Boosts immunity: Getting a massage helps us relax and also boosts our immune system. A 2010 study found that a 45-minute massage could increase your lymphocyte count (the white blood cells that help defend the body from disease). Massage can also lower levels of cytokines, which are involved in inflammation, can decrease the stress hormone cortisol and also decrease vasopression - a hormone that plays a role in aggressive behavior. One session of massage therapy is enough to produce measurable changes in the body’s immune and endocrine (hormone release) response.
Improves sleep: How many of us have bad sleep!? Massage therapy can help! Several studies have found that getting a massage reduces fatigue and improves sleep in infants, children, adults and the elderly. Most studies credit it to massages increasing delta waves - the brain waves connected to deep sleep. This might explain why we feel drowsy after a massage.
Manages anxiety and depression: Massage can soothe feelings of anxiety and depression by reducing cortisol levels. Research has also shown that the same increase in delta waves that improves sleep can promote feelings of relaxation. Not hard to see the link there. This then decreases the brain waves that can induce anxiety.
Our need for human touch is exactly what makes us human. And a massage is a simple and effective way of inducing all these healing benefits.
Contact Leslie on 07871 697000 to book your massage.