No one can deny that massage feels amazing — but they can have some amazing health benefits, too. Seriously, massages can be an important part of your emotional and physical well being.
That said, even though a really good backrub can put you in a better mood, reduce stress, and much more, only 9 percent of Americans have had a massage in the past year. Which is a crying shame! Click through for 11 more reasons that you need to book a massage today.
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Ease Your Pain
Anyone who has had a massage can tell you that it's good for muscle pain. But a study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center showed that cancer patients actually found about a 50 percent decrease in pain and other symptoms when they got a massage, with results lasting for 48 hours after the massage. Massage has also been shown to help immensely with lower back pain.
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Lessen Anxiety and Depression
Human touch releases hormones that foster a sense of well-being, and massage can be a healthy and safe human touch. Massage significantly lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and when cortisol levels are lower, you are better able to fight off feelings of sadness and anxiety.
Remember — on its own, massage is not the solution to long-term depression, but it can be very helpful when used in conjunction with more conventional treatment options.
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Alleviates Migraine Headaches
In a study published by the International Journal of Neuroscience, people who had two thirty-minute massages per week reported less pain and more headache-free days than subjects who did not get massages. They also had higher serotonin levels, which is associated with a better overall mood.
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Helps You Get Your Zzz's
Can a good massage cure your insomnia? Maybe... Lots of times people can't sleep because they are stressed, anxious, or in pain — and as you just read, massage helps with all of these things. Getting a massage in the evening allows your nervous system to slow down and let you finally get a good night's sleep. Note to mamas — baby massages can help the babes snooze, too.
