Athene Wellness

With an Ancient history, dating back over 5,000 years, forms of Massage have been used throughout millenia to treat a variety of ailments for the body, mind and spirit. 

There are many benefits to massage, especially regular massage, that’s not just for the physical body.

The Body

Relieving muscle ache and tension- There are many reasons as to why massage helps to relieve muscle ache. It helps to increase blood flow, and by doing so, helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles which aid in muscle recovery and healing. 

Increasing the blood flow also helps eliminate cellular waste, supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. 

Relieving the tension, better known as “knots” allows the muscles to loosen which can improve range of motion, flexibility and overall muscle function. 

Joint mobility – Tight muscles can restrict joint movement. The human body is all connected. If you have tight hamstrings you may also feel pain throughout your pelvis (hips) as the joint muscles strain to compensate for the tightened hamstrings. 

By relieving the muscle tightness in the hamstrings, this then relieves the excess strain on the pelvis, allowing less pain and pressure on the joints. 

Massage also helps to reduce swelling in soft tissues by flushing out the excess fluid which could be the cause of joint stiffness. 

Improve lymphatic drainage – Depending on the type of massage you get, the techniques used stimulate the lymph vessels located just beneath the skin.

Stimulating the lymph nodes encourages the flow of lymph fluid, and helps to drain it away from congested areas and towards the lymph nodes. This action helps remove waste and excess fluid more efficiently by supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. 

Headaches – Depending on the type of headache you have, massage may be beneficial. Not all headaches are created equal. If, like me, you suffer from tension headaches, the root cause may be muscle tension in the head, neck and shoulders. 

Regular massage to these key areas can help to reduce, if not eliminate, tension headaches. 

The increased blood flow also sends oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the brain which can also help alleviate the pain and remove waste products. 

The Mind

Anxiety, stress and depression – In addition to the physical release and relaxation massage provides the body, it can also help to relieve mental stress, anxiety and depression. 

Massage can lower the levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) alongside other stress hormones such as adrenaline. 

As well as reducing the stress hormones, it also stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – all hormones linked to happiness and well-being. Oxytocin is also stimulated through massage, a hormone that promotes feelings of trust and wellbeing. 

Stress induced insomnia – By lowering the stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) it slows down the heart rate and decreases blood pressure. 

The release of serotonin and dopamine help to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Serotonin is also the precursor to melatonin which is critical for sleep. 

The Spirit

Clears energy blockages – Massage has been used throughout ancient history to modern day to clear energy blockages through a number of cultures and traditions. 

Ayurvedia, originating over 5,000 years ago in Ancient India has used massage to clear “doshas” (body energies). 

In Ancient China, Huangdi Nejing (“Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”) details how to apply pressure to “meridians” which are energy points and lines that run through the body. 

These methods are also present in modern day massages, and were used for the principals of Shiatsu and Thai Massage. 

Cultivates inner peace – Massage promotes the overall balance and harmony of the body and mind, which in turn, helps to create inner peace. 

It can create a space for profound self reflection and spiritual insights, and if you were to add aromatherapy alongside, can also create a more serene, sacred environment. 

Body, Mind and Spirit

Overall, massage helps promote relaxation. It physically relaxes the body, releases endorphins and hormones to help relax the mind, which in turn, helps to relax the spirit, and create harmony within the body, mind and spirit. 

In a world full of external and internal stresses, with busy day to day lives, massage is an undervalued treatment for relieving stress and anxiety and promoting overall wellness. 

That being said, massage is not for everyone. Those experiencing high or low blood pressure, cancer, severe swelling, heart conditions or any serious illness’ or conditions, please consult your primary doctor before booking any massage session. 

Be honest with your massage therapist about what you’re seeking from your massage, a good massage therapist will help you find the right massage that fits your needs. 

If you’d like to experience these benefits for yourself, book a massage today, your body, mind and spirit will thank you.