Benefits Of Massage – 9 Ways It Benefits Health

The benefits of massage have been known for at least 5,000 years. This is when evidence shows the practise first emerged in India, Egypt and China₍₁₎. But they include a lot more than simple relaxation and below are just some of the many health benefits of massage.

Benefits Of Massage #1 – Relaxation

This is probably what people first expect when they get a massage. Usually it involves a gentle, full body, Swedish massage but can include aromatherapy, which is the use of essential oils. Some examples are lavender, lemon or tea tree, but there many others and each adds further benefits to the massage.

Benefits Of Massage #2 – Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation uses deep tissue or sports massage to help recovery from injury. It works by stretching out muscles or tendons to increase blood flow and aid healing. The techniques used are very similar to those for relaxation but the emphasis is generally rescricted to one body part.

Benefits Of Massage #3 – Treatment Of Back & Neck Pain

You don’t need to have strained a muscle or tendon for it to cause pain and discomfort. Sitting at a desk all day, on your feet with poor posture or sleeping on an unsupportive mattress can all cause pain in your back, neck and shoulders. This could be sharp and sudden, an ongoing ache or a combination of the two. Whichever it is, the problem is muscles that have become shortened or tight and is best treated with a deep tissue massage.  This will loosen and stretch affected areas before they become more serious and long term.

Benefits Of Massage #4 –Prevention Of Migraines & Tension Headaches

If you have ever suffered a tension headache or migraine you will know how painful and debilitating they can be. But they often have the same causes. These include poor posture, working at a computer, or stress and anxiety. In turn this causes shrugged shoulders and jaw clenching which can lead to muscle tension in those areas. It has been proven that these can initiate tension headaches and contribute to migraines, which can be treated with a massage.

Benefits Of Massage #5 – Relief Of Stress, Anxiety & Depression

If you suffer with stress or anxiety, massage can help to release the tension stored in muscles. This will leave you not only physically relaxed but also mentally relaxed. If depression or low mood is more the issue, a similar but slightly more invigorating massage can help improve this. As well as raising energy levels.

Benefits Of Massage #6 – Improve The Immune System

The circulatory system carries blood around the body to provide nutrients, but there is also a lymphatic system. Among other things this carries lymphocytes to fight infection. A massage can improve the circulation of both and help restore the immune system after illness, such as colds and flu.

Benefits Of Massage #7 – Increased Range Of Movement

The problem could be painful or restricted movement when playing sports, or just when going about daily activities. Either way, massage can help remove knots and tightness that just stretching alone will not solve. These might be from a previous injury or just from having a poor posture but once dealt with, regular stretching and massage can prevent them returning.

Benefits Of Massage #8 – Improve Athletic Performance

A massage prior to physical activity can help to warm up muscles and prevent injury. A massage afterwards can help soothe tired muscles, increase blood flow and increase muscle growth. It can also help prevent (DOMS) Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. A massage at any time is proven to improve performance and results.

Benefits Of Massage #9 – Treat Insomnia

Insomnia effects everyone at some time in their life and is often caused by the same things. Inability to get to sleep or frequent waking throughout the night can be due to anxiety or stress, while waking much earlier than usual and unable to get back to sleep is often linked to depression. Both of these can be relieved by a relaxing massage that helps rid the muscles of tension.

Book A Mobile Massage

If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here