Five great reasons to schedule a massage

When you’re feeling under pressure, a soothing massage can help you feel so much better. But massage isn’t just great for helping you relax. It can benefit your body and mind in a number of other important ways, too. Here are some of them:

Less stress

Research suggests that massage is an extremely effective stress management tool. Studies show a weekly massage can help people better manage both stress and anxiety.

Better sleep

Have trouble getting a quality night’s sleep or suffer from insomnia? A weekly massage can help you fall asleep easier, stay asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Relief from aches and pains

One reason massage helps us sleep better is that it helps with aches and pains. A recent study shows that as many as five million people in the United States could potentially benefit from massage therapy for pain relief. Another study found that massage activated the same area of the brain that painkillers do, and can in a number of cases provide the same level of relief as over-the-counter and even some prescription pain relief medicines.

An immune system boost

Want to keep your immune system happy? Studies show that massage not only helps you feel good, but is good for you. In one study, by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, people who received a 45-minute massage had an increased number of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease. Participants also had lower levels of cytokines, which are molecules that play a role in inflammation. Other studies have shown a strong link between massage and health as well.

Less fatigue

Dragging a bit? Feeling a lack of energy? Studies show that massage can help you feel more energetic. Researchers believe that’s due in great part to the fact that those who get a massage sleep better at night and feel better during the day.