So Why is Massage So Good For Me?

          We all know that unlike going to the dentist, receiving massage is something we WANT to do...Why is that?  Well, because it feels great!...But Why?  Because I can relax....But Why? (I’m sounding like my 2 ½ year old daughter now!)  But seriously, have you ever wondered what is going on a physiological level?  An emotional level?  A spiritual level?  Let’s investigate that...

Plain and simple, on a physiological/mental level, massage can...

•    Reduce Stress
•    Decrease Anxiety
•    Enhance Sleep Quality
•    Reduce Fatigue 
•    Give Greater Energy
•    Improve Concentration
•    Improve Circulation / Condition of your Muscles

          Now, when the muscles in your body achieve a state of relaxation through massage, what is happening as a result are important chemical changes in your body.  First of all, Cortisol in your body is reduced.  An elevated Cortisol level can be very detrimental to important cells for immunity.  So, to keep colds, flues and other illnesses at bay, it’s important to keep stress in check (Cortisol level low).

          As a direct spin-off of low Cortisol levels / low stress, one experiences less anxiety in their life.  The hormone Melatonin continues to be produced and preserved at a healthy level.  Melatonin is what makes the eyelids heavy and brings on a sleepy state right before bedtime.  So, having good sleep time means less fatigue in the daytime and of course, greater energy and greater mental concentration.  Sounds good so far?

          Well, we shall continue our discussion in the next blog with how massage improves circulation and the condition of our muscles....