Boosting Mental and Physical Health Through Regular Massage Therapy
Anxiety and stress aren’t just psychological; they also exist in the body. When your mind is in a state of high stress, it triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response and increases cortisol levels. Increased cortisol can lead to headaches, fatigue, anxiety symptoms, a weakened immune system, and even heart disease. Massage therapy works to balance out the effects of the fight or flight hormones by activating your parasympathetic nervous system and stimulating the release of feel good hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
As a result, you can experience reduced feelings of depression and anxiety as well as heightened mental clarity. The oxytocin released during massages promotes feelings of connection and emotional warmth, which can help you cope with and manage your emotions. Plus, the calming effect of massage reduces insomnia and helps you achieve restful sleep.
For individuals who struggle with chronic pain or a physical injury, massages can relieve a variety of physical symptoms including tense muscles, joint stiffness, and swelling. Adding regular massages to your wellness routine can provide long-term pain management and help prevent future injuries by keeping muscles flexible and strong.
Massages also reduce the body’s inflammation response, which is caused by a faulty immune system. This helps the body fight off diseases and illnesses, as well as speed up healing times when the disease or injury does occur.
Aside from the instant calming feeling you get post-massage, regular sessions will teach your body to stay relaxed even during periods of high stress or anxiety. The more your body can learn to calm down, the more resilient you will be against future stressors and negative emotions.
Besides massage, there are a number of other things you can do to keep your mental and physical health in check. For example, laughter is a great way to decrease stress and improve your mood, and meditation can help you relax and focus on the present moment. It’s also important to establish healthy habits and stick with them. Routines reduce stress and can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle, as they make it easier to choose healthy food and exercise options.
How often you should get a massage depends on your individual needs and the amount of stress you’re under. For most people, a monthly massage will help keep stress levels low and muscles and joints in tip-top condition. For athletes or those who are under significant physical stress, bi-monthly or even weekly massages may be necessary to prevent injuries and ensure optimal performance.
Ready to start boosting your mental and physical health? C contact a local massage therapy in Atlanta for a consultation. They can recommend the right type of massage to suit your needs. They can even provide a stretching routine to do at home, to maximize the effects of your session. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at Midtown Family Wellness. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
