Body Massage : Stress Relief

Whether you are on the giving or receiving end, no one can deny that a body massage is a great way to unwind after the end of the day. However, did you know that massage can do a lot more than just help you relax? While practitioners of homeopathic medicine have known this for quite a while, more studies are beginning show us how very useful massage can be. While we might get massages from our spouses, families or close friends, there is a lot to be said for getting a professional massage.

The first thing to think about is what happens during a massage. If you go to a professional therapist, you'll find that he or she will be able to provide you with a chair or a table to lie down on. You'll be asked to strip down to the level where you feel most comfortable or that is necessary for the massage, and you will have a towel draped discreetly over your hips. Typically, what happens next will be determined by what kind of massage you get. For instance, deep tissue massage will feel a lot rougher than something that is more mild.

You'll find that during the massage, more oxygen will flow to your body and your blood circulation will improve a great deal. When we are stressed and tense, our muscles will lock up, and continuous muscle tension will lead to many problems later on down the line. You'll find that by getting a massage, your body will start relaxing, making many aches and pains simply disappear. You'll find that a massage, far from exhausting you, will encourage you to let go of fatigue, tension and soreness.

There are many benefits that people attribute to massage. Through the advanced blood circulation, the massage will assist in weight loss and make muscles a great deal less tense. You'll also find that because the massage therapist will use oils, that your skin will be nourished and feel a great deal more refreshed. Similarly, there is a great deal of physical and mental stress that is simply released when you get a massage. You'll feel a general sense of well being as you relax. Many people feel that they get a great night's sleep after they have been massaged.

Then too, you will find that although the touching is quite professional, that it has a mental health benefit as well. It is thoroughly documented that people touch each other less now than they ever have, and because touch is such an important need, we are suffering for it. If you are in a situation where you have not been touched in a long time, massage therapy can help you find an enhanced sense of wellness that has been absent in your life. Don't underestimate your human need for gentle, platonic touch.