How Massage Can Energise You
Hidden within the relaxation effects of massage is also an opportunity for an energy boost. While massage is usually associated with relaxation and calm, there are a number of subtle ways it helps stimulate energy and optimises body functions to help pull you through those winter days of gray and chill. A little extra energy can be a grateful gift during times of the year when there is less sun and colder temperatures.
Energy-Giving Benefits of Massage
- Better sleep – Lack of sleep can be caused by increased levels of the energy zapping stress hormone, cortisol that is responsible for higher stress responses in the body. Massage promotes quality sleep because it decreases cortisol levels and increases levels of the brain chemical serotonin responsible for promoting deep refreshing slumber.
- Improved Mood – Lowered stress from massage also helps stabilize mood as it increases the neurotransmitter levels of dopamine as well as serotonin. Both these chemicals balance mood, which can fight depression and leave more energy and focus for enjoyment of life.
- Better Circulation – Massage, when applied to specific points on the body, can boost lymph system drainage and encourage more efficient blood circulation to oxygenate the cells. This helps detoxify the body, release feelings of lethargy and fatigue and promote higher energy long after the massage.
- Greater Health – Lymphatic system drainage of massage also improves the ability of your immune system to fight off infections and illness. When your body is functioning optimally, it has more energy.
- Muscle and Connective Tissue Healing – When tears or injury to muscles, and connective tissues in the body occur, the resulting pain due to inflammation and dysfunction can drain energy and restrict free movement. Massage can heal the damage and restore the ability to return to normal life activities without restriction or energy blockage from the dysfunction.
Can Vitamin D Increase the Energy Benefits of Your Massage?
During winter when there is less sun, you may notice higher levels of pain or more noticeable fatigue that are not your normal state of being. This can be a symptom of a lack of Vitamin D in the body. Your body naturally produces and synthesises Vitamin D when exposed to the sun’s rays, through eating fortified foods or taking supplements.
In addition to many other benefits, adequate quantities of Vitamin D promote:
- the regulation and absorption of calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood, intestines and kidneys
- the maintenance of strong bones, and bone health
- a healthy and efficient cardiovascular system,
- optimum brain function
- ideal immune system operation.
- less pain and fatigue
- through Vitamin D receptors on the muscle fibers, improvement and strengthening of muscle fibers responsible for powering anaerobic activities. Vitamin D supports enhanced performance and injury protection in the muscles.
Adequate levels of Vitamin D can leave the body in a more receptive condition for the benefits of massage to be effective and extended.
How Essential oils used during Massage Can Energise
Essential Oils when used in combination with massage will help to improve a healthy circulatory system; facilitate detoxification and lymphatic drainage and more.
Massage oils such as mint, bergamot, ginger, lemongrass and jasmine can contribute to energy increases when used during a session. Each of these provides greater stimulation of both mind and body functions.
Oils have the ability to cross the brain-blood barrier and reach the amygdala and other limbic parts of the brain that control our mood, emotions and beliefs.
Winter is a time when we naturally feel less energetic and our bodies can struggle to maintain health. Adding massage to regular routines, especially in winter, can support greater well-being and provide the opportunity for more energy. When you are less stressed, sleep better, have greater mental clarity and give yourself the gift of self-care through massage, your body can operate at its peak performance no matter what the season.