Generally speaking, the healing benefits of massage therapy have not received adequate recognition. Massage can have positive effects on your physical and mental well-being.
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
Massaging your body can create a beautiful sense of overall well-being and acts as a balm when you are in pain or your muscles are tight, which is often caused by stress. As a result, when you learn massage, you’re accessing a valuable skill for both yourself and your loved ones. It is worthwhile to explore the variety of massages available.
Massaging: A Complex Activity
Giving yourself or someone else a massage can have a profound impact on our entire being. It can provide us with a fresh perspective on life, especially if we are struggling with depression, stress, or anxiety. It can create an atmosphere of trust where both parties give and receive. Meanwhile, during self-massage, one can create a safe and private space where internal dialogue occurs.
A middle-aged man in a red shirt massages the shoulders of his spouse while sitting on a lawn outdoors amongst lots of greenery | Photo by Taha on Unsplash
Massaging in Culture
Massage has historically been used as a means of strengthening personal bonds with loved ones. Some people find it helpful to reconnect with their culture and develop a more grounded approach to their daily lives. Through this give-and-take, positive energies can be fostered and extended beyond us.
Effects of Massaging
While massage may seem like a simple activity at first glance, it has all kinds of psychological and physical effects on the body. Even a short massage session can trigger the release of beneficial hormones within the body, such as oxytocin, the so-called “happiness hormone,” as well as serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, it can reduce the activity of the stress hormone, cortisol, which has harmful effects on our overall health.
DIY or Getting a Professional
Numerous individuals believe that they require someone else to provide them with a massage to reap its benefits, but that’s not always true. In reality, there are various types of massages, and several people find that even self-massage can be beneficial. Giving oneself a massage can be quite helpful in many cases.
Good, You Want to Do It Yourself
Learning self-massage techniques is not difficult and can be applied to different parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, abdomen, feet, and even the upper and lower back. Self-massage can also alleviate headaches and migraines by releasing tension. For example, you can apply pressure to the base of your skull using just two fingers and gently move them in circular motions.
Coaches who are specially trained in directing massages ensure the massage flows and isn’t obstructed by fatigue or physical pain.
A woman in a blue long-sleeve shirt practices massage techniques on an unclothed person lying face-down on a massage table | Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
When to Receive a Massage
You can give yourself a massage as a way of connecting with yourself and understanding how you’re feeling. There is no specific time in the day or frequency to apply a massage. You can do it as many times as you need, depending on your personal preference. Some people prefer to get a massage once or twice a day, while others opt for once or twice a week.
Before going to bed, giving yourself a massage can help relieve tension and improve your sleep.
A Holistic View of Massaging
It is a very good idea to orchestrate a massage around healthy food habits, for instance, vegan meals that are rich in super ingredients.
Vegan food is known to be helpful for losing weight, reducing the risk of heart problems, and improving blood pressure. It also helps in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Combining massage with healthy eating habits is a great way to enhance holistic wellness.
Massaging and Mindfulness
Massage is one of many tools for facilitating personal transformation.
A well-executed massage can help you connect with a deeper sense of meaning in your life. Nowadays, there is a growing trend of combining massage with mindfulness practices, which can be highly personalized and lead to many insights, attitudes, ideas, and feelings.
Learning how to give a massage is a decision that you won’t regret. In fact, it’s a skill that you’ll want to share with your loved ones so that they, too, can enjoy its benefits.
