5 Benefits of Regular Massages

Unfortunately, it seems these days that stress has become an all-too-common part of our life. From work pressures to personal responsibilities, the demands of daily life can leave us feeling tense, anxious, and downright exhausted at times! There is a relaxing and effective way to combat stress however: regular massage therapy. 

It might sound extravagant, but massage isn’t just about relaxation; it actually offers numerous health benefits that can significantly reduce stress and improve our overall well-being. Here are five powerful ways that regular massage can help you with stress mangement and working towards leading a healthier, and more balanced life...

1. Reduces Muscle Tension and Pain

When we’re stressed, our muscles often respond by tightening up, leading to pain and discomfort, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. This muscle tension can make it difficult to relax, creating a cycle of stress and even causing ongoing physical pain.

How Massage Helps:
Massage techniques like deep tissue, CBD and hot stone can help target tight muscles, ease tension and increase blood circulation. By breaking down knots and improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues, massage helps relieve pain and discomfort. Hot stone massage uses the warmth to soften muscles before, while deep tissue targets your tight zones.

Benefit:
Reduced muscle tension not only alleviates physical pain but also promotes relaxation, leading to a noticeable reduction in overall stress levels. It can also help reduce ongoing pain caused by tight muscles, though please note, it is always best to consult your GP if the pain is ongoing.

2. Lowers Cortisol Levels

Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is released by the body in response to stressful situations. While this hormone is essential for survival (it's often reffered to as nature’s built-in alarm system!), high, long-lasting cortisol levels can lead to anxiety, weight gain, and sleep disturbances. 

How Massage Helps:
Research* has shown that regular massage therapy can significantly lower cortisol levels, by 31% on average! This is because massage promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which helps to lower our cortisol. It also increases serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation, leaving us to feel happier in general... though more on that in our next point!

Benefit:
Lower cortisol levels lead to decreased anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced immune function, helping the body become more resilient to stress.

3. Boosts Endorphin Production

Endorphins are the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. When stress is high, endorphin levels tend to drop, which can lead to irritability and a low mood.

How Massage Helps:
Massage stimulates the production of endorphins, as well as other mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. These hormones work together to elevate your mood and reduce stress. They're responsible for that blissful 'aaaaaah' feeling you have post-spa visit.

Benefit:
The increase in endorphins creates a sense of happiness and relaxation, which works to counteract the negative effects of stress and boost your general mental well-being.

4. Improves Sleep Quality

Ever stayed awake worrying about the next day, no matter how hard you try to sleep? Then you'll already be familiar with how stress can lead to sleep problems, iwhich can overtime cause more chronic sleep issues like insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.  Poor sleep, in turn, increases stress levels, creating a vicious cycle that’s once you're stick in can be really hard to break.

How Massage Helps:
Massage promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing muscle tension. This state of relaxation helps the body transition more easily into restful sleep. Please note, for more serious sleep issues, while a massage will help with provide a quiet, restful moment, it is best to see a GP for help with any ongoing sleep issues.

Benefit:
Better sleep quality improves overall well-being, enhances cognitive function, and helps the body recover from daily stressors. Regular massage sessions can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with sleep disturbances.

5. Enhances Mental Clarity and Focus

Chronic stress can cloud your mind, making it difficult to concentrate and think clearly (especially when tied with the lack of sleep mentioned above!). This mental fatigue not only affects productivity but also contributes to feelings of overwhelm and can lead to burnout.

How Massage Helps:
By reducing physical tension and promoting relaxation, massage helps clear the mind, allowing for better focus and mental clarity. The increase in blood circulation also ensures that more oxygen reaches the brain, enhancing cognitive function!

Benefit:
Improved mental clarity and focus leads to increased productivity and a more positive outlook, helping you tackle daily challenges with more ease and confidence. Not too bad!

Ready to experience the stress-relieving benefits of massage therapy?
Our skilled massage therapists are dedicated to helping you relax, recharge, and rejuvenate. Book your session today and take the first step toward a stress-free, healthier lifestyle. Find your local spa here.

* Field, T. (2014). “Massage therapy research review.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.