Shall we start with the obvious… Massage is great at ANY time! But it is particularly great in winter for a number of reasons:
Massage helps boost your mood Many people find themselves struggling mentally in the colder months, I am one of them & I put it down to the grey skies and leaving for work in the dark only to head home in the dark also. Getting outdoors in whatever limited sun there is will definitely help, but when those dreary grey days seem to go on forever you can use massage to help get you back to your normal cheery self. The reason massage can improve your mood is massage has been shown to release a powerful concoction of hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin and endorphins, also known as feel good hormones. Increase circulation Improved circulation will not only bring warmth and improved body temperature regulation but will help reduce some of those niggles that can become worse in the colder months. Improved circulation and movement also results in improved function of the lymphatic system. Increase immune system function We all know winter is the worst time for all those nasty bugs being shared around so frequently. One way to keep function is to help keep your immune system working as best it can. And you guessed it massage will help. Most of the heavy lifting is done by the blood and the lymphatic system when it comes to your immune system. The lymphatic system for those of you who don’t know runs throughout your entire body, it is superficial sitting just under the skin, because of its location and the speed at which it functions a relaxation massage is very beneficial for improving lymph flow, so while its winter it may not be a bad idea to get a few relaxation massage instead of or as well as your usual massage appointments. Sooth dry skin Dry skin is a common complaint in the colder months due to the significant reduction in humidity and the increased use of heaters also causing the air in our environment to be dry. Massage will assist with this dryness because of the use of natural and hydrating oils. The best thing you can do is leave the oils to absorb into your skin for as long as possible after any massage. If your skin is particularly dry this time of year you could always try a different massage or oil for an even more effective treatment, also consider having an exfoliation prior your massage, by removing superficial dread skin cells your skin will more effectively absorb the oils leaving your skin feeling supple and softer. Improve your sleep with massage Did you realise that the season, more so the change in weather effects most people’s sleep as it changes the amount of melatonin produced by your pituitary gland. Did you also know “they” say a 60 minute massage is like having 7-8 hours of sleep! So if winter has you feeling tired all the time why not try regular massage to help regulate your sleep patterns. here to edit.
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AuthorI'm Sarah, Remedial Massage Therapist and owner of Oriana Wellness. Archives
April 2020
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