National Massage Therapy Awareness Week is coming up on October 22-28, 2017. Here are the top 10 reasons to treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage this month (or to use your built-in credit if you’re already a monthly Zeel member).
10. Massage relieves stress
This is a big one. If you’re not stressed out, you’re probably either unconscious or a cat. One of the best ways to relieve that stress is a massage from a licensed massage therapist. If mental worry is your biggest issue, opt for a Swedish massage, a technique designed to promote relaxation. If you’re pregnant, opt for a prenatal massage.
9. Massage manages back pain
Back pain is a constant irritant for office workers. All those hours you spend slumped in a chair or curled around a keyboard translate into back cramps and knots. Massage is the ideal way to iron out those snarled muscles.
8. Prenatal massage eases prenatal discomfort
When you’re expecting a baby, you are incubating the miracle of life. You are also most likely suffering pelvic and lower back discomfort, due to said baby. Aside from giving birth, a prenatal massage is a great way to ease the less comfortable aspects of pregnancy. You’ll feel happier and calmer, and your baby-to-be will too.
7. Massage boosts your immune system
Achoo! October may be National Massage Month, but it’s also the start of cold and flu season. Aside from getting your flu shot (if you’re in New York City, Pager will come right to your home or office) and washing your hands frequently, getting a regular massage is a great way to boost your immune system and ward off nasty germs. Massage has been proven to reduce inflammation (which hurts the immune system) and increase numbers of your bug-fighting white blood cells.
6. Massage helps you sleep
Sleep is crucial to maintaining good physical and mental health. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, skip the pills — a massage might be the answer to your insomnia woes. Massage has been proven to improve both the length and the quality of sleep. An in home massage means you can go to sleep right away, rather than having to drive home from the spa while drowsy. Plus, you can now book a sleep massage specifically designed to gently lull you into a state of relaxation.
5. Massage increases your range of motion
We don’t always move as freely as we’d like to, whether that’s because we’re recovering from an injury, have tight tendons and ligaments, or have a condition like arthritis. Massage is great at increasing the range of motion in limbs and joints, allowing them to move more freely and with less pain. Ask for a sports massage if you’re interested in improving your range of motion.
4. Massage can relieve carpal tunnel syndrome
Between your tablet, your smartphone, your laptop and your work PC, it’s likely that you spend a lot of time pointing, tapping, clicking, and typing. That means you might be feeling a telltale twinge in your wrist – carpal tunnel syndrome, a repetitive nerve injury caused by overuse. Fortunately, a deep tissue massage from a skilled and licensed massage therapist can reduce or even eliminate carpal tunnel symptoms. Make sure to tell your therapist that you have carpal tunnel prior to your massage.
3. Massage reduces the frequency and severity of headaches
Stiff muscles can impede the flow of blood in the body. One result: a pounding headache. Luckily, massage is a great way to boost blood flow and circulation, making headaches less frequent and severe.
Recommended Reading: 7 Surprising Natural Headache Remedies You Can Try Today
2. Massage helps you recover from workouts
October is the peak of marathon and sporting season. But more workouts mean more sore muscles and post-run stiffness. Fortunately, massage has been proven to reduce the incidence of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), getting you back on the track, field, or treadmill that much faster.
1. You deserve it!
Aside from all its wonderful therapeutic effects, massage just plain feels good. Massage is one of the few nice things you can do for yourself that’s also good for your mental and physical health.
So go ahead and celebrate National Massage Month with a Swedish, deep tissue, sports or prenatal massage.