When you think about getting a massage, most people think about the pampering side of things. Though the idea of pampering yourself is one that shouldn’t be overlooked, more and more clinical studies are proving that massages are more than just a lavish luxury. Sure, it relaxes the body and feels great, but there are several health and therapeutic benefits that those who have preexisting conditions such as diabetes or even the average healthy person can benefit from. From healing cramps, aches, and pains to improving one’s ability to sleep at night, massages may just be the new natural remedy to treating various day to day complications.
Benefits To A Massage
As you may or may not know, a massage is essentially the manual manipulation of the soft tissues in the body. There are various types of massage therapy, and each of them offers their own set of benefits. Depending on what your daily complaints, ailments, or preexisting medical conditions might be, a massage can help to significantly improve your overall well-being. Below is a detailed list of the many benefits you could experience with a massage:
- Improved blood circulation
- Enhanced immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
- Relieves pain and tension
- Improves your mood (decreases levels of stress and depression)
- Improves conditions including: arthritis, diabetes, and/or fibromyalgia
- Stimulates the nervous system
- Improves the look and feel of skin
- Improves recovery time for those suffering from injuries
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Improves joint movement
These are just a few of the various health and therapeutic benefits of receiving a massage on a regular basis. Earthlite, an online vendor for finding the perfect massage table for their customers, has a great read on how massage can be referred to as a form of medication.
Finding a Massage Therapist
If you believe that you could benefit from getting a massage on the regular basis, it will be imperative for you to find a qualified massage therapist to work with. You want to take your time in finding a massage therapist that has the overall experience and abilities to provide you with the best overall experience possible. Just as you would take your time in finding a qualified doctor, dentist, or mechanic, you should do the same for a massage therapist. Since you will be in a intimate/vulnerable environment you’ll want to make sure that whoever you choose is someone you also feel physically comfortable with. Below are a few questions you might consider asking to find the ideal massage therapist:
- How long have you been practicing massage therapy
- Do you have any educational experience or are you a self taught therapist?
- If you went to school for training, did you complete the course? What school did you attend?
- Do you have the proper certifications and licensing to practice in the state?
- What types of massage therapy do you specialize in?
- I am experiencing problems in this particular area, what methods can you use to help me with this?
Do you have any current clients I can speak with about your services and their experiences?
The more you get to know and familiarize yourself with your massage therapist, the better relationship you’ll develop, which essentially means a better overall experience. It is also ideal to interview more than one therapist to ensure that you’re making the best choice.
Hopefully reading this post has helped you to understand the true significance and benefits to getting a regular massage. When looking to relieve pain or discomfort, combat mental illnesses such as chronic stress or depression, or simply to improve your overall health, scheduling regular appointments with a certified massage therapist is ideal. Take your time in selecting a massage therapist that has the qualifications, experience, and capabilities to give you sessions that will encompass several benefits and help improve the overall quality of your life.