We all know a massage can help you relax, but here are some of the health reasons to book an appointment today.   Most individuals are dealing with some type of postural stress. With the many hours we spend seated in cars, at desks, and in front of our electronic devices, compensation patterns begin to build in our bodies creating pain, discomfort, and loss of mobility to name a few. These underlying postural dysfunctions lead to other symptoms including but not limited to: headaches, muscular tension and pain, muscular weakness, even organ dysfunction.

1)      Massage Therapy Can Counteract Imbalances caused by Prolonged Sitting if you receive regular treatments

Massage can relieve muscle pain, through increasing circulation and reducing hypertension in the tissue.  A 2011 Study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is an effective treatment for chronic back pain.   

2)      Massage Reduces Anxiety and Depression

Per a study in the International Journal of Neuroscience, women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported less depressed and improved mood. Another study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed, happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

3)      Massage Improves Sleep

Massage is an effective, healthy, and substance free way to aide individuals who have insomnia and or trouble sleeping.  Per studymassage.com.au Insomnia is often associated with a lack of serotonin. Serotonin plays a role in mood, behavior, body temperature, physical coordination, appetite and sleep. Massage increases serotonin levels. Therefore, it is a therapeutic, drug-free means of reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. It is logical to seek a natural remedy to increase serotonin levels for people that are sleep deprived. In addition, serotonin is needed for our bodies to produce melatonin. Melatonin influences the sleep stage of our circadian rhythm. Circadian cycles are the internal periodic rhythms that profoundly affect sleep and wakefulness. This rhythm is what keeps us healed and whole. On a 24-hour cycle, the sleep and wake rhythms carry us through the vitality of the day and the restfulness of the night. When rhythms are broken, or interrupted, the result is discord and possible feelings of anxiousness and stress. Massage helps restore balance so the rhythms of your life ebb and flow in a more natural pattern.

4)      Massage Boosts Immunity

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients white blood cell count. This is important because white blood cells play a large role in defending the body from disease.

5)      Massage Relieves Headaches

Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy has an immediate effect on perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches. So, the next time you have a headache before reaching for the pain medications try booking an appointment and see for yourself.

These 5 Health Reasons to receive consistent, maintenance massage therapy are great reasons to book a treatment with Functional Health + Wellness today. Take the first step towards helping yourself now and in the future to be happy, healthy and pain/stress-free. 

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