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Massage and Health
There is nothing more relaxing than having a skilled massage therapist work out the tension from overly taunt neck and shoulder muscles.
But How Is Massage An Important Component To Mental Health?
Stress causes the blood vessels to constrict and reduce circulation. Muscles become tense. This decreased circulation to our brain hinders our ability to focus, problem-solve and be productive. When our muscles are tense, and our circulation decrease, our mental health may be at risk.
Massage can increase circulation by manually applying pressure and movement. It stimulates nerve receptors causing the blood vessels to dilate, it increases oxygen capacity, loosens muscles, and increases body’s secretions. All of this is great for promoting the body’s relaxation response. A relaxed and healthy body promotes a relaxed and healthy mind.
The other benefit is that it takes you out of the hectic pace and forces you to be still and to let your mind wander for a period of time. When our mind is allowed to relax it is better able to focus when we need it to after the massage.
Beverly’s Hot Tip For Celebrating National Massage Therapy Awareness Week:
- Find a qualified massage therapist. Ask your friends who they would recommend. I like a therapist with very strong pressure. Other’s may not appreciate this or find it relaxing. If your not sure what your preference is let your therapist know and they can test to see your tolerance level.
- Book the time. If you wait for the perfect time you will never find it (Guilty of this one!)
- Find out if your workplace health will cover massage therapy treatments. In some cases you need a doctor’s note for the insurance to cover it.
Your Needs Matter
Remember that your needs are important. You need to take care of yourself first and foremost. My favourite quote always reminds me of this…”How thin can I spread myself before I no longer exist?” Our mental health is important and massage can play an important role in helping us to relax and keep life in perspective. So lay back and enjoy!
Contact Beverly about hosting a mental health workshop for your teams on how to build resilience. Discover tips to deal with stress and encourage positive stress management techniques!
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
Relaxation Day Article
National Relaxation Day – August 15