Life can be so amazing so often, but every once in a while, circumstances can take their toll and make us feel a little overwhelmed and bogged down. Sometimes these events have a domino effect and other times, they are a singular occurrence. Either way, therapeutic massage is a natural and effective way to bolster your body and spirit and endure life’s trials and tribulations.
Sleep
Most people sleep much less than the suggested seven to nine hours of sleep each night. It’s important we get these recommended hours of shut-eye so our bodies can grow and repair themselves. People who are chronically sleep-deprived have a reduced ability to perform cognitive tasks and it can lead to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Regular therapeutic massage can help you achieve that mental state of relaxation, allowing your body the recovery it needs at night. Joe Bob Smith, a staff member at the National Holistic Institute in Studio City, Calif., and a massage therapist, stated in Massage Envy Magazine, “Massage brings relaxation that’s otherwise missing in our lives. It’s essentially affecting our hormone levels. Studies have shown massage increases serotonin, which increases the melatonin and helps circadian rhythms to reset.”
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, is more widespread than most people know and can often be extremely debilitating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million Americans suffer from arthritis and the Fibromyalgia Association estimates that another 10 million suffer from fibromyalgia. These chronic pain conditions often limit normal daily activities.
Massage therapy can improve quality of life, helping those who suffer cope with pain. Research continues to support the notion that there are enormous benefits of touch. In a recent study of massage therapy for knee osteoarthritis, a group receiving massage therapy showed significant improvement in pain, stiffness and physical function. They increased their range of motion and reduced the time it took them to walk 50 feet. In another study conducted by the Touch Research Institute, people with arthritis in their wrist and hand reported less pain and greater grip strength after massage therapy.
Blood Pressure and Circulation
Do you have high blood pressure or poor circulation? Believe or not, studies have shown that ongoing massage can help improve these health issues.
High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, and according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans. Again, massage therapy can help. A number of long-term studies have shown receiving massage therapy on a regular basis can help decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure. And according to the National Institutes of Health, chronic stress can cause heart disease. Numerous studies have also shown massage to be effective in reducing physical and emotional stress.
A person with poor circulation can suffer from a variety of discomforts including pooling of the fluid in the extremities (like the toes), cold hands and feet, fatigue and achiness created by an accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles. Good circulation brings damaged, tense muscles the oxygen rich blood they need to heal. Massage helps facilitate circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid, which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.
Next Steps
If you’re looking to improve your overall well-being or ameliorate any of these particular issues, know that a Massage Envy membership can be a powerful addition to your wellness routine. Our experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy Spa customize every massage session to address your individual needs. FBN
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