6 Important Health Benefits of Massage for Overall Wellness

(Photo : Andrea Piacquadio)

Though we live in a modern, fast-paced society and life gets chaotic for most of us, we still understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Like no other time in history, today, people prioritize their health and wellness in various ways. Experts predict that people will continue to seek more personalization and control of wellness services and products for decades to come. While you may be eating a balanced diet, prioritizing sleep, and even taking supplements to extend your efforts, one area you may overlook the importance of is regular massage. Whether you're just starting your healthy lifestyle or are looking to boost your wellness strategy, keep reading to discover the important health benefits of massage from which everyone can benefit. 

Lowered Stress Levels 

Everyone experiences stress from time to time, but reducing your stress levels is essential, with over a quarter of the population reporting chronic stress or anxiety. Stress is referred to as the "silent killer" because the long-term effects of stress can harm you emotionally and physically. From physical ailments as small as headaches to deadly ailments like high blood pressure, including regular massages into your health regimen is key to reducing stress levels. Those appointments can boost your mood by giving you something to look forward to every week, biweekly, or monthly depending on your budget. 

Improved Mental Health 

Today, more people are working from home, which may sound ideal, but studies have also shown it can hurt your mental health as humans are hard-wired for socialization. Staying healthy when working from home has a lot to do with your emotional well-being, and studies show that anxiety and depression can be helped through routine massage. If you've never had a professional massage and are dealing with mental health issues, book one today and see the immediate release of some of those tensions. 

Immune Boosting Benefits 

Our immune systems are integral to how good we feel beyond when we're sick with colds, other viruses, or diseases. You can boost your immune system through regular massage by increasing the level of your body's natural T-cells, known as your "killer cells," that fight off viruses. On top of plenty of Vitamin C, rest, and a healthy diet, a product like a Dyson or a Homedics back massager is the perfect addition to your immune-boosting defense during cold and flu season. At-home massage products are a great way to reap all the benefits of massage, but especially when sick, products like this can be a game-changer in returning to your normal self. 

Pain Management 

Living in a human body comes with occasional aches and pains, especially as we age, but studies show anywhere from 20-35% of the population reports living with chronic pain. Whether recovering from a strenuous workout or managing chronic pain and inflammation, regular sessions with a massage therapist or investing in an at-home massage device can give back some of the quality of life you had before your pain issues. Massage is integral in managing pain and can help you avoid the long-term use of pain-relieving medications. 

Boosts Fitness Efforts 

It wouldn't surprise most people to learn that top-ranking athletes receive regular massages, and one of the reasons is to help recovery time; another is that massage actually improves their physical fitness. When you have to spend less time recovering from strenuous workouts, you can spend more time training. Massage also improves your exercise performance and can even prevent injury. If you spend a lot of time working out at home or in the gym, you may even play recreational sports; massage should be a regular part of your fitness regimen. 

Better Sleep 

We all struggle with falling asleep occasionally, but 50-70 million Americans report difficulty falling and staying asleep regularly. Research shows that regular massage can improve sleep in children and adults alike. Sleep is integral to overall health and wellness; this is a core reason for incorporating massage into healthy habits. 

Massage can benefit your life in many other areas, from improved cardiovascular health, and balance in seniors, decreasing stress in cancer patients, relieving headaches, and even tempering the effects of dementia. If you've always viewed massages as a "splurge," or visits to a masseuse aren't in your budget, then investing in an at-home massage product is an affordable way to invest in your health, and true wealth comes from good health.