The Case for Funding Therapeutic Massage in the UK
In the old days, getting a massage was seen as a luxury only the rich could afford, often enjoyed on a fancy vacation. Nowadays, while hiring a personal masseuse can still be pricey, you have the option of booking appointments at local spas or parlors, which are much more affordable. Many places even offer discounts for regular customers, making massage therapy accessible to the average person.
Let’s put costs aside for a moment and talk about why massages are so beneficial for improving your overall quality of life. Just remember, these benefits apply when the massage is done by a skilled and licensed professional.
1. Massages Fight Stress
One of the biggest enemies in today’s world is stress. A good massage can significantly reduce stress by lowering the levels of cortisol, a hormone that spikes when you’re stressed and can harm your immune system and cells. After a massage, the lower cortisol levels can last for a while, keeping you stress-free for some time. Plus, massages increase the levels of “feel-good” hormones like endorphins and serotonin, which help you relax even more.
2. Easing Persistent Pain
If you suffer from migraines, neck and back pain, or muscle tension, massages can help. According to a study by the Touch Research Institute, regular massage sessions can reduce levels of “substance P,” which is linked to pain. Higher levels of endorphins and serotonin from massages also help in reducing pain. Interestingly, you don’t always need to massage the exact spot that hurts; massages in general can alleviate stubborn pain.
3. Regulating Blood Pressure
Massages can also help keep your blood pressure in check. A 2005 study by the University of South Florida found that massage therapy impacts the “vagus” nerve, which plays a key role in managing blood pressure. Their research showed that people with high blood pressure who received ten 10-minute massages experienced significant improvements, unlike those who did not receive massages.
4. Improving Breathing Patterns
Often, improper breathing is due to tight or underdeveloped muscles. Poor breathing reduces oxygen flow, which lowers your energy levels. Thankfully, specific massage techniques can relax these muscles, enhancing your breathing capacity. This means you’ll breathe better and your oxygen levels will stay optimal.
5. Boosting Energy Levels
The enhanced energy you feel after a massage is the result of all these combined benefits. Lower cortisol and “substance P” levels, higher serotonin and endorphins, proper breathing, and regulated blood pressure all work together to make you feel more energetic and healthier overall.
That’s why massage therapy is incredibly valuable and shouldn’t be seen as just a luxury for the wealthy. You really can’t put a price on your health and well-being, right?
