Health Benefits
Counteract Sitting
Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress. More often than not it 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 have a regular massage.
Improves Sleep
Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep-it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.
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).
Ease Muscle Pain
Got sore muscles? Massage can help. Massage increases and improves circulation. Just like rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain. A study found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.
Soothes Anxiety
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.
Relieves Headaches
Next time a headache hits, try massage. Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches. Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single massage immediately affects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.
