Benefits of Massage Therapy

By Barbara Williamson

Want to relax and find some relief from your stress? You may want to consider massage therapy. Adding massage therapy to your life can quickly restore your sense of well-being and help you face your life in a more positive fashion. So what can you get out of massage therapy?

* Reduces your stress and anxiety

It is a well known fact that in today's society, stress is known to be a culprit of of many health issues. It is also very treatable. Relieving yourself of stress can add years to your life as well as help you feel better. For those of you who have had a massage, you know how relaxing it is. (For those of you who haven't yet experienced massage, get ready for one of the best experiences of your life.) Under the hands of a good massage therapist, your body will begin to let go of all the stress you've been hanging on to. Your muscles will begin to relax and your anxiety and stress will start meting away.

* Massage therapy can reduce your pain

Most folks know that a long hard day at work can leave you with tight and sore muscles. You can ease this pain with a good massage. Plus, a massage can increase circulation to those tense areas, further relieving your pain. Massage is also known to provide relief from the pain of a tension headache.

* Massage therapy can improve the functioning of your immune system

Recent studies indicate that after recieving a massage there is an increase in the body's white cell count. The white blood cells assists the body in fighting diseases. By receiving a massage on a frequent basis, you can strengthen your immune system which, in turn, can aid your body in warding off sickness.

* Improvement of your circulation

As the muscles of your body start to loosen up, your blood flow improves. Better circulation gives you a nice natural surge of energy that can help you get through the day. Also, if you get a massage regularly, it will increase bloodflow in the skin which has the potential to downplay the appearance of cellulite.

* Decreases your blood pressure

Do you have high blood pressure? Research was conducted that showed when a person is simply touched, their blood pressure dramatically decreases immediately. In combination this with the other benefits of massage therapy like relaxed muscles, pain reduction, relief from anxiety and improved circulation, you have a valuable way to maintain an acceptable blood pressure level. (Something to take into consideration, if you have low blood pressure, you should be careful at the completion of your massage as you might be lightheaded.)

* Massage therapy can improve mood

Over and over again, massage has proven itself to be an excellent mood enhancer. It just makes people feel better. Here is one specific example: for women who have experienced the loss of a child, massage has been effectively utilized for treating their depression. If massage can help these women with their depression, there is a strong chance that it can improve your mood as well.

I'm sure you can see the benefits of massage therapy, but you may be wondering if it's affordable. Here is one possible solution for you: contact a local massage schools and ask about their student clinics. Massage schools conduct student clinics and offer their services at a reasonable rate. This is an excellent way to get a massage. Give yourself a gift. Contact a local massage therapist today. You will start feeling better in no time.