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From starving artists to elite athletes, people from all walks of life are embracing the benefits of massage.
Massage used to be considered a luxury — an indulgent pastime for the bourgeoisie — but those days are long gone. People are slowly but surely discovering the abundance of benefits that massage has to offer.
In fact, a 2014 survey by the American Massage Therapy Association found that the majority of people people who seek out massage do so for medical reasons, while less than a third believe it’s purely for pampering. On top of that, three quarters of respondents felt that massage should be considered a form of healthcare.
Health Benefits
Still not convinced? Massage doesn’t only loosen your limbs — it can heal your body as well. The American Journal of Public Health reports that massage can alleviate chronic tension headaches. It’s also good for your heart: Pacific College has found that massage can manage hypertension.
Additionally, the Cancer Council explains that massage can help cancer patients tolerate the side effects of treatment, alleviating nausea, pain, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Massage can also the improve the circulatory, lymph, and immune systems, according to the University of Utah.
But the benefits are massage aren’t purely physical — the University of Minnesota claims that massage can moderate a variety of mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, and anger management.
Athletic Performance
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If health perks aren’t enough of an incentive for you, massage also offers athletic advantages. One factor influencing the mainstream acceptance of massage is the impact it has on sports performance and recovery.
According to Pacific College, massage after athletic activity can reduce Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness by 30%. When it comes to everyday exercise, massage can increase range of motion and reduce muscle tension.
It improves blood pressure following high-intensity sessions and also regulates breathing, ultimately improving athletic performance. Now, who wants to sign up for a session?
There’s the Rub
The benefits of massage can be overwhelming in quantity and variety. But don’t worry: a quick trip to Navina for a session of Thai massage therapy will have you thinking clearly again.
While there are plenty of different forms and disciplines of massage, Navina’s balance of ancient spiritual practices and modern physiology is the one most likely to meet your physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
Whether it’s a clear mind or an agile body you’re seeking, talk to a Navina practitioner today about what you want Thai massage to do for you.
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