Massage has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and wellness, and as a natural therapy to help treat all sorts of ailments. If you’re not already convinced about the super powers of massage, we’re here to bring you the science. Then maybe we can twist your arm to try an amazing full body massage at our Muswellbrook salon.
Massage is more than smelly oils and steaming hot towels. It’s a real deal therapy that’s good for your skin, body and mind. Massage therapy creates feelings of relaxation through the healing power of touch. The firm, but gentle pressure applied during massage pushes down on nerve cell receptors under the skin, activating the nervous system and stimulating the release of mood-enhancing chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.
These feel-good chemicals are produced naturally by your body and leave you feeling calm, relaxed and happy.
Massage helps calm stress hormones
Massage generates a calming effect through the stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. We’ve all felt these hormones being triggered at different times. You might feel on edge, jittery, restless, irritable, or your heart rate might increase. For me, massage, relaxation and a cuppa tea calms those stress hormones down.
Massage gives you a natural high
Massage works by stimulating the release of endorphins, creating a natural high. That warm, fuzzy feeling, the feeling of having your shit together and that life is good, is caused by those happy hormones! Taking care of yourself and finding ways to relax help keep the good hormones on the level. The reduced level of stress hormones and increased relaxation combine to strengthen your immune system. This can lead to blood sugar stabilisation, a boost in natural immunity, and improved lung function.
Suffer from allergies? Massage could help
A stronger immune system can react less to certain allergens. If looking at a flower makes you sneeze, or thinking about a cat gives you an itch, massage could help to improve those symptoms. Massage induces the body into a state of relaxation, inciting a biological mechanism that inhibits the brain from releasing chemicals that trigger a physical allergic reaction. The reduced stress levels can also keep allergies in check by lowering your heart rate, regulating blood pressure and improving blood circulation. Massage is good for it all!
Relief for sinuses and weary muscles
Chances are seasonal allergies are making you miserable. Every sneeze or cough is similar to a mini dose of whiplash, causing tension in your neck, shoulders and upper back. By relieving this muscle tension and helping you relax, sinuses will relax and encourage drainage. Sinus allergy symptoms may also be relieved with a good facial massage. This works to clear congestion by using acupressure techniques on the head and face.
Are you convinced yet?
Massage is a great way to calm down the nervous system and gently release your mind into a state of relaxation. If you find it hard to wind down, or your mind is always spinning with a never-ending To-Do List, a massage could be just what you need. Why not book yourself some much needed me-time?
You know you want to!
* Massage is a complementary therapy and is in no way a replacement for medical advice or required medications.