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Four Reasons To Get A Massage Now
Health | August 15, 2014
Some of us consider a massage relaxing, but not necessarily therapeutic. Sure, it may feel good, but its benefits are often judged in the same way as a manicure or a trip to the salon. The truth is a proper massage done by a professional has a bunch of therapeutic benefits for our physical bodies as well as our mental and emotional wellbeing.
Pain Management – Massage therapy is an effective way to manage pain, especially back pain, without the use of medications. According Dr. Dan Cherkin who headed a recent 2011 study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine, proper massage can be as effective in helping manage back pain as yoga, acupuncture and painkillers. Massage can also help counter the effects of headaches caused by tension or migraines, labor pains and certain types of arthritis.
Better Sleep – If you’ve ever dozed off on the massage table there’s a reason for it. Massage improves our sleep. In fact, some studies indicate that massage therapy increases our delta waves, an important brain wave associated with deep sleep.
Workout Recovery – If you’ve been at the Zgym long enough you’ve experienced your share of sore muscles. Massage therapy is one effective way to increase circulation around our sore muscles and aid in the recovery process. Massage therapy also helps with muscles that tend to tighten up over time such as our backs and the outsides of our legs. Tight muscles not only cause pain, but can also lead to injury. Our muscles should be strong and sexy, not rigid and stiff. Massage, alongside stretching and mobility work, is a great way to keep our muscles supple.
Helps With Anxiety and Depression – Numerous studies show massage therapy reduces the level of cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol is considered a stress hormone. It is usually released in our bodies during moments of anxiety and stress including depression. Part of the reason a massage feels so relaxing is because, physiologically speaking, it is.
If you’re pressed for time and can’t always make an appointment with your massage therapist, learn how to foam roll. Some of you warriorZ may be massage therapists as well. Share your insights with me. I’d love to hear your feedback on massage therapy.
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I love your workouts, fashion haul videos and beauty tips. Thank You, You are my inspiration in my life 🙂
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I wish I could make my life about fitness. You’re like a freakin godess! Literally perfect 10. Inside and out.
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Nice article, Zuzka, thank you! I’ve once had a course of vacuum-roller massages. I did like the result a lot. Have anyone tried and what do you think?
Tanya
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I don’t think any equipment can do better than a proper professional Chinese massage, when they work your every muscle using fingers only.
Even though the process can be very unpleasant and painful, it does help, particularly with back pain and similar problems.
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I ABSOLUTELY agree! This is my professional opinion (licensed massage therapist and licensed physical therapist assistant)
Private Member |
Very true 🙂 I am a professional masseuse and massage a variety of client’s including personal trainers. All walk out feeling relaxed stress free and report back to me saying how much better they feel not only on the physical level but also on the mental level too. I train everyday and try to have a monthly maintenance massage.
Zuzka if you ever come down to visit Perth Western Australia, please drop past my Day Spa for a massage! 🙂
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Massage it`s a great help for body sculpting and relax. When I have the opportunity I go to massage. I love face massage and do it myself when I have time.
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This is an older article but how about using massage to move the lymph nodes? In that sense, couldn’t we argue that massage helps prevent cancer? Planet Fitness has massage chairs and the membership is reasonable at less than a quarter of the price of a professional massage. They have a hydro-massage bed and a massage chair. I bought a massage table for less than $200. It folds up and stores easily. It literally takes 30 seconds to set it up. It’s also great for stretching and I prefer to do my seal rocks on a massage table. I have a wand that my husband and I use to hit particular spots. You can literally follow along with videos on YouTube and practice giving a good massage to your spouse from home.