By Editors at The Massage Source

Have you ever thought what a treat and luxury it would be to get a massage? You’re not alone. Only 18% of Americans had a massage last year. That means 1 in 5 people had one massage all year. Most people understand that massage therapy has proven health benefits, so why aren’t we taking advantage of this pleasurable and beneficial form of therapy?

Massage can save you money

Times have been admittedly tough and, historically, when the economy is down, we give up our luxury items first. If you consider massage therapy a luxury, then it’s something you’re probably avoiding, no matter how much you wish you could have one. Well, think again. Massage therapy has benefits that could actually save you money in the long run by helping you avoid chiropractors, medical visits, medications, and even mental health therapy.

Massage can improve your outlook on life

With a down economy and the daily pressures we experience, stress, anxiety and depression have adversely affected many of us. We can do many things to combat these negative feelings, invest in expensive counseling, or we can turn to massage therapy. Through a massage, we can reduce the stress hormone, cortisol, which will raise our moods and, at the same time, help lower our blood pressure. Massage is also known to increase serotonin and dopamine levels, both of which reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

Massage can reduce your pain

Pain is something too many of us have accepted and learned to live with and work around. That is just plain sad and unnecessary. In many ways, massage therapy can reduce or eliminate pain. You see, our bodies react to pain by constricting muscles around injury areas. This tension is meant to decrease the injury to the area by protecting it, but it actually increases pain and inflammation. And it can become chronic. Massage can release this tension and allow better blood flow, so that areas of pain have a better chance of healing. In addition, massage therapy can increase range of motion and flexibility, which leads to better healing ability and relief from pain.

Massage can relieve your migraines

Pain relief through massage is not limited to injuries to the body. Massage therapy has been proven to provide natural relief from migraine headaches. Regular massages for periods as short as 30 minutes reduce both the number of migraines a person experiences and the severity of migraine episodes. Massage therapy also decreases the stress, anxiety, and anger that accompany migraines.

Massage can help you sleep better and boost your immune system

Lack of sleep or inability to fall to sleep is a major complaint for many people. Massage therapy can re-teach our bodies to naturally fall asleep by activating the delta waves that lead to deep sleep. In addition, massage therapy can help us avoid sickness by boosting our immune systems. This is not just by reducing stress; massage actually increases our white blood cells, which act as our little warriors to fight against disease and illness.

Massage can make you beautiful

With the increase in blood flow that massage therapy provides, our hair and complexion become more radiant, and our skin plumped. Massage also boosts our lymphatic activity, which flushes toxins and allows nutrients to be better absorbed – leading to a healthier, more radiant, overall appearance.

Massage can tame your hormones

Massage therapy has been proven to reduce or eliminate symptoms of PMS, such as bloating and severe mood swings. Massage therapy is also noted to reduce the severity of the symptoms of menopause.

The truth is: massage therapy is not just a rich man’s luxury. It’s an investment in your health and well-being. Give yourself permission to enjoy massage therapy on a regular basis. You’ll enjoy not just the experience of the moment, but also the added health benefits that make you feel better, both mentally and physically.