A massage is often typecast as a form of relaxation. While this is certainly true, investing in regular massage therapy can go beyond mere relaxation, creating deeper, long-lasting benefits for both your physical and mental health.
The first and most well-known benefit of massages is their ability to lower your stress levels. This can seem like a temporary benefit at best but reducing your stress levels whenever possible can have a massive impact on your physical and mental health. A massage decreases stress levels and allows your nervous system to reset. Regular massages can help you fight the effects of chronic stress and reap the benefits of a more mellow lifestyle. The effects are so well known that the number of people receiving massages has spiked. In 2006, 1 in 6 people got regular monthly massages according to a study by the American Massage Therapy Association
Stress hormones like cortisol send your body into fight or flight mode. These hormones also slow down your digestion and reduce your productivity levels significantly. Studies show that stressed employees show 60% higher absenteeism. Stress, anxiety, depression etc can also cut down an employee’s productivity by 77%
Getting regular massages has a plethora of benefits. It provides pain relief and euphoric effects, relaxes overactive minds, reduces stress hormone levels by 30% and increases serotonin and dopamine levels by 28 and 21 per cent
Listed below are 4 different types of massage treatments that will help you reduce stress.
- Swedish Massage: This is the perfect remedy for stress-induced tension, the Swedish massage is designed to increase oxygen levels in the blood and improve circulation by relaxing the muscles using continuous gliding strokes in the direction of the blood flow to the heart.
- Indonesian Aroma Massage: This massage employs a combination of different techniques including massaging the pain points, acupressure and aromatherapy. This type of massage was founded on the Ayurveda technique practised by Buddhist monks
- Deep Tissue Massage: This is the best massage for pain relief. The techniques used are aimed to treat musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and sports injuries. This massage also enhances flexibility and circulation, improving recovery time and performance.
- Thai Yoga Massage: This massage stimulates pressure along the bodies energy lines to increase flexibility and improve range of motion. This massage also helps relieve pain and muscle tension, reduces headaches and increases energy level
