The benefits of massage – from The Spa Man

Mark Smith, AKA The Spa Man, visits around 30 spas a year, so when it comes to spa and grooming he knows what he’s talking about. Writing for magazines across the world, he explains the benefits of massage.

When we consider what to book and where to visit for a spa break, many people think about booking a massage. Massage is the most popular treatment on the spa menu and in some places accounts for around 70% of all treatments booked.

Whilst we all know about the physical benefits of massage, such as relieving aches and pains. The benefits of massage extend way beyond simply soothing muscles and relieving tension. For an hour or more we are totally switching off. It’s the one time when we truly disconnect from the Internet and the world around us. We focus simply on the here and now.

People are living alone in greater numbers and it can be rare for some people to be touched by another person.

If you are like me it’s true that your mind might wander to thoughts of deadlines or what’s planned for dinner. But within moments you will be back in the room. The gentle flowing strokes of the therapist and the wonderfully warm scented essential oils will sooth the mind and calm the soul. It’s all pretty special really. But what’s happening beyond that?

Massage provides a vast range of health benefits that people rarely give credit for. Lowering blood pressure and relieving stress are just two of the physiological changes that can occur. It is a physical treatment and thanks to the potent power of touch, can be transformative. In today’s society people are more isolated than ever. People are living alone in greater numbers (especially at the moment) and it can be rare for some people to be touched by another person.

Massage is touch therapy in action. It connects with our innate sense of being

Massage is touch therapy in action. It connects with our innate sense of being. Our humanity and can be helpful for retaining a sense of connection with others. It makes you feel connected, wanted, in touch and happier. Touch is one of the neglected senses and massage therapy provides that bridge. I have also recently heard that massage can be an invaluable tool in helping to ease depression, and as the spa and wellness industry matures, we will no doubt find many other benefits for this popular therapy.

So, when you are planning a spa break in the next few months, think carefully about the massage you are booking:

• Does it offer exactly what you need at this point?
• Divert from the deep tissue massage and look to a healing kundalini massage or perhaps a beautiful Balinese style treatment.

Your body and mind will need different things at different times of your life. It’s not all about going deep and kneading the knots from your neck and shoulders. Gentle movement and muscle manipulation with stretch and breathing can be as connected and deeply soothing as an elbow in your ears. Trust me. I know.