The Benefits of A Massage

By Celine Momoh-Sanni

A popular Nigerian musician, the late Fela Anikulapo kuti once said that in Nigeria, people are suffering and smiling. He painted a scenario in Lagos where 39 people only sit down in a commuting ‘Molue’ bus while 99 people stand. That is the story of the average lagosian. Imagine Waking up in morning before dawn to pick a bus/or drive to the Island, a long day of standing on cement floors, lifting heavy boxes, or sitting at a desk. Your back is killing you, there is a sharp pain in your shoulder, and your temples are throbbing. Fatigue, repetitive motion, muscle strain, or staying in one position for an extended amount of time could cause any or maybe all of these symptoms. 

It's your body's way of saying, "slow down and take it easy". How you respond to these symptoms determines how you will feel. What if your stress, pain, tension, and fatigue could be purged from your body through therapeutic massage? Would you get one? There are many reasons a person may desire or need a massage. The above example covers 80-90% of the cases a massage therapist sees.

The power of touch has miraculous effects: for the very young to the very old, for the terminally ill to the marathon athlete, and for the stay-at-home mum to the over-stressed executive. Massage has the power to relax, heal, and help release emotions and tension without the aid of drugs. 

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

·         Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

·         Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.

·         Ease medication dependence.

·         Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.

·         Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

·         Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

·         Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.

·         Increase joint flexibility.

·         Lessen depression and anxiety.

·         Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

·         Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

·         Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.

·         Reduce spasms and cramping.

·         Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

·         Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

·         Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally

There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

•             Decreased anxiety.

•             Enhanced sleep quality.

•             Greater energy.

•             Improved concentration.

•             Increased circulation.

•             Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits

Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Celine Momoh Sanni is the principal beautician of 7^th Heaven Spa located in Ikeja, Lagos State Nigeria. Reach her: celinemomoh@the7thheavenspa.com