By Jessica Feagin | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern
A self-care activity that I incorporate into my life is massages. If you are sore or stressed, a massage can relieve pain, promote relaxation, and ease muscle tension. There are many types of massages, such as Swedish, deep tissue, sports, trigger point, lymphatic, and prenatal massages (Schneik, 2022). A professional massage therapist can choose the best type of massage to cater to your needs.
Massages provide a broad range of physical and mental benefits. They can reduce anxiety and stress by lowering your cortisol stress hormone and increasing serotonin levels, (the feel-good hormone). These hormones can promote feelings of relaxation and calmness. Massages can relieve pain and muscle tension by promoting blood flow, and loosening tight muscles. They can also improve circulation throughout the body, help reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Other benefits include boosting immunity by increasing the activity of white blood cells and can help the body fight off infection. Studies show that a massage also help improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety and stress (Schneik, 2022). This is not recommended if you are pregnant, suspect any fractures or broken bones, have a life-threatening illness, or have any active skin rashes or infections (“Massage,” n.d.).
Many massage facilities provide services in Birmingham, Alabama, but my favorite place to get massages is Life Touch Massage. They provide professional, quality, and affordable massage therapy. If you live in Birmingham, AL, or surrounding areas, visit them at 1223 2nd Avenue S, Birmingham, AL, 35233. Do you include massage therapy in your self-care routine and recommend any massage parlors?
References
Massage. (n.d.). Better Health Channel – Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/massage
Schneik. (2022, June 29). Everything you need to know about massage therapy. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-massage
Wilkinson Wellness Laboratory 