Hi, It’s Connie again here to talk about how a massage can have many health benefits. The physical benefits can include improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, and decreasing joint inflammation. It can also help with decreasing pain and soreness. The Mental benefits of a massage can reduce stress, anxiety, and alleviate depression. It can help improve your mood, increase your energy and overall feelings of wellness. A massage can also help increase the activity of the body’s natural killer T cells, which help fight off viruses. So, it can help boost your immune system. You may ask how it does all of this? It is because it helps release endorphins, these are called the “feel good” chemicals (hormones) that are released in your brain (pituitary gland) by pleasurable things. You want to know how to release or make these endorphins? Here are a few of the ways to make them, Massage, Acupuncture, Meditate, Aromatherapy, eat a bite of dark chocolate, listen to music, and laugh with friends. They always say laughter is the best medicine. Things that are pleasurable, help increase your endorphins. The word endorphin comes from the words “endogenous” which means within the body, and “morphine”, an opiate pain reliever. Put together, that means endorphins are natural pain relievers. Endorphins are a type of neurotransmitter or messenger in your body if you will. They attach to your brain’s opioid receptors and carry signals across your nervous system. To shut the pain, signal off or increase your mood. Overall endorphins are beneficial for good health.

A massage can help relieve headaches by releasing tense muscles that can press on nerves and blood vessels that can restrict the blood flow or pinch the nerves. Massages can help with balance, improve muscle tone, and relieve cramped muscles. It can also help with arthritis pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck pain, and joint replacement pain. A massage can be beneficial for people of all ages, whether they have a specific health issue or just looking to destress.

I know for myself when I walk into the room with the lower lights and soft music, I just feel more relaxed. When I climb into the heated bed and lay down it makes my back feel so good. I know my therapist makes me feel special as she works on those tight muscles. After she is done, I feel like a new person, my back is loose and not hurting. But a word of advice for you is to drink water before and after your massage, because it will help flush the toxins that get released from the muscles during the massage. I try to go once a month; she works on me for an hour. It helps with my headaches also. Sometimes it can open up my sinuses too. Speaking from experience I feel pampered when I leave her place, and it is addictive but a good addition. I know this helps me make it through the next month of work. Have a great day.