A massage, feels, well, good… But here are five other surprising health reasons why you should be encouraging your clients to keep coming back for more time on the massage table.
Colds be gone
Massage can help to boost immunity. Cortisol, the hormone in saliva, which is produced when we are stressed, kills cells which are vital for immunity. Massage helps reduce stress levels and zap cortisol in the body, meaning the body is better able to fight off colds and other lurgies.
Shiatsu, Swedish, Sports…
There are 80 different types of massage being performed across the globe. But don’t be too freaked out about which one is best; there’s little evidence to support one kind of massage over another. What does count is the pressure. Research suggests the most positive effects come from a deep, firm massage.
Matters of the heart
Research has found that massage reduces high blood pressure, a key risk factor in heart attack or stroke. This may be because massage stimulates pressure receptors which prompt action from the vagus nerve, one of the nerves that stems from the brain.
Eases cancer symptoms
According to a study by Michigan State University, reflexology has been found to help cancer patients better manage their symptoms and aid them in their daily tasks. The idea behind reflexology, which has been around since the time of the Pharaohs, is that stimulating certain points on the feet can improve the function of corresponding organs and glands in the body.
More is more
One massage is good. Regular massage is even better. This is because the benefits of massage accumulate over time. Regular massages will boost a person’s range of motion and give them a prolonged sense of wellbeing.
Have your say: Do you encourage your clients to destress with a massage?