Anyone who has had a massage can tell you that it's good for muscle pain. But a study at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center showed that cancer patients actually found about a 50 percent decrease in pain and other symptoms when they got a massage, with results lasting for 48 hours after the massage. Massage has also been shown to help immensely with lower back pain.
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Lessen Anxiety and Depression
Human touch releases hormones that foster a sense of well-being, and massage can be a healthy and safe human touch. Massage significantly lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and when cortisol levels are lower, you are better able to fight off feelings of sadness and anxiety.
Remember — on its own, massage is not the solution to long-term depression, but it can be very helpful when used in conjunction with more conventional treatment options.
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Alleviates Migraine Headaches
In a study published by the International Journal of Neuroscience, people who had two thirty-minute massages per week reported less pain and more headache-free days than subjects who did not get massages. They also had higher serotonin levels, which is associated with a better overall mood.
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Helps You Get Your Zzz's
Can a good massage cure your insomnia? Maybe... Lots of times people can't sleep because they are stressed, anxious, or in pain — and as you just read, massage helps with all of these things. Getting a massage in the evening allows your nervous system to slow down and let you finally get a good night's sleep. Note to mamas — baby massages can help the babes snooze, too.
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Supports Your Immune System
Studies show that after people had a 45-minute Swedish massage, the number of white blood cells (aka the ones that fight infection) increased! Cold and flu season, we're coming for you this year! Got the sniffles? Book a massage to fight it off.
