Well, here we all are, back in the swing of normal life after the Christmas and New Year break. I must say, I am rather relieved! Although back at work last Wednesday, I had no idea what day, date or year it was……..totally discombobulated!!! At least this week started with a Monday J

If the festive season and the return to work have left you feeling a little jaded, come along to The Garden Room for a massage treatment. It’s a wonderfully relaxing, rejuvenating and restorative way to spend your Christmas gift money.

We all appreciate that a massage treatment feels good but you may not be aware of all of the health benefits, which include:

Relaxation – when the body is tense and under stress, it produces unhealthy levels of the well-known stress hormone, cortisol, which can contribute to weight gain, sleeplessness, digestive problems and headaches. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease cortisol levels in the body, enabling the body to enter a recovery mode. Moreover, this form of therapy also triggers lasting feelings of relaxation, improved mood and reduced stress levels.

Can Help Lower Blood Pressure – regular massage therapy sessions have been found to reduce blood pressure levels. In fact, some long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can reduce both systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number) blood pressure. Lower blood pressure levels can also reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and/or kidney failure, as well as many other health issues.

Promoting Muscle Relaxation
– massage therapy can target the source of the body’s pain and discomfort by eliminating tense muscles, increasing flexibility and providing relaxation to the affected muscles as well as the body as a whole. Massage also releases endorphins (pain-killing hormones), which boost the dopamine and serotonin levels in the body. These hormones assist the body in many ways; physically as well as emotionally.

Encourages Improved Circulation – the long-term benefits of massage therapy are not to be underestimated. Improved circulation is part of a snowball effect that occurs in the body as a result of receiving regular massage therapy on a consistent basis. This is because proper circulation brings damaged, stiff, and tense muscles the rich blood supply they need to promote healing.

More Effective Elimination of Toxins – the squeezing, twisting, and pulling action of the massage technique (it feels better than it sounds…..I promise!) also removes lactic acid from the muscle tissues. As a result, this action improves the lymph fluid circulation, which carries metabolic waste products away from internal organs and muscles.

Can Help Improve Posture – chronic back pain, which is the number one reason for missed work days and second most common cause of disability, is often the result of incorrect or poor posture while standing and/or sitting. As a result, the added strain often causes spasms, pain, and tense muscles in the hips, glutes, back, neck, and legs. Massage therapy can help get the body back into proper alignment and be one of the most beneficial and relaxing aspects of massage therapy.

Assists in Strengthening the Body’s Immune System – individuals who experience high levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness and injury. When stress is combined with sleep disturbances and poor nutrition, the impact is directed at the body’s immune system. Its ability to naturally protect itself against infections, pathogens and bacteria is greatly reduced. Studies have indicated that regular massage sessions not only help reduce stress but can also boost the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity to help fight infection.

So, massage is not just a luxury……..make it part of your routine and reap all the benefits.

I have some availability during the rest of January, so why not check out the treatment menu page and enquire about booking an appointment.