Massages seem to be the perfect way to indulge ones self… to feel pampered and special. And yes, it is that, but it’s so much more. The therapeutic reasons to get a massage far out weigh simple indulgent luxury.

You may be surprised by the real physical, mental and emotional benefits that a person can gain from getting regular massages.

1. Massages go a long way to help manage stress. Beyond just being relaxing, a good hour long massage releases endorphins, like serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that enable a person to calm down. They counteract the adrenaline and cortisol hormones we release all day long to keep up with our daily lives. It creates a balance that lowers the “jitters” that keep us up all night worrying about everything but not getting enough sleep. And managing stress could very well mean the difference between getting sick and staying healthy. Yes, it’s that important!
2. Regular massages can help you stay off the pain pills. How’s this for a sad thought… Prescription pain medications causes more deaths the heroin and cocaine combined. Massage is a better way to deal with physical pain than popping pain pills any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Studies have shown that massages have reduced the need for pain pills for back pain by almost 4o%. There are plenty of other physical diagnosis that are helped by massages, such as migraines, arthritis and fibromyalgia.
3. Massage can relieve anxiety and depression. Remember that hormone I mentioned in number 1? Cortisol rages through our body when we are in pain and under a lot of pressure for a long amount of time. Increased cortisol can wipe a person out, making them feel sad, achy, depressed, sluggish and anxious. A regular massage will elevate the hormones that will balance out these feelings by lowering blood pressure, improve breathing, increase circulation to all parts of the body, including the brain.  A healthy ‘pick me up’.
4. Massages can help make you look younger. Listen up people! Since massage improves circulation throughout the body, the skin, which is the body’s largest organ gets a radiant look. Good blood flow means you get that special glow. Massage may also reduce the appearance of cellulite, by improving the lymphatic drainage.
5. Massages can boost the immune system. Your body’s natural defenses can definitely benefit by improving the function of the lymph system, which works to remove toxins, harmful bacteria and waste buildup. Clinical studies suggest that massages may enhance the production of natural killer cells, that are a first line of defense against all the elements are bodies are exposed to everyday.

A study discovered that the person giving massages also experiences a reduction in anxiety and increased endorphins! So, I am grateful to be here doing what I love to do… which is making my clients lives better.

Call, text or email me to book a massage today!

Sincerely, Diana T. Matthews, LMT, COTA