With more and more people putting health and wellness at the top of their priority list this year, services that support overall well-being have been increasingly sought after. Massage therapy, for example, has gained popularity for its ability to enhance overall health, and with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week taking place October 22 – 28, it’s a great time to celebrate massages and their many benefits.
Massages have been proven to offer multiple health benefits for both mental and physical well-being. Research shows that massages can do wonders for relieving stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as the physical symptoms associated with conditions such as headaches, shoulder tension, high heart rate, insomnia, and fatigue. But that’s not all, massages can also be instrumental in increasing range of motion, improving cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation and scar tissue, and minimizing the frequency of migraines.
Extensive research has proven massage therapy to also be supportive of various health treatments, making it an optimal option for those in need of rehabilitation after surgery, people living with chronic diseases, expectant mothers, war veterans dealing with physical injuries or psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as patients undergoing cancer treatments.
An example of this is a treatment known as the Oncology Massage. With growing evidence-based research, this massage treatment has emerged as a specialized service, providing customized care for individuals dealing with cancer. This type of massage assists in addressing the side effects of treatments, such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and nausea, as well as alleviating associated stress and anxiety.
Regardless of the reason, anyone can indulge in massage therapy and reap the mental and physical advantages. National Massage Therapy Awareness Week also aims to educate the public about the different techniques and styles of massage therapy that have been developed to target specific concerns or meet certain goals. One of the most popular and widely recognized forms is the Swedish massage. This technique combines rhythmic tapping and kneading strokes to target surface muscles and alleviate tension. If relaxation is your goal, look no further than a soothing relaxation massage that promotes calmness and helps you unwind from the daily stresses of life.
Expanding further, aromatherapy massages employ the use of essential oils to provide specific health benefits, while the revitalizing Shirodhara treatment involves the gentle pouring of warm oil over the forehead, heightening awareness and managing stress. For a contactless yet invigorating experience, HydroMassages utilize heated water within a specially designed table, offering revitalization and reducing inflammation without the need for a massage therapist.
If you are looking to observe this National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, booking your favorite treatment, trying a new style of massage, or giving the gift of a service to a loved one is a great way to do so. With multiple options to choose from, celebrating massage therapy this October is your opportunity to take a step towards self-care and overall wellness.
