The Benefits of Massage

Stressed out? Need a good way to relax and feel better about life? Why not get a massage? Getting regular massages helps relieve the physical and mental stress from your body, leaving you ready to take on new challenges.

Here are six top benefits of massage:

1. Improves Immune System Functioning - Studies have shown that the number of white cells in your blood increases after a massage. These are the cells that help the body fight diseases. With regular massage, you can have a stronger immune system and get sick less often.
2. Improves Circulation - By relaxing your muscles, blood is able to flow more freely through your veins. Improved circulation gives you a boost of energy for the rest of your day. Plus, increased circulation in the skin can even reduce the appearance of cellulite if done on a regular basis.
3. Reduces Pain - When muscles are tight and tense all day long, they eventually become sore. By relaxing the muscles with a massage, you can ease the pain caused by sore, stiff muscles. Plus, increased circulation further helps relieve pain from the area that is rubbed, and can help relieve tension headaches.
4. Decreases Stress and Anxiety - Stress is one of the most prevalent, but preventable causes of health problems in modern society. De-stressing is not only a great way to feel better; it also helps you live longer. If you’ve ever had a massage, you already know how relaxed it makes you feel. With relaxed muscles, decreased pain, improved circulation, your body lets go of all the daily stress you’ve been holding on to.
5. Decreases Blood Pressure - There was a study conducted that showed that a simple, short touch can immediately cause a drop in blood pressure. Combine this with the improved circulation, relaxed muscles, and decreased anxiety and you get a great way to keep your blood pressure low. You should be careful if you have low pressure to begin with; make sure to get up slowly and take it easy after a massage.
6. Improves Mood - Massage has been shown to make you feel better due to many of the reasons listed above. It is so good at improving mood, it has been used for treating depression in women who had recently lost a child. If massage can help with their depression, it can certainly lift a bad mood.

So, think a massage might help you but just don’t think you can afford it? Massage schools are a great resource for a quality massage at an incredibly low price. Check your local yellow pages for a massage school near you.

So what are you waiting for? Go out and make an appointment for a massage today. You’ll be feeling great in no time!