7 Reasons You Should Give (Or Get) a Massage this Holiday Season

It's that time of year again when the days seem to fly by and the holiday season is upon us for better and for worse.

 

I have a headache...

While we might not be able to control the hoards at the shopping mall, messing up that new holiday cookie recipe, or our obnoxious cat chewing through the third set of lights on the Christmas tree, we can blissfully focus on taking care of ourselves and our loved ones by giving and getting some massage therapy.

So why is the gift of a massage (for your loved ones or just for yourself) one of THE very best gift options around?


Let us count the ways....

1.)  Massage brings major stress relief.

This is usually the first benefit people think of when considering massage. Research shows that massage helps release tight muscles, releases toxins, and produces feelings of clam, relaxation, and even bliss.

Ahhhhhhh.....

2.) Massage helps take away pain.

A recent study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery shows that massage therapy can significantly reduce pain, anxiety and muscular tension, as well as enhance relaxation and satisfaction after cardiac surgery. Full study »


3.) Massage makes us feel happier and more at ease.

Massage has been said to have an array of benefits, including alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, back pain, asthma, fatigue, and even HIV. A recent study shows there are sustained, cumulative beneficial effects of repeated massage therapy. The effects persist for several days to a week, and differ depending on the frequency of sessions. Results of the study were reported online in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

4.) You'll sleep better and get rid of pesky toxins.

Regular massage sessions have been found to decrease depression and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality, perhaps because they trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help you feel calm. The technique has been found to benefit children and adolescents, as well.  Read more at Sleep.org



5.) Massage warms you up.

OK. I know we just happen to be in Florida so freezing temperatures are not normally a big complaint around here. But if you are the type who gets cold easily, why not add a little heat therapy to your massage? You might get started with a Hot Stone Massage. The stones release heat as they calm and relax the muscles, and are incorporated into the strokes of the massage. The application of heat provides a similar end result as a deep tissue massage, without the potential soreness that can result. Learn more here.


6.) Massage is not a luxury or only for a select few.

"The notion that massage is ‘just an indulgence’ is antiquated,” says Brent A. Bauer, M.D., director of the complementary and integrative medicine program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. "There are over 1,000 studies and published reports that offer scientific evidence on the health effects of massage therapy. There are certainly direct effects like changes that happen at the muscle level and pain pathways and a reduction in stress hormones, such as cortisol. But there are also indirect effects like being in a comfortable setting and a compassionate human presence that can all lead to profound effects on our stress levels and emotional state.” Read more at Dr. Oz.com: Why Massage is a Necessity Not a Luxury

7.) You work hard and deserve a massage! Really.

 'Nuff said. Do you really need more convincing?

Remember, if you are looking for the perfect gift that anyone will appreciate then head over to your favorite and trusted massage studio, get a beautiful gift certificate, and pop it into a holiday card.  If you are in the Miami, Florida area, look no further.

And if you also give a massage gift card to yourself along with a note of appreciation for all the wonderful things you have done this past year, well... there's nothing more merry than that!

Happy Holidays from Healing Hands in Miami!