We’ve all heard the term ‘Self-Care’ – you can’t spend more than five minutes on the internet without being confronted by “demand” that you have self-care in your routine. But where does it come from? And is it possible that a massage is a form of self-care?
For the modern, working person, it can mean taking a few minutes for meditation, a healthy relationship with food, or – and no surprise, this is what we’ll be focusing on today – getting a regular massage.
Massage has connotations of being ‘decadent’, but not because it’s expensive, or because it’s a luxury that can only be enjoyed on special occasions. However, the reasons it’s viewed as decadent are also the reasons why it makes a great opportunity for self-care.
Relaxing Your Physical Body
We hold onto stress for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to stress from work, athletics, and pregnancy. The increased blood flow encouraged by the massage, your muscles will finally release that additional tension they’ve been holding onto. As your body relaxes, it releases hormones, allowing your brain to relax too, calming your nervous system.
Relaxing Your Emotional State
For those of us who experience chronic stress or anxiety, research has shown that massage can reduce cortisol – the hormone associated with stress – by up to 31%. One of the benefits of working with Soothicity, is that the massage can be adapted to suit you and your mental health. Want to be sat upright rather than lying down? Not a problem. Have a tension trigger point you need to work on? It’s all part of the service. And if you see us regularly, you’ll see the tension roll off you, as the compounding stress of your work and personal life is cleansed with the serotonin and dopamine, proven to be released during a massage.
Gives Your Time to Focus
No therapist worth their salt is going to force you to make conversation if you’d like a moment of quiet whilst you’re getting your massage. And if the hour you have on our massage couch is the only peace and quiet you’re going to get that week – make the most of it. A massage gives you time to focus, centre yourself and work through your thoughts and feelings. You know that phrase ‘shower thoughts’ – where you come up with your best ideas whilst you’re in the shower? It’s because the pressure to do anything other than focus on your physical health and hygiene allows for other pathways to relax and open. During your massage there’s no need to check your phone, check for emails or deal with your family. All you need to do is relax.
Or Time To Switch Off
Who hasn’t fallen asleep on the massage couch before? If you’re struggling to sleep because you’re recovering from an injury or chronic pain, sometimes a massage is can help you get that rest you’ve been missing. A common symptom of the changes in your physical and emotional state as you get a massage is
that it makes you really sleepy. As we said above, there’s no obligation to stay awake for your massage therapist, although we might need the chair back once your hour is up!
Self-care comes in a variety of forms, and – obviously – these are just a few that are offered by massage, though Soothicity has a lot more to offer that can help you take care of your body and mind.
Call us today to find out more, or book your first appointment with us!