Go on, get that massage

By Shannon McDermott » There was a time, not so long ago, that massages were reserved for treating injury or considered a shameless self-indulgence. Not any more. It has now become a fact widely accepted in the medical profession that getting regular massages as part of a proactive and preventative healthcare strategy is not only beneficial in a physical sense, but also in the cerebral context. Treating yourself to a weekly massage by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will do wonders for the way you feel and can prepare you to be at your best both mentally and physically in your everyday life. Adding a weekly massage to one’s wellness regimen as a ‘preventative maintenance’ strategy can benefit everyone, from the multitasking corporate executive to the tenacious student, and can essentially be the backbone to one’s personal wellness plan. All too often, the hustle of daily work and family life can leave one neglectful of their most important asset – their body. Regular massages improve blood circulation which delivers much needed oxygen and nutrients to cells. Additionally, it calms and soothes the nervous system, promoting a sense of relaxation and well-being to the mind and body. Feelings of anxiety and tension are subsequently reduced as the body reacts in synchronicity with the reduction of one’s heart rate and blood pressure. The improvements in circulation stimulate the lymphatic system which rids the body of waste and various toxins. Regular massages can also greatly diminish the physical stress many people face in the office sitting in a static position for hours on end, which often plays a large role in many long term spinal problems, back and neck pains, and the frequency of headaches. Think of your RMT as you would your doctor or dentist, in that they are not only there to treat, but also to assess and prevent future problems. While it is true that the massage has been traditionally viewed as a luxury, more and more company benefit plans are beginning to allocate a certain amount of coverage for regular massage therapy from a registered therapist, as this type of treatment has become recognized as a valid form of personal health maintenance. So go ahead and treat yourself to that much-needed massage… your newly relaxed body and refreshed mind will thank you for it.