Massage spa has always been popular, but they’re gaining even more interest lately because of all the benefits they provide to the body and mind. Here are the top 9 benefits of visiting a massage spa, whether it’s occasional or regular, so you can decide if it’s right for you!
1) Reduces Pain
It’s a common misconception that massage is only for pleasure or relaxation. The reality is, massage therapy is primarily used to treat pain and stress. And with as many as two-thirds of adults experiencing persistent pain at any given time in their lives, massage can be an effective way to reduce it. Massage can even relieve fibromyalgia pain more effectively than prescribed medications can.
2) Improves Overall Health
When you’re working with a massage therapist, you’re not just getting a relaxing rub down—you’re actively participating in improving your health. Regular massages help to reduce stress, promote healthy circulation and boost your immune system. Some research suggests that massage also increases levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) as well as oxytocin (the feel-good hormone), both important chemicals in your body that contribute to overall well-being. People who get regular massages are less likely to develop high blood pressure or heart disease and they sleep better too! By encouraging relaxation through touch, massage promotes healing by enhancing local circulation and can have long-term effects on many different parts of your body—including your mood and posture.
3) Improves Mood
Research from Harvard Medical School shows that massage therapy reduces blood pressure, promotes relaxation, and reduces anxiety. For these reasons, it’s often prescribed for patients who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. In one study, massage lowered participants’ heart rates and made them feel more relaxed. Another study found that 60 minutes of massage a week improved participants’ mood after only three weeks.
4) Eases Stress
Stress is one of today’s leading causes of unhealthy aging. And while massage therapy is a great way to relieve stress. It’s also an excellent option for helping you live a healthier life. It has been shown to boost immune system function and improve circulation. Which helps you stay healthy when faced with illness or injury. It also increases endorphins in your body. Which makes you feel good. Reducing your risk for depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. Research shows that getting at least 30 minutes of massage therapy per week can reduce stress and anxiety by more than 50 percent. If stress is holding you back from enjoying life to its fullest – try a massage spa!
5) Relieves Anxiety
Studies show that massage spas can help reduce stress and anxiety. If you suffer from anxiety, a massage spa is a non-medicinal way to reduce symptoms without potentially dangerous side effects. A 2014 study published in General Hospital Psychiatry found that patients who underwent regular sessions had significant reductions in anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue while also increasing their ability to enjoy life. In addition to lowering your overall stress levels, a massage spa can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. which are two common indicators of general health.
6) Relaxes Mind & Body
Feeling a little tense? A massage spa might be just what you need. Research shows massage can have numerous benefits for your mind and body, including reducing stress levels, improving overall well-being, and lowering blood pressure. Plus, there’s also growing evidence that massage has positive effects on chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and hypertension (high blood pressure). All in all, getting a professional massage can improve your health in multiple ways—which makes it worth every penny!
7) Promotes Relaxation & Sleep
There are only so many hours in a day. Making time for a massage reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which is especially important if you’re sleep-deprived (which you probably are). The end result: you’ll sleep better at night, leading to more energy during your waking hours. We’ve written before about how massage therapy can improve sleep, but it’s worth noting that anything that improves your quality of life can improve your well-being. In other words, even if something else is keeping you awake at night, getting a massage can help indirectly by improving your overall mood.
8) Lowers Blood Pressure
Massages boost your immune system, making you less susceptible to ailments like headaches, colds, and flu. According to one study, massage therapy may also help lower blood pressure by as much as 15 percent. That’s because regular massages release endorphins, which block pain and make us feel good. With less pain and more relaxation comes a healthier body that can fight off disease on its own. In fact, one study found that a little daily R&R may even help you live longer! But beware: Too many massages can actually cause soreness due to overexertion.
9) Keeps You Active
While we don’t always have time to squeeze in workouts, a regular massage can help keep us active. Studies have shown that regular massages encourage more vigorous activity and make it easier for people to increase their overall fitness. If you feel less stiff from your massage, you may actually be more likely to engage in exercise than if you hadn’t gotten a massage at all. And if you love exercise but don’t enjoy pain, consider getting a sports massage before or after your workout; these massages focus on working with your body rather than fighting against it.
Top benefits according to clients
The first and most obvious benefit is relaxation. Whether or not you’re stressed, massage can help to reduce your stress levels, improve circulation and improve your immune system by reducing cortisol. Another notable benefit is pain relief: a study from 2010 showed that massage therapy can help to treat back pain as well as other forms of muscle aches. It also improves flexibility and posture, helps with weight loss, protects against illness, and promotes good sleep quality. Finally, it improves the overall quality of life: regular massages make people happier in general—not just when they’re receiving a treatment!