4 lesser-known massage benefits you should know
Massage therapy has become increasingly popular due to its wide range of benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, easing muscle pain, improving flexibility, and promoting relaxation. However, some lesser-known advantages are worth exploring. Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to improve physical and mental well-being, and the benefits go far beyond just relaxation and tension relief.
1. Benefits for pre-and post-natal people
Massage therapy can be a great way to relieve the discomfort that comes with carrying extra weight during pregnancy, such as lower back, hip, and sciatic pain. It has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing stress, which is beneficial for both the mother and baby. At Naós, our skilled pregnancy massage therapists use hydrating and nourishing oils like avocado, coconut, and sunflower to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Our private studio space is comfortable and soothing, providing you with a truly relaxing experience. We can accommodate your needs at any stage of pregnancy, including the post-partum or the fourth-trimester period. It's important to take some time for yourself and improve your mood while regulating post-partum hormones. Book a pre or post-natal massage at our sanctuary studio now.
2. Strengthens the immune system
As most of us should know, stress has a serious impact on our immune system and can majorly impair its functioning, making you more prone to illness and injury with slower healing and recovery. Naturally, massage reduces stress and increases white blood cell activity and has been shown to increase levels of lymphocytes (cells that help to fight off harmful substances in the body) So, given that massage decreases discomfort and pain, this can in turn greatly improve our mental health and wellbeing, which will reflect well on all systems in the body and keep them working optimally. Boost immune functioning with The Fortify - Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
3. Elevates mood
Post-massage, you may come away with a new, fresh outlook that can make you feel like starting a clean slate. This is no coincidence - as massage improves overall circulation and oxygenates the blood, improved blood flow to the brain increases our clarity and tolerance levels. During your massage, it allows you time to slow down and reset your perspective on certain situations in your life right now that may be causing you stress and anxiety. Regular massage enhances your sleep quality, better sleep means you will wake up feeling emotionally resilient and stable, better able to deal with stress. Massage also increases levels of serotonin, a neurohormone that regulates behaviour in terms of emotions, acting to calm irritability and cravings for sugar and certain foods, and dopamine, produced by the hypothalamus that affects intuition, inspiration, joy, and enthusiasm.
4. Hormone rebalancing
Hormones dictate every waking (and sleeping) moment of our being. There’s no getting away from the fact that having hormonal imbalances disrupts us physiologically. From poor sleep, depression, slow digestion, weight loss/gain, irritability, inflammation and more. A lot of the benefits of massage are thanks to the elevation of neurohormones. Neurohormones are produced by the nervous system, and recent studies have solidly concluded that massage works by bringing us back towards homeostasis, meaning a natural state of balance. Massage has been found to bring our hormones back to a balanced state by stimulating all of our body’s systems and creating a sense of equilibrium. Go for our most soothing and balancing massage ‘The Calm’ at Naós.
Make massage a part of your monthly self-care.
Incorporating massage as a regular part of your self-care routine is a solid investment in your long-term well-being. By taking care of your muscle health, massages can help prevent injuries, reduce muscle tension and soreness, and improve flexibility and range of motion. Furthermore, massages can be a great way to support your mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting relaxation, and improving your overall sense of well-being.
