A Massage Is More Than Just a Spa Day Activity
When some people hear the word massage, the first thing that comes to mind is an image of their dream vacation at a luxury spa beach resort on a secluded island. Although massages are offered as a form of pampering for luxury purposes, this stimulation procedure is also used as a legitimate health technique, which can help treat issues such as insomnia, stress, headaches, digestive disorders, sports injuries and more.
Insomnia and Migraines
One of the health benefits of a massage is its ability to relieve insomnia, the clinical term for the inability to fall asleep at night. Insomnia is a very common ailment, affecting more than three million people in the U.S. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, inadequate sleep can lead to a higher risk for illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, obesity, and more. Because these types of diseases are some of the main causes of premature death in the United States, it is safe to say that this particular muscle stimulating activity is extremely beneficial.
Not only can a massage reduce the risk of sleeplessness, it is also reported that this activity can significantly reduce the pain associated with tension headaches and migraines. For many people, migraines can become a debilitating affliction, preventing them from working, or enjoying their leisure time. Of course, there is medicine available to help with migraines, but the truth is, in certain cases, taking pills just doesn’t get the job done. There are also those who are interested in avoiding the possible side effects, which come from taking medicine.
Digestive Disorders
Along with the aforementioned advantages, massages are often used to treat digestive disorders, such as bloating, constipation, cramping, and more. Constipation, for instance, is an issue that affects millions of people on an ongoing basis. Some people deal with this problem on an almost weekly or even daily basis, with little to no relief.
In 2014, the publication Massage Today noted that nearly 15 percent of the United States population suffers from constipation. By reducing the risk of this illness, there is a diminished need for things like laxatives, as well as a reduction in the dangerous effects that this sickness has been known to cause.
Prevention
Muscle stimulation is also beneficial in the area of prevention. It is often used as the go-to method to treat athletes as they continually put their bodies and muscles through extensive daily stress. However, it can also be used as a tool to prevent common injuries that come along with intense physical training. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but when an athlete can circumvent common injuries, it also reduces the risk of that particular injury turning into something even more severe.
Of course, no one can argue that a massage is an enjoyable luxury for spa days and vacations. There are tremendous advantages to these sorts of relaxation, too. However, the serious and potentially life-saving health benefits that can come along with this activity should not be overlooked.
