By Krisy Anderson, Owner, Beverly Hills Day Spa
Is your New Year’s resolution to exercise more for health reasons, alleviate pain, destress and relax? One of the most beneficial ways to do this is through massage—especially when increasing your work outs! And it’s not just for women; men, you deserve to feel good, too. A massage has incredible benefits for your physique and, for those who exercise, soothes your sore muscles even more than stretching after a workout.
Pain Relief: Next time you think about popping that pain pill, make an appointment for a massage instead. Soreness and stiffness result when overworked muscles produce waste products like lactic acid, and massage can help by improving the circulation to muscles to flush these out. Tense muscles can also compress blood vessels and nerves, and massage leads to a gradual release that eases the pain. Just be sure to let your massage therapist know if your pain is caused by stress, injury or surgery.
Improved lymph movement: Lymph is the milky-white fluid that drains waste from the cells. The pumping effect of muscle contraction moves lymph through the body, and massage (as well as exercise) can facilitate the process. The pressure of massage also increases blood flow that can help reduce swelling after surgery.
Increased circulation: The manual pressure of massage increases blood flow to the treated areas. The increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles to help repair and revitalize the body.
Better skin: Massage helps the skin by stimulating the sebaceous and sweat glands. Increased blood flow also has a positive effect on the skin by supplying the cell with nutrients and oxygen. More blood at the skin’s surface also leads to a rosy, healthy glow.
Positive attitude: Massage has been shown to increase the body’s protection of “feel-good” endorphins and the mood regulating hormone serotonin and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Balance the nervous system: Stress revs up the nervous system, leading to restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety, muscle tension, cardiovascular stress and even abdominal problems. Massage helps reduce stress and the body’s reaction to it, bringing your nervous system back into harmony.
More perfect posture: Muscles that are too tight or too slack can throw off your posture. To compensate, your body will utilize other muscles, which can eventually become accepted by your body and lead to permanent imbalance and chronic muscle pain. Massage can loosen those areas and help bring them back into balance.
Questions? I’m here to help with a customized massage tailored to your needs and would love to talk with you. Visit beverlyhillsdayspa.com or call me, Krisy, at (850) 654-8544.
