Our bodies can take a toll from lifting and moving around every day. No wonder a lot of people look forward to relaxing massages by going to posh health clubs and spas. However, you don’t need to visit these establishments just to experience a relaxing body massage.
For one, you can order massage chairs online or in health and wellness shops. Massages are also available in hospitals, airports, and other unlikely places. You can even ask for a simple massage from your spouse at the end of a busy day.
Having that said, everyone can experience getting a massage without having to go to expensive massage salons and spas.
The art of massage
Massage is an art. It is more than just pressing and rubbing the skin of any sores and pains. Rather, it is a strategic way of providing relief from body pains through different hand strokes and varying pressure levels. As a result, you can feel better after getting a massage.
There are different massage types, each of which varies in strokes and movements. Massage therapists are also trained to master the art of massage and help provide relief from aching bodies. Among common types of massages include the following:
Swedish massage
This type of massage is ideal for people who are about to get a massage for the first time. It is a gentle massage that uses different techniques that will help loosen up your muscles and feel relaxed afterward.
You are required to take off your clothes or leave your underwear on, and then you lie on your stomach while the masseuse will work on your major muscle groups for the next 60–90 minutes.
Aromatherapy massage
It combines the use of massaging techniques plus the soothing effects of essential oils. Aromatherapy massage helps in boosting mood, reduce signs of depression and anxiety, and feel relief from sore muscles and body pains. Imagine getting a massage while being able to inhale the fragrant scent of the essential oil. Relaxing? Indeed.
Sports massage
It is similar to Swedish massage but is used to alleviate pain due to sports-related injuries. Aside from providing pain relief, sports massages also help in improving athletic performance and flexibility.
Trigger point massage
This type of massage is ideal for people with chronic pain and injuries. As the name suggests, the massage focuses on the body’s trigger points and providing relief from pain and soreness.
There are other types of massages. But all of these have one thing in common: to provide relief from all sorts of body pains.
Why you should get regular massage
Massage therapy offers important benefits to our well-being. As already mentioned, it can help provide relief from aching muscles. Plus, you will feel more relaxed after an hour of massage. Aside from that, other reasons why you should schedule a regular massage include:
- Helps reduce the feeling of stress
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve sleep and digestion
- Reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease
- Improve physical performance
- Improves immune system
- Uplifts your mood and feel more positive in life
No one would say no to a massage. Not only it can provide relief from sore muscles but also improve your health and well-being.
