3 unexpected health benefits of massage therapy

Dim lights, soft music, the smell of essential oils. We all love a massage to de-stress and pamper ourselves- but did you know it’s useful for more than just relaxation? You may be surprised to learn these three lesser-known benefits of massage therapy.

1) Massage eases headaches

According to Statistics Canada, “in 2010/2011, an estimated 8.3% of Canadians (2.7 million) reported that they had been diagnosed with migraine”¹. And even if you’re lucky enough not to have experienced a migraine, we’ve all had a headache at one point or another. 

Massage can be used as a treatment. Registered massage therapists know pressure points that can be used to alleviate tension headaches, and it can also be successful in reducing the frequency of a person’s migraines². Think of it as a natural alternative to ibuprofen!

2) Massage can treat digestive disorders

Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation. Sound familiar? Digestive trouble can be very distressing. Thankfully, massage therapy can be used to treat these conditions. Alt MD states “Massaging the affected area can help stimulate the spontaneous movement of the digestive tract (a process called peristalsis) and reduce symptoms such as cramping, bloating, gas, and constipation”³.

3) Massage can improve your sleep

Getting a poor night’s sleep can ruin your whole day - you’re groggy, sluggish, and usually ill-tempered the morning after. With chronic insomnia, you could be experiencing these effects every day. Massage helps to reduce stress that can hinder sleeping patterns and make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. What’s not to love about catching a few more zzz’s?

There are seemingly endless possibilities to the health benefits massage therapy provides, and let’s be honest, it can be pretty soothing up on the table. 

So why not treat yourself and book a massage with one of Lifemark’s experienced and attentive therapist. Find convenient locations in your community at https://www.lifemark.ca.

Resources

1)    http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-003-x/2014006/article/14033-eng.htm
2)    http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits?...
3)    http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Massage-for-Digestive-Disorders
4)    https://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Therapy...