Health Benefits of Massage

By Emily Tittle

You’ve probably heard about self-care. It’s a pretty hot topic these days, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Self-care is taking action to preserve your health. There are so many ways to do this, including exercise, getting outside, meditation, a hot bath; really anything that relaxes you and relieves some of your stress.

I’ve found that a massage can be a great method of self-care. There are so many benefits, including improvements to your health. 

There are many types of massage, designed to do a number of things, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Massages can help you reduce stress and improve relaxation. That’s very important for self-care. When your mind is calm, it’s much easier to deal with any obstacles or stressors without too much of an impact on your daily life.

They can also help you reduce pain, muscle soreness and tension. If you suffer from chronic pain or certain medical conditions, a massage could help reduce your symptoms or give you some relief. I have some ongoing issues with my hip, and I always feel so much better after seeing my massage therapist. He’s even taught me stretches to help in between visits! 

Massages can also help improve your circulation, energy and alertness. They can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. Massages can even help improve your immune function!

The Mayo Clinic lists a number of conditions that could be helped by massages, including anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, nerve pain, sports injuries and joint pain.

If you’re ready for a massage, ask your doctor or someone you trust for a recommendation. You’ll want to make sure they are licensed and registered. Ask about their training and experience. Find out whether your insurance covers massages, and what the cost will be. You’ll also want to ask if you’ll need multiple sessions.

Regardless of your reason for needing a massage, hopefully you’ll experience the benefits firsthand.