Wonderful Massage

If you think getting a massage is too expensive or too frivolous, think again. Massage, also called bodywork, has a long list of uses, from increasing flexibility to relieving pain and stress. A massage involves pressing, rubbing and manipulating the skin, muscles, tendons or ligaments. It can range from light stroking to deep pressure. 

Medical healing. Massage can alleviate low-back pain, improve joint flexibility, reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, improve circulation, help sports injuries, reduce fatigue, help with digestive disorders, relieve migraine pain, improve skin condition, even shorten the time of labor for mothers-to-be. 

Emotional balance. Massage can help manage stress and lessen depression and anxiety. It can increase energy, calm the mind, improve concentration, lessen insomnia and enhance sleep quality. 

Free or almost free massages. If there is a massage school in your area, visit its website and see if they offer free or reduced cost for massages from the school’s students. You’ll be helping yourself and a student. 

To get the most out of massages, have frequent sessions and consider them a necessary part of your health and wellness plan. Treat it like a necessary appointment, and set up a schedule for sessions that last from 10 to 90 minutes. Just because your massage feels like you’re being pampered, that doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic.