Healthy Ways to Reduce Stress #3: Get a massage

Massages have been practiced for centuries in different cultures and for many purposes. In addition to providing relief and for strains, sprains and other muscular pain, massage therapy reduces recovery time after an injury. You may also experience a lighter mood, along with more energy and an increased ability to relax, which is key for those who have a lot of stress in their daily life.

Massage has been shown to reduce the levels of cortisol, a well-known stress hormone. University of Miami School of Medicine researchers reviewed a dozen studies that measured cortisol levels in massage therapy patients. Cortisol levels were obtained before and after each massage, and dropped up to 53 percent following the massages.

According to the 2010 American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Consumer Survey, 40 percent of Americans get a massage to relieve stress, and 86 percent agree that massages can be beneficial for health and wellness. This makes it clear that the importance of taking time out to get a massage cannot be underestimated.

The benefits of massage are widespread and include the following:

• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments, reduces pain and swelling and reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Relieves or alleviates headaches
• Reduces blood pressure
• Strengthens the immune system
• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieves mental stress
• Reduces levels of anxiety and depression

Mettler Center offers a variety of different types of massages and appointments are available 7 days a week. You do not have to be a member to get a massage, but members do receive a 10% discount off the regular price of a massage. We invite you to do something good for your mind and body and schedule a massage with one of our licensed massage therapists today!

For more information on Massage Therapy at Mettler Center, visit our website.