The history of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BCE (or perhaps earlier), when it was considered a sacred system of natural healing.
It was often used as a practice passed down through generations to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses.
Since then, however, body massages have evolved to be considered a luxurious experience meant solely for the rich and glamorous.
Times have changed since these extreme notions, and numerous journals have established in a balanced fashion that massage therapy is a practical and valuable aspect of integrative medicine.
Massages steadily grew in popularity, especially in the 1980s, owing to their well-publicized benefits to the athletes, especially during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Another event that pushed these techniques further into the limelight was the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
This was the year massage therapy was offered as a core treatment for the US Olympic Team. Since then, massage has continued to spread in athletics and businesses.
With the number of people dying from stress-related diseases increasing yearly, a balanced view on mental well-being and physical health has become the need of the hour.
Experts opine that complementing conventional western medicine with techniques such as these massages would serve as a holistic approach to wellness and certainly extend lifespans!
Are you currently debating whether or not it is time for you to get a massage?
Allow us to help you make your decision!
The Numerous Benefits of Body Massages
1. Reduction of Stress
Body massages release endorphins and provide tired bodies some much-needed relief from stress.
Research published in the International Journal of Neuroscience indicates that massage therapy increases serotonin and dopamine in the brain and keeps cortisol levels in check.
A more relaxed body aids in the regulating of hormones that drive our lives.
Your sleep and wake cycle is slowly on the path to recovery!
2. Reduction in Muscle Soreness
The human body’s muscles often react to external pressure much like a sponge; Kneading out a muscle encourages fresh blood to enter, bringing in fresher oxygen-rich blood.
With the rise of sedentary lifestyles and poor posture while looking into small screens or large, expertly delivered massages place beneficial tension on parts of your muscles, ligaments, and tendons and reduce the overall soreness.
3. Improvement in Blood Circulation
Proper blood circulation is pivotal in maintaining optimal health. It ensures blood flow to all body parts, keeping every inch functional and healthy.
With a good massage, the blood rushing to all regions reportedly positively affects your body’s largest organ – your skin.
Some reports indicate that a massage now and then improves skin elasticity and provides a youthful glow.
4. Pain Management
Individuals with chronic pain conditions have reported improvement in all accompanying symptoms, such as sleep, memory, and mood.
Conclusion
Therapists recommend that you should get a massage every 4-6 weeks for stress relief, a basic body tune-up, or, well, just to relax.
The frequency of these massages would depend on your budget and needs.
But if within your means, shrug off your hesitation about a massage is just a luxurious indulgence.
Life is short. Go ahead and run a web search for “massage near me.” and take charge of your health today through a blissful experience.
Remember – Ensure that you reach out to a licensed massage therapist that specializes in a massage that you need;
There are many that you could choose from, ranging between deep tissue massage and Swedish massages.
Whichever massage you choose, your body, soul, and mind will thank you for the relief.