Gone are the days when massage was only luxurious pampering. With immense health benefits, massage therapy is a form of relaxation, as well as a great way to relieve symptoms, heal injuries, and aid certain conditions.

Massage therapy has about 80 different variations, styles, and techniques — each with its distinct health benefits. Especially now, we could all use a little bit of relaxation while boosting our overall well-being at the same time. 

Here are five surprising massage therapy health benefits you probably didn’t know about:

1. Relieves Stress and Anxiety

With COVID cases dangerously high here in Sacramento and across the country, it’s natural to feel anxious and stressed. However, prolonged stress can lead to adverse consequences. That’s why it’s more critical now than ever to unwind, relax, and de-stress.

Massage therapy boosts your body’s ability to produce positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These are the hormones responsible for giving you a sense of well-being and the feeling of relaxation, thus reducing stress.

2. Helps You Achieve Better Sleep

In the same vein, massage therapy can also help you sleep better at night. It’s easy to think that many of us have a hard time falling asleep because of a natural tendency to overthink unfamiliar and stressful situations, but both mental and physical stress are among the top causes of insomnia. Once you’re more relaxed and free from stress, however, better sleep naturally follows suit.

An estimated 50 - 70 million Americans suffer from sleep-related problems, and it’s no secret that sleep-deprivation can negatively affect your health, well-being, and overall quality of life. It’s vital to address issues or conditions that are keeping you from getting better sleep, and massage therapy is one possible, effective solution.

3. Improves Blood Circulation and Relieves Muscle and Joint Pains

We’ve all been there, whether it is soreness after exercise or soreness after sitting hunched over a computer all day. Thankfully, massage therapy can help. Among the many benefits, it can improve blood circulation in your body. Poor blood flow can increase your risk of developing conditions like swelling, muscle tightness, and tension, all of which can cause pain and discomfort. 

However, the friction created when the therapist applies pressure on your skin stimulates better blood flow. Meaning, massage therapy can help loosen tight muscles, alleviate soreness and joint pains, helping improve your flexibility and mobility. 

4. Assists With Digestive Disorders

Do you suffer from bloating, constipation, and indigestion? If yes, then massage therapy can be the answer you’ve been looking for.

By softly applying pressure to the stomach area, abdominal massage therapy can help aid digestion and improve metabolism through the increased release of enzymes. This helps your body flush toxins out quicker and more effectively, which consequently allows your digestive system to work at its optimum potential.

5. Boosts Your Immunity

The combined benefits of receiving massage therapy regularly can help boost your immune system. All the benefits discussed above — whether it’s reducing stress, improving sleep, or stimulating blood flow and digestion — help enhance your body’s natural defenses. 

Even if you don’t suffer from any symptoms or conditions, getting a massage can prove crucial. Not only will it allow you to relax and unwind, but it can also help improve your health and wellness.

Sit Back, Relax, and Get a Free Massage

Aside from following social distancing guidelines and other health protocols, our number one defense against COVID-19 is our own good health. While vaccination campaigns have already begun here in Sacramento and other areas across California, rising cases and the emergence of a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant means that staying healthy should still be your top priority.

Here at Allmed, your health and safety are our top priority, and we want to do everything we can to help. One of our primary care physicians and massage therapy specialists, Dr. Mikhail Palatnik, offers free massage therapy sessions for Medicare patients at our West Sacramento office. All our locations strictly implement the highest COVID safety standards, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, you can book an appointment now or call (961) 617-2515. We look forward to serving you soon.