We often wait until we are in severe pain, burnout or experience an injury before booking a massage. Sometimes massages can seem indulgent and selfish, and we may end up judging ourselves for not being able to handle stress as well as those around us. If we think about the benefits massage has on our mental and physical health, it might be time to start seeing them as a necessity, not a treatment. In Turkey almost every second person is looking for a massage therapy. Are you one of them?
Benefits of Massage
Here are five surprising benefits that massage can provide:
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Contacting the Negative Effects off Sitting
While it is obvious that prolonged sitting can be detrimental to your health, massage can help correct postural imbalances created by sitting for long periods. Massage can reduce pain in the upper back and shoulders from sitting at a computer. It also increases blood flow. Sedentary lifestyles may cause low blood pressure. This issue could cost your company thousands of dollars each year, as over 30 million working hours were lost due to joint and back pain in the UK in 2016.
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Soothes Anxiety & Depression
Regular massage sessions can reduce anxiety and depression. Because they stimulate the release of serotonin and dopamine – neurotransmitters that help regulate mood and relax feelings – massage sessions can reduce anxiety and depression. There are 1 in 6 employees who deal with anxiety or depression at work right now. This means that you could be working alongside someone who could benefit.
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Boosts Immunity
Regular massage can increase white blood cell counts, which is important in protecting the body from disease.
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Improves Sleep and Promotes Deep Reserve
Massage triggers serotonin release, which is required for the production melatonin. This is the body’s natural sleep inducer, and it tells us when to go to bed.
A massage can also help to counteract the effects of bad sleep by allowing the body to relax and take a deep breath.
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Relieves Headaches
Trigger points, also known as muscle knots or trigger points, can cause persistent aches and pains that can lead to tension headaches and migraines. This pain can be reduced by massaging the neck, shoulders, and head to relieve tension.
Don’t feel guilty next time you feel guilty about taking some self-care. You’ll feel better, healthier, and happier. Win, win.