By Nikolett Gabor, partner therapist at Urban Massage
They reduce aches and pains
New year is a time for new beginnings, so why not make it a new year’s resolution to set aside some time for self-care?
Trying to set aside just half an hour to relax after a busy day at work or running around after the kids is beneficial not only to you, but to those around you. Day-to-day just curling up with a book or taking a bath is a great way to unwind. But sometimes a little more is needed. Nikolett Gabor, one of the expert partner therapists at Urban Massage, has ten reasons why it’s worth making massage a regular part of your self-care ritual this year.
Improves energy levels
Most of us are juggling a million things - a career, busy personal life, a family, the gym, various hobbies and appointments – and a massage is the perfect kick to get us through a tough week. Massage helps stimulate blood circulation, which increases energy and heightens the efficiency of organ function. This process eliminates toxins, making you feel more alert.
Reduces aches and pains
Massage can correct muscular irregularities to release tension, and is an effective way to restore balance to your musculoskeletal system. In fact, research has shown that those who received a weekly massage over 10 weeks found that it lessened their back pain.
Gives positive hormones
Massages help to release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and more commonly known as the "feelgood" hormone. This is why you leave a massage feeling like you're on cloud nine.
Improves posture
Do you find yourself complaining about how much your back hurts after spending all day slouching in front of a screen? Massage can help you get back into the correct alignment by allowing the body to relax and loosen the muscles that have been made tense by bad posture.
A good night's sleep
A study from the University of Miami noted that those who receive regular massages have a significant reduction in sleep disturbances. You can book a massage just before bed for a natural alternative to other sleep aids, plus reducing aches and pains will help you rest easier too.
Lowers blood pressure
Not only do you feel more relaxed after a massage, but your blood pressure also lowers. A study saw a reduction in the blood pressure of women with prehypertension after having regular massages. Great for the heart and overall wellbeing!
Keeps you looking young
Massage isn’t just for your internal health; believe it or not it helps with our appearance too. Massage can help promote blood circulation to the skins surface, giving your complexion a healthy burst of colour.
Helps to ditch the painkillers
Massage can help decrease the frequency and severity of tension headaches. So the next time you're struck down with a headache, instead of reaching for a painkiller, why not book a last minute massage instead?
Lowers adrenaline
Massage helps to reduce the overproduction of the "flight or fight" hormone, allowing you to un-wind physiologically. A build up of unresolved adrenaline can suppress the immune system, and even decrease libido. When you treat yourself to a massage, you are also un-winding the adrenaline pumping through your veins.
Decreases stress
Reducing stress is the number one benefit of massage. As well as promoting a feeling of psychological calm, massage has been shown to physiologically reduce the feeling of anxiety and depression. With most of us leading busy professional and personal lives, we’re all in need of a little time to relax and combat the feelings of being overwhelmed or low.