How have your New Year’s resolutions been going? Did revamping your wellness routine make it on your list this year? There are three things that always seem to make their way to the top of everyone’s lists; eating healthier, getting more exercise, and losing weight. All three are relative to people’s wellness routines. The new year is a fantastic time to re-evaluate what we are doing to take care of ourselves. One thing that should be a part of your self- care routine is regular massage. There are several health benefits to receiving regular massage that could help your wellness routine shine brighter than ever. Not to mention, treating yourself should always be a part of your wellness routine. Revamping your wellness routine with massage benefits your health, plus treating yourself will equal a happy and healthy New Year!

Benefits of Massage

• Stress Relief and Eliminating Insomnia

• Massage improves circulation in the body and promotes muscle relaxation creating a relaxing state of being

• Massage also improves the mood with the release of endorphins and serotonin assisting our body in letting go of stress and providing the means to help fall asleep

• During massage cortisol levels are falling, decreased cortisol means decreased stress

• Headache and Migraine Relief

• Massage stimulates the release of hormones, such as serotonin, that produce a state and feeling of well-being

• The increased and improved circulation provides better blood flow to the brain relieving the pain and tension felt from headaches

• Immune System Booster

• Regular massage has proven to boost the immune system, increased endorphins being one of the helpful aspects

• Massage increases the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) which are a huge part of the immune system as they help to fight disease

• Massage lowers cytokines, which are molecules that play a role in inflammation. High levels of cytokines are found in people with disease

• There are also decreased cortisol (stress hormone) and vasopressin (tells kidneys how much water to store) levels, which means your body is less stressed