There are all sorts of ways in which we can look after our physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, but one of the best – and perhaps one of the most effective – is going for massage therapy on a regular basis.
Interestingly, massage therapy itself can be dated all the way back to 3000 BC (or even earlier), where it was used as a way to promote natural healing, as well as illness prevention and cure.
Some of the earliest written records of massage therapy were discovered in both China and Egypt, while there is even evidence of people kneading each other in ancient tomb paintings… and the fact that it’s something we still use today suggests that you too could reap the benefits of enjoying a lovely massage from time to time.
There are lots of different techniques that massage therapists can employ, depending on specific ailments, injuries, conditions and so on, including the likes of pressing, rubbing and manipulating of the skin, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
You may also find that deep pressure is used by your therapist (which can be painful but which brings with it relief from aches and pains).
Research shows that the physical benefits of massage include improved circulation, reduced pain, improved flexibility, better sleep, stronger immune system response, decreased stiffness and reduced inflammation of the joints.
As for your mental health, massage can potentially benefit you by reducing stress levels, making you feel more relaxed, giving you a big mood boost, reducing feelings of anxiety and making you feel more energised.
Even if you don’t have any specific physical complaints or injuries that need to be addressed, massages are a great way to indulge in a little self-care, yielding all sorts of positive benefits that can make you feel like new.
