly relieved by a nice massage, and therefore, headaches like these will be cured and become less frequent. All this can be attributed to the sense of relaxation induced by massage as well as the promotion of healthy blood flow.
So, while it may feel like you are splurging or indulging by seeking out massage therapy, the truth is you are helping your body to reap some long-term benefits. Massages can be an instant cure for certain ailments, such as strained muscles or feelings of stress. However, they are also great for promoting flexibility — and therefore, avoiding injury — in the long term, and can even treat and help to prevent minor forms of depression.
