The benefits of massage are endless, but one that stands out to me the most is the benefit of massage on stress. We are a fast paced society; lacking mindfulness of our needs. We go in to work, out of work, take care of spouses, take care of children, parents, siblings, pets. The average person tends to forget to eat, sleep, think about themselves or even breathe at times. Thankfully our bodies come equipped with reminders, subconscious reactors and the need to preserve. But when is enough, enough? Day in and day out we allow ourselves to be on that rhythm of life, on our routines, allowing our body to catch us when we fall, hoping we don’t run out of steam. Meanwhile stress is building with no escape. Researchers have found that 90% of disease is stress related. That is huge! Our society doesn’t have enough fun or time to relax. Fun and Relaxation are two incredible ways to reduce stress. Now fun can be portrayed in many ways, I don’t mean going out and downing a twelve pack at your local bar, having two shots and waking up with an awful headache, and no recollection of the night before. Although the thought of that may be appealing to some, and you may have laughed yourself to tears (or at least others did). Your body is now is a state of shock and chaos. So be mindful of positive fun, laughing, playing and getting your dose of vitamin D.

Now on to relaxation…aghhh. Or should I say relaxation massage! Everyone loves massage, but not everyone truly knows the benefits of massage on the body and mind.

****Massage is one of the oldest healing arts proven to help a wide range of ailments, from emotional balancing to its physical benefits. Massage relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, by clearing lactic acid and other bodily waste. Massage can help relieve chronic back pain, cramps, migraines, diabetes, labor pains, and much, much more. But the one topic I want to emphasize is Stress. Massage is known to improve circulation and enhance immune function by stimulating venous and lymph flow. Massage can lower blood pressure, blood sugar and the hormone cortisol (a natural steroid which increases blood sugar and suppresses the immune system). It raises serotonin levels (promoting a sense of well-being and contributing to happiness; also regulating mood, appetite, and sleep) and releases endorphins (amino acids that works as the body’s natural painkiller) The list of researched benefits are endless. Massage is known to decrease anxiety, improve concentration, and reduce fatigue, which are all common causes of stress.  Massage is now being provided in hospice care, neonatal intensive care units, for post-surgery and pain patients.

We are victims in the tide of circumstances in life… so be mindful of your body and its needs. Fill that water bottle, have a good laugh and get some vitamin D. And don’t go too long without a massage. Better yet, book one today with Natasha Sparks (me). I can promise a whole hearted, customized relaxation massage that will leave you feeling refreshed and new, and asking yourself “why didn’t I think of this sooner”.

Written by,

Natasha Sparks
L.M.T. since 2002
Massage Practitioner
Relaxation specialist