Happy 2017 to you all! January is the perfect time to start incorporating changes into your life. At the start of a new year, it’s easier to begin working on a long-term road-map to a healthier, happier you. So, what’s your resolution and how can massage therapy help you achieve it?
1. Lose Weight
If your goal this year is to lose weight and tone your body, massage therapy can be a huge benefit. Working out can create stress and tension in the muscles, making you susceptible to injuries that might halt your weight loss journey. The muscle relief that regular massage provides – especially after an intense workout – can reset your body and relieve tension.
Additionally, massage can be performed on areas with high fat cell accumulation – like the abdomen, thighs, and glutes, for example – to help aid with weight loss. Proper massage can burst the fat capsules, help the body absorb the fat, and cut down on extra fat storage. Though the visual isn’t pretty, the science is there and the benefits are real.
2. Eat Better
Irregular eating habits, busy lifestyles, and high levels of stress can all lead to unhealthy eating habits and poor metabolism. But taking the time for proper self-care can serve as a wake-up call – to both your brain and your metabolism.
Regular massage creates a pattern of self love and healing, which can help you eat more intuitively and healthfully. A weekly reminder that you are worth the extra time might be the boost you need to start eating better. In addition, studies have shown that massage therapy can stimulate your body’s metabolism, helping you burn nutrients more quickly and effectively.
3. Get More Rest
Getting quality, uninterrupted sleep is vital to being and feeling healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression.” In short, you need more rest. And massage can help.
Massage therapy stimulates your body to produce serotonin, which is necessary to produce melatonin, which is necessary for quality sleep. It can even help those who combat insomnia get better, deeper sleep.
4. Detoxify Your Body
Before you leap into a juice cleanse or fasting, you might want to look at how massage therapy can help you detoxify. Massage therapy stimulates the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which increase your blood flow and help your body eliminate waste more effectively. The benefits of massage are particularly necessary for a properly functioning lymphatic system.
Your lymphatic system doesn’t have a central “pump” to keep things moving. It relies on things like gravity, bodily exercise, breathing, and manual stimulation to keep going. A simple massage can help you clear out swelling, boost your immune system, and keep your organs healthy.
5. Be Less Stressed
You don’t need me to tell you how hard stress is on the body. But many studies have shown the effects of massage on people dealing with stress and anxiety.
Massage therapy can lower your heart rate, increase your endorphin production, and lower cortisol production – all things that contribute to a decrease in stress and anxiety. Studies have even shown that as little as a single 1.5 hour session can help reduce anxiety in general. I would recommend a weekly massage to keep the “feel-good” chemicals flowing and anxiety at a minimum.
Whatever your resolution is this year, I encourage you to try massage. It’s a holistic way to care for your body, mind, and soul – something we should all be aiming for in 2017. If you’d like to schedule a session with me, I would encourage you to either call me at (315) 651-3805 or book online.