When I was still a student, I wonder why do professional workers choose to get a massage often, I asked myself questions like “Will I be one of them when I get a job?”, “What satisfaction can I get?”, “Will it be a waste of money?” those were just some of the things that puzzles me, I mean, even my parents would book a therapist on weekends and do home service and I was like “Ok, an hour or two with that smelly oil makes me sick” and I can see my mom and dad in A peaceful sleep after but then I again I was young and I have no idea what “massage” is all about.

By the time I finished college I was employed by a BPO company and started as a technical support agent, little did I know that working in a BPO or like maybe with other industry would require you to sit for hours like 8 hours per shift and somehow it affected my posture or feeling a little pain in my back muscle, one day I was asked by a friend of mine to join her for her special day and to my surprise she wanted to have a spa massage treatment, my reaction was “ ok, massage, I have no choice it’s her special day so I have to give it to her” and everything has a first, so we went to a spa place, then upon entering it smells familiar, the scent of mint or eucalyptus brings me back to the time my parents would have a therapist at home, I was assigned to the second floor because male and female are treated separately, I was assisted by an old lady to my locker and offered me a complimentary tea, after 15 minutes in the sauna I was ready for the most “coveted” experience.

I was placed in the third cubicle and told me to wait for the assigned therapist, after 5 mins someone asked me if I am ready, I answered yes and there she was asking me for the scent of my oil, so I chose lavender, she started with my feet and asking me about the pressure if it’s manageable, It was a weird feeling because since it was my first time I can feel a little “ticklish” and moments after I don’t know what happened exactly but I was able to sleep, I know I was asleep but I am aware of the touch.

I woke up because the therapist told me that it’s done, when she left the room, I can feel a different energy like I was born again or like I was floating on the air something like that, and that was the time I learned the word “RELAX” and on how to use it properly.

I got addicted to massage right away so every month I spent two to three times just to get a massage and pamper myself, Working in a BPO set up is stressful at times, but if we know how to treat ourselves, then stress is just “A piece of cake”, also since we are in a call center and sitting is our game most of the time, back aches happen so we need a little “me time” to refresh and be back at work with a positive outlook and an energized body

Sharing with you some great insights about “Benefits we get from massage” I saw online:

6 surprising health benefits of massage therapy

Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment

It counteracts all that sitting you do

“Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress,” says Aaron Tanason, registered massage therapist, kinesiologist and owner at Paleolife Massage Therapy in Toronto. “More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck.” Desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress “show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting.”

Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job—as long as you schedule a regular massage.

It eases muscle pain

Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. “Massage increases and improves circulation, in much the same way rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain,” says Tanason.

A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that massage therapy is as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.

It soothes anxiety and depression

“Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing,” says Tanason.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

It improves sleep

Not only can massage encourage a restful sleep—it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.

“Massage promotes relaxation and sleep in those undergoing chemo or radiation therapy,” says Lisa Marie de Miranda, registered massage therapist and kinesiologist at Paleolife Massage Therapy.

Also, if you’re a new parent, you’ll be happy to know it can help infants sleep more, cry less and be less stressed, according to research from the University of Warwick.

“Most RMTs can do infant massage,” says de Miranda.  And if parents want to do it themselves, it comes naturally. “There’s not really a particular technique. Whatever parents normally do to soothe their baby will be effective.”

It boosts immunity

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count (which plays a large role in defending the body from disease).

It also “improves immune function for individuals with HIV,” says de Miranda.

It relieves headaches

Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. “Massage decreases frequency and severity of tension headaches,” says de Miranda.

Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy has an immediate effect on perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.

Source:

– http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/health/6-surprising-health-benefits-of-massage-therapy/6/