Massage is Our Friend
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
— Confucius
When I began my running journey some time ago, I was seeking ways in which I could be a better runner…in a short amount of time. I had signed up for a marathon and now was under pressure to be able to train and run the 26.2 miles. I was told about several ways to improve the performance by adding other physical activity in addition to learning about foods which improve the body’s ability to deliver. Cross training was the ideal method since I already liked to strength train along with biking which was already a part of my activities. But I started hearing about things like sauna, acupuncture, yoga, massage and pilates and it started to get daunting for me. Deciding that I must at least choose something new, the thought of sore muscles made it easy for me to choose massage.
At first it wasn’t what I expected ,considering my first massage8 was not impressive. I remember thinking; I should feel a lot better but I really didn’t. My next try at a different therapist gave me hope. The key variable was communication about why I was there, expected goals and challenges and specific areas of focus. As I returned for treatment every other week (or sooner if I had a specific ailment), I started to realize better flexibility, less tired muscles, and faster recovery from the training runs. So my first lesson was give it some time and don’t expect miracles after 1 session.
Over the years I have tried to make massage a regular part of my routine, whether I am training for a race or not. It became so routine at one point that I started to neglect the regularity and stopped appreciating the benefits of my massages. I quickly learned that they were making a big difference and I like it better when I get them than when I don’t. Everyone's experience may be different and we must decide what we want to get out of it, however I'll share some of the basic known benefits of massage.
Massage therapy has been practiced for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese. It is one of the oldest therapies in the world
Today, massage therapy is not only a luxurious indulgence but also a recognized form of holistic healing with numerous benefits for both the body and mind. As mentioned above a massage session is great after a stressful physical activity or some other demanding event which leaves us sore and worn out; but we should develop a different perspective on the practice of massage therapy.
Think about preventive maintenance. We change the oil in our car, go for regular routine maintenance checks, try to eat right, exercise and maybe do stretching to create some flexibility in our bodies. These are all simple examples of preventive maintenance activities. This concept can be expanded to include massage therapy as it can help prevent many of the minor annoyances we suffer when normal or intense activity is a part of our daily lives. So instead of waiting for something to go wrong, we can include a few massage sessions a month to help keep us functioning a bit more efficiently.
While massage will not totally prevent pain and discomfort, one of the most prominent benefits of massage is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In our fast-paced, modern world, stress has become a common issue for many individuals, leading to a variety of health problems such as high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Massage therapy works to combat stress by activating the body's relaxation response, releasing tension in muscles, and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Regular massage sessions can also help improve circulation throughout the body.
If you have never been to a massage session before, you are in for a real treat. Firstly, you are escorted to a room that is lit without glaring lights, the sounds of waterfalls could be apparent and soft relaxing music is playing in the background. You are then encouraged to disrobe to your comfort while the therapist is out of the room. You lie down on the table, When the therapist returns, your aches, pains, and concerns are discussed. Using various massage techniques such as kneading, tapping, deep tissue, and stroking, massage therapists can increase blood flow to different areas, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to cells while aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products, which accelerates the body's natural healing processes. These are things that I never worry about while in session, I just go to sleep asi become more and more relaxed.
Beyond the physical and mental benefits, massage therapy can also improve sleep quality and promote better overall health. By reducing stress, relaxing the body, and releasing tension, massage can help individuals achieve a deeper and more restful sleep at night, which makes massage an excellent immunity booster. If it helps with immunity, I’m definitely for it.
Ultimately, the benefits of massage therapy are vast and encompass all aspects of health – physical, mental, and emotional. Whether you're seeking relaxation, pain relief, stress reduction,relief from the rigors of being a weekend warrior or just improved sleep, regular massage sessions can help you achieve a state of balance and well-being. You will experience profound benefits that enhance your quality of life.
Considering all of the wonderful things which can be achieved through massage, even if you don’t get them all at first, just a portion will be a journey worth exploring. I recommend it.