In a high-stress society, it's common for
people to feel overwhelmed. However, we all know the importance of self-care
and wellbeing. Finding time to look after your needs can seem impossible, but
massage therapists are vital in discovering a sense of renewed wellbeing.
Sure, the main purpose of massages is to
relieve muscle tension and promote flexibility, but they're so much more than
that. As a holistic treatment, regular massages can relieve stress and decrease
the impact of depression while also reducing muscle pain.
General wellbeing requires a multi-pronged
approach that focuses on your life's physical, mental and spiritual aspects. In
this guide, we'll reveal how massage therapy aligns with them.
The principles of wellbeing
A person's overall wellbeing defines how they
approach life and function, with physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as
the underpinning themes.
Each plays a significant role in work,
relationships and health. Issues in one of these categories can have a knock-on
effect.
Physical
wellbeing
Simply put, physical wellbeing is the process
of caring for - and respecting - your body. It means regular exercise, focusing
on your health and limiting unhealthy practices, such as drinking too much or
eating unhealthy foods.
Failing to get enough exercise can have a
negative impact on your health. In contrast, exercising regularly but not
looking after yourself can result in chronic pain and muscle problems.
According to research from the NHS, three in ten
adults report ongoing musculoskeletal pain,
which can impact their ability to enjoy life
and perform daily activities.
Mental &
emotional wellbeing
In simple terms, mental wellbeing is about how
you deal with stress, while emotional wellbeing refers to managing emotions.
It's no secret that mental health is an ongoing issue in the UK, with one in
four adults experiencing issues each year (Mind).
Stress can lead to anxiety, which then turns
into depression, creating a vicious cycle that seems impossible to get out of.
Some people also deal with social stigmas and discrimination due to the lack of
understanding regarding mental health (WHO).
Spiritual
wellbeing
Often forgotten, spiritual wellbeing is an
integral component of a person's overall approach to life. It doesn't
necessarily mean being part of a religion, but developing morals and finding
your place in the world.
Understanding that we're part of something
bigger can help many people navigate feelings of emptiness, but spiritual
wellbeing can also help you discover a place of peace.
How massage therapists promote your wellbeing
Regular massages can revamp your health and
promote all elements of general wellbeing. To understand how it can help you,
we need to look at its many benefits, including reducing physical pain,
enhancing your emotional wellbeing and helping you feel connected.
Musculoskeletal
disorders
These conditions can often cause pain,
stiffness and general issues when performing daily activities. Dealing with
ongoing discomfort regularly can also lower your mood and cause insomnia, but
massages can alleviate these effects.
By reducing stiffness and tension, many people
find they have less pain and enhanced mobility, which improves their quality of
life.
Depending on whether it's an injury or general
strain, deep tissue massages can also improve posture.
Preventative
health measures
Whether you spend your days working at a desk
or in a physical role, there's always a risk of injuries. However, massage
therapy can enhance flexibility and prevent these injuries from occurring in
the first place.
If you suffer an injury, it might not be as
severe because regular treatments mean your muscles are more likely to recover
quickly.
Stress
reduction
Stress can cause various side effects, but
massages can lower your stress hormones, including cortisol while boosting
serotonin and dopamine. When these hormones increase, getting a good night's
sleep and relaxing is easier.
If you deal with regular headaches due to
tension, you might find massages decrease their frequency and promote
relaxation.
Support for
depression
Depression can be devastating for anyone's
health, but massages can reduce the symptoms it often causes. For example, they
promote relaxation while enhancing sleep quality and boosting your mood.
While medication and therapies are central to
treating depression, massage
treatments in London can make you feel
more connected and emphasise the importance of self-care.
Total
clarity
It's so easy to get wrapped up in negative
thinking patterns and general stress, but giving your mind a rest can help you
approach problems with ease. When you have a massage, its soothing features
mean you can clear your mind and focus on the present.
Some techniques, including using aromatherapy
with massages, create a sense of tranquillity and let you unwind.
Balancing
energy
Shiatsu and Reiki focus on balancing energy
and creating a spiritual experience where the mind and body connect. Specialist
therapists practising these techniques believe that aligning energy can promote
spiritual wellbeing by creating a sense of balance.
Not only does this make you feel more
connected to yourself, but it also makes you feel part of the surrounding
world.
Introspection
Introspection is crucial to spiritual and
mental wellbeing because it allows you to look within yourself and identify
with thought patterns. Understanding your emotions can be therapeutic and
central to making positive changes.
For example, if you know you focus on the
negative, recognising this can be the first point in changing those thinking
patterns while also gaining some perspective.
Promotes
self-care
It's so easy to get lost in everyday life, but
taking time and focusing on self-care can be all you need to get back on track.
Massages are forms of self-care, and scheduling a regular session means taking
positive steps.
Whether it's a deep tissue, Swedish or trigger
point massage, you should feel relaxed and focused after each session.
The bottom line
Massage therapists offer a holistic approach
to wellbeing, and a certified specialist can revamp all areas of your life. If
you're looking for a professional service, we have female and male massage therapists in London available for booking today.
With various techniques available, I Love
Massage is the go-to place for stress-free booking. Please feel free to choose
your therapist today.