Massage: it's more than just a little "me" time
Mmmmmm.
My body feels like mush and my brain is in la-la-land.
Now this could be the result of two things: seeing Alexander Skarsgard in real life at a TIFF after party on Saturday (yes, that’s right…I was mere inches away from my not-so-secret celeb crush…and, yes, he is just as stunning in real life) or the therapeutic massage I just had here.
While Skarsgard is an absolute beauty my brief encounter with him is not solely responsible for the euphoria I’m feeling. My massage therapist is. A massage is one of the easiest things you can do for that beautiful body and mind of yours. It requires absolutely zero effort on your part (aside from that exhausting flip mid-massage from your front onto your back) and continues to benefit you long after the massage is over.
We associate massage as a pampering experience, something you do once in a blue moon as a present to yourself. And is a great present but I’d argue that we should be getting oiled up and kneaded a whole lot more regularly. A good massage is more than just an hour away from the kids. It’s actually really great for your well-being. Here’s why:
- Relieves tension (both physical and emotional). We spent a great deal of our days hunched over - at our desks, in our cars, at our computer. And, we live in a high-stress society with constant external stimulation, noise, long work days. All that slouching and stress accumulates in our muscles. It builds up until one day you find your shoulders are tighter than a pair of Russell Brand’s pants. Massage helps to relax those muscles back into their normal state so that they can function optimally. Massage also decreases cortisol levels (the “stress” hormone which in excess leads to a whole schwackload of problems like decreased immune function, adrenal fatigue, difficulty losing weight and elevated blood pressure). Nice to know that that relaxed, zen-like state you get to after a massage isn’t just a feeling. Your body actually responds to it on a chemical level.
- Detoxifies. Did you know that the process of having someone work out all those knots stimulates your lymphatic system? Well it does. Your lymphatic system transports waste from your tissues and unlike your circulatory system which has a pump (your heart) the lymphatic system needs to be stimulated in order to work effectively. Exercise, skin brushing and massage are great ways to get that toxic sludge moving out of your cells. You know how after a massage the masseuse always tells you to drink a lot of water? That further helps to detoxify your body because now that you’ve got your lymph moving the junk around it needs to go somewhere. And water helps to flush it out of your system.
- Improves circulation. The pressure from massaging allows blood to get to more congested areas or spots that have poor circulation (extremities). Stagnant blood is not very useful. When it gets to all of your tissues it helps to aid in healing and recovery.
- Energizes. Getting a good rubdown oxygenates your cells by bringing oxygen-rich blood to your muscles and this helps to energize you (after you get past the sleepy, drool-on-the-pillow, zombie phase).
- Improves mood. Research shows that massage therapy increases serotonin and dopamine levels - two neurotransmitters that are connected with depression and anxiety. On a non-scientific level the effect of human touch cannot be underestimated. Simply being touched by another human can do wonders for your mood. That’s why all those people who give out free hugs are so damn happy!
Now that I’ve proven my “massage is an essential part of well-being not a special treat” case it’s time to take advantage of your benefits package or those “Good for: 1 free massage” coupons your love gave you for Valentine’s Day and do something both your body and mind will thank you for.
Have a happy Monday!
