De-stress Yourself

People that do not get regular massage will sometimes tell me that they think massage is an extravagance or that it falls into the discretionary income category.  It is my job as a massage therapist to help educate the masses as to all the healthful benefits that massage therapy offers, but in today's tough economic times, this can sometimes prove to be a hard sell.  I like to suggest massage become part of their health maintenance program, like an extension to their already working out and eating healthier, massage should be an investment in their future well-being.

There is an overwhelming assumption that relaxation is the only benefit one gets from a massage.  For the sake of a good argument,  lets assume that relaxation truly was the only benefit.  Is it a crime to relax?  The answer to this question is "No",  but it is not uncommon for clients to utter feelings of guilt for daring to take an hour out of their week just for some much needed downtime and relaxation.  I have to wonder when it became acceptable for stress to be considered the norm and relaxation was relegated to that one or two weeks of vacation time that we all look forward to.  Stress-related illness is a serious problem in our society and a great many that are seeking help so that they can function in their daily routines are being treated with prescription medications.   As a massage therapist, I am in a unique position to offer a natural alternative to stress relief.

Clinical studies have shown that subjects who received massage therapy regularly have a lower level of cortisol than subjects who did not receive massage.  Cortisol is a stress hormone and it is one of the contributors to belly fat.  Hear that ladies?  Regular massage can minimalize our body's production of this hormone, which can in turn help us from adding more fat to our bellies.   This reason alone should sell most of us on why getting a massage is important!  If we factor in that massage therapy can improve circulation, decrease headaches, speed up the healing process for over-worked muscles, reduce pain, etc, then it becomes a matter of how could anyone not want to experience a massage.

Is massage a stress reliever?  Absolutely!  Can your life be changed drastically for the better after only one massage?  Probably not, but there is always the possibility that if you are willing to commit to 60 minutes of relaxation, you might just be surprised at what else massage can do for you.