Everyone knows that massage can be amazing, but did you know that it is also a smart option for your short-term and long-term health? This is because therapeutic massage has been shown to reduce stress levels. And the lower your stress, the healthier you will be today and tomorrow.
It goes without saying that massage therapy relaxes. Unless you are looking for a treatment for a sports injury or do not need a deep tissue massage to solve a particular problem, most people approach massage treatment specifically for relaxation. The tense muscles will relax and you will have about an hour of Massage Center to enjoy the work of the muscles, instead of focusing on your to-do list or worrying about work projects. In short, a full-body massage can provide relaxation from head to toe.
However, massage offers more than just general relaxation. They are also a powerful tool in the fight against stress and its negative health consequences. Recent studies have shown that overall stress levels are rising throughout, increasing by 18% among women since 1983 (as reported on Time.com on June 14, 2012). And because stress can cause you anxiety, unhappiness, and general malaise, it's important to deal with stress before it snows.
Mayoclinic.com lists a truly long list of symptoms caused by stress, including headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, sleep problems, and more. These are all negative effects that you can feel right now. In addition, Mayoclinic.com also lists stress as a contributing factor to serious health problems, from high blood pressure and heart disease to obesity and diabetes. These are all chronic conditions that can negatively affect your life as they develop, but they can also be largely prevented by addressing key risk factors such as stress.
These data on the stress and health of your body show that massage therapy is not only a convenient way to relax but also a powerful tool to be happier and healthier today and in the future. Whole-body massage has been shown to increase serotonin production and reduce cortisol production, which reduces stress. And less stress means fewer risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, as well as improved overall short-term health.
