So often Breast Cancer Awareness overwhelms our health consciousness in October, but National Massage Therapy Awareness Week shouldn’t be ignored this October 23-29. Take a moment to listen to what your body is telling you. Is there a frustrating kink in the muscles of your neck that you just cannot massage away? Do you feel pain between your shoulder blades that you physically can’t reach no matter how you stretch? Is your lower back stiff, making it difficult to move left and right or to go about your daily activities? Are your legs super sore after your latest weekend warrior sports activities? Massage may be the way to alleviate much of the stress, tension and pain that accompanies your usual routine.

While some may see massage as a luxury treat while on vacation, or a spa service that you indulge in when someone gifts it to you, it can be an invaluable part of your routine – just as sleeping nightly, working out daily and eating healthy foods and drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.

Whereas 20 years ago, massages were relegated to luxury South Beach hotels and to the homes of the wealthy; these days, massage therapists are all around you – in the gyms you frequent, in the terminals of the airports you traverse and even in day spas like McAllister Spa. Take a moment to consider the many health benefits that have been well-established by everyone from the medical professionals in the hallways in hospitals at the Mayo Clinic to the comfy couches of Oprah.

Top Four Health Benefits of Massage

Massage Relieves Stress & Encourages Relaxation

Body massage has been scientifically shown relax a chaotic mind. It has been repeatedly shown to induce the body’s relaxation response, which occurs when the nervous system directs the body to “rest and digest.” This mentally rejuvenating period of time lasts LONG after the massage session is over, and the mind finds a greater sense of calm through the lens of an improved mental state. This typically leads to a happier mindset while inspiring creativity and an improved ability to manage the challenges of every day living.

Massage Improves Flexibility & Relaxes Muscles

Therapeutic massage is known to maintain and improve range of motion and flexibility. Regular working and manipulation of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints also makes bodily movements more fluid and much less prone to injuries. The natural outcome of making the body more limber and less prone to strains and sprains is enhancements in athletic performance and the encouragement of active lifestyles.

Massage Strengthens the Immune System & Encourages Bodily Repair

One of the most beneficial effects of massage therapy is its profound effects upon the body’s defenses. The most obvious and immediate improvement noted by many massage clients is the reduction in fatigue and the consequent increase in energy. This is one of the results of more restful sleep. Over a longer term, scientific studies demonstrate that massages increase white blood cell count and lymphocyte activity. This, in combination with stimulation of the body’s lymphatic system, aid in the fight against bacteria and infection.

Promotes Long-Term Health & Wellness

Regular massage therapy sessions have a wide variety health effects. Neurologically, regular sessions have been shown to increase serotonin levels (the “feel good” neurotransmitter!) and modulate the release of dopamine within the brain. Massage also is noted to have a profound effect on cardiovascular health, including reductions in average blood pressure readings, a lessening of the stress hormone, cortisol and positive changes in cholesterol levels and ratios.

Ready, Set, Massage

The team at McAllister Spa typically can fulfill most massage requests within an hour.  Our licensed massage therapists are among the best on South Beach, and our treatment room is without parallel. We are the only day spa on Miami Beach (outside of the luxury hotels, that is) that has a shower right in the room. …It’s perfect to stop in, shower off a day’s sweat and massage away a day’s stress. Sound like a plan? Just fill out the form to the right and we will respond within 24 hours! If you are requesting the same day, to receive an immediate response, just give us a ring by calling us directly at 305-604-0550.