Why Massages Are More Than a "Treat Yourself" Splurge

Raise your hand if you feel like your body's dragged down, tight, and tense. It's probably safe to assume that most of us feel that way more often than not, even if we're not exerting that much physical energy.

"Our ancient ancestors were foragers; we are meant to move and not sit in a chair for eight to 10 hours a day," says Barbara Close, a licensed massage therapist, esthetician, and founder of Naturopathica. She continues, "Because of our sedentary lifestyle, the fascia that surrounds our muscles becomes constricted. As a result, we lose range of motion, as well as lack of circulation to muscles." (Fascia, by the way, is connective tissue that's primarily made from collagen and wraps around muscles and organs. Those knots you always get? They're fascia.)

Common results from hardened and constricted fascia — and a common complain that Close receives — include sciatic pain, neck aches, and headaches. A massage softens and breaks down the fascia, thereby reducing tension, aches, and pain.

Image via @squeeze