Are you looking for an indulgent experience to relax and destress after a long, tiring week? If yes, a massage session would do the trick.

The process of applying pressure, rubbing, and kneading different muscle groups can offer deep relaxation. If you specifically feel tense around your neck, back, hands, or feet, let your massage therapist know. They can concentrate on those problem areas to relieve tension.

When we hear the word massage, we often think of its physical benefits. These could include improved circulation and flexibility, decreased inflammation, and muscle stiffness. But a massage can also boost your mental health and improve your mood and energy levels. It could also help reduce stress and anxiety.

Some of the popular massage types are full body, deep tissue, hot stone, aromatherapy, Shiatsu, and reflexology. They differ in terms of focus areas and techniques used.

The article will focus on full-body massage and its benefits.

Overview: Full Body Massage

If you are a beginner, a full-body massage would be a good starting point. As the name suggests, the massage therapist will work on major parts of your body and help you relax. These body parts include the neck, shoulders, back, hands, legs, and feet. Some may also comprise a scalp massage.

A typical session lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. You will be covered with a sheet or a towel during the session. The therapist will expose the area they will be working on. They may use essential oils, massage creams, waxes, or balms to help moisturize your skin, improve circulation, and relax your muscles.

It is common to feel sore after a massage as muscles you do not usually use are stimulated during the session. To help relieve the soreness, drink plenty of water, do some gentle stretches, meditate, and get enough rest.

Benefits: Why You Should Get A Full Body Massage?

Are you hesitating about booking a full-body massage? Are you wondering if it is effective? Here are some reasons that can help you decide.

Massages Could Improve Circulation

A massage can help improve blood flow. When the therapist applies pressure, the blood moves through congested areas. This allows new blood to flow, helping relieve muscle tightness and tension.

Massages are often recommended to manage high blood pressure. However, the research on this topic is limited, and the effects are, at best, moderate.

So, if you want to enjoy some deep relaxation, a full body massage will work, but if managing blood pressure is a concern, please consult a doctor.

It Could Decrease Muscle Stiffness and Tension

Muscle stiffness is a common condition that most of the population experiences at some point in their lives. It could result from inactivity, like sitting in front of your computer for hours, poor posture, or stress.

A full-body massage can help reduce muscle stiffness and tension. The kneading, long flowing strokes and application of pressure can improve the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas. It may also help eliminate aches and help you move freely.

It Could Help You Destress

When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It is your body's natural fight-or-flight response to stress. It could lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

A full body massage can reduce the amount of cortisol in your bloodstream. It will naturally help you relax and feel rejuvenated after the massage session.

Massages Could Help Manage Anxiety

Regular massages can be one of the ways to manage anxiety. As mentioned above, massage helps reduce the amount of cortisol hormone but also releases serotonin.

Now, this is one of the happy hormones. It is associated with the feelings of calmness and focus. It can improve your mood and boost your self-esteem. With routine massages, you will notice an improvement in your overall mental health.

It Could Help You Sleep Better

If you have difficulty sleeping or suffer from insomnia, consider making full body massage a part of your routine. Poor sleep quality affects the health of an estimated 50 to 70 million Americans.

There is ample research available that shows that massage therapy can help improve sleep quality. These research studies have been conducted on diverse groups like adults, people with insomnia, psychiatric disorders, migraines, and the elderly.

Summary

A full body massage focuses on areas like your neck, back, hands, and legs. It is a beginner-friendly massage type. It involves using techniques like kneading, long strokes, tapping, and joint movements.

Massages can offer a host of physical and mental benefits. These include deep relaxation, reduced muscle tension, improved blood circulation, managing anxiety and depression, and better sleep quality.

It would help if you got a full body massage once every few weeks or once a month. It will keep your stress levels in check and promote overall well-being.