Do you think of massage as pampering or preventative health care? A professional massage is packed with health benefits and performed on a regular basis can truly be part of a preventative health maintenance program. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking advantage of this ancient healing routine in the form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in your health. Let's unpack the benefits of massage.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms and elbows. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure techniques based on your feedback to the therapist.

The benefits of massage are many and here is a list to name a few: 

• alleviate low- back pain
• improve range of motion
• enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow
• exercise weak, tight, or atrophied muscles
• improve the condition of the body’s largest organ--the skin
• increase flexibility
• reduce depression and anxiety
• aid circulation
• release endorphins
• relieve migraine pain
• and of course, relieve stress!

We know that stress is one of the most frequently sited reasons for disease. Stress also ages us faster, internally and externally more than anything else. Getting regular massage is ideal to help manage stress. It will decrease anxiety, enhance sleep, give more energy and concentration.

During a massage your body releases a lot of toxins and the massage itself is an overall workout, so be sure to drink plenty of water for the rest of the day to help flush those toxins from the body. Between massages make sure you stretch to keep the muscles lose and healthy. And, soaking in Epsom salt is a plus as well.

Work with your massage therapist to establish a schedule and selection of massages that best meets your needs. For more information on the variety and benefits of massages available such as deep tissue, aromatherapy, reflexology, lymphatic, etc visit the Spa Pangea page at Daireds.com. Budgeting time and money for massage at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health.

After hearing this why would anyone not want a regulary scheduled massage? Do you currently consider massage a necessary part of your health and wellness plan? Will this information impact your view of massage in the future? Leave us a comment below with feedback or questions.

Article by Cameron Mouka, Massage Therapist, Daireds Spa Pangea