August is Wellness Month.  That can be an overwhelming and broad subject when you consider all the dimensions of wellness that can contribute to our overall well-being.  Wellness touches every aspect of our daily lives and the influences that surround us can cause constant fluctuations in the levels of wellness we experience.

Let’s look at massage therapy and how that activity can influence the 8 drivers in the Dimensions of Wellness wheel. 

Spiritual

Connection – massage can help people feel more connected to the universe and other living beings, which can lead to compassion, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

Emotional

Releasing tension can help people feel more centered and focused, and some report improved mental clarity and emotional well-being.  Massage helps to release serotonin and endorphins, both of which affect our feelings of calm and rest so that we can filter out the noise that blocks our thought processes.

Occupational

Whatever we do for a living, whether it is construction, working on a computer, or selling retail, occupations require us to use our bodies physically and mentally.  Pain and stress can affect performance intellectually and bodily, so being proactive in caring for ourselves can result in higher job satisfaction, as well as improved energy and focus on our work.

Intellectual

Massage can reduce tension, which can increase blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function. This can help with focus and attention span, which can be especially helpful in school or work environments. One study found that after a 15-minute chair massage, participants showed increased alertness and were faster and more accurate at solving math problems.

Environmental

Client Comfort: A tranquil environment puts you at ease and allows you to relax both physically and mentally. The right ambiance deepens the relaxation response, helping you to reap the full benefits of your massage.  Because massage is a health-related service, the environmental footprint is very small.  Massage therapists use biodegradable and organic oils, have air purifiers and do not use heavy equipment that would harm the environment or you.

Financial

Getting massage regularly can help with attendance at work by taking care of your body physically and helps with focusing on your financial goals by increasing energy and heightened intellectual clarity.  Many massage clinics offer packages, memberships, rewards points, etc. to help you budget and invest in your own wellness, much like a health club membership helps you to stay fit.

Social

In addition to endorphins, massage helps to increase levels of oxytocin, the hormone known to promote social bonding and trust. In a UCLA research study on 95 adults, one group was given 15 minutes of moderate-pressure massage, and the control group rested without any massage.  Blood drawn from both groups revealed increased levels of oxytocin and decreased levels of cortisol.

Oxytocin is also called the cuddle hormone, which gives you a desire to get closer to those around you and to encourage relationship building.

Physical

The biggest benefit of receiving massage therapy is on the physical body.  It helps to promote circulation, decrease muscle tension, increase flexibility, increase sleep and more.  You cannot dispute the effects on the body by receiving massage, as many studies show the effects of good, quality and specific massage therapy has on the physical with increased ability and function.

Does your wheel just spin, causing it to be lopsided like a tire going flat?  The time is now to try a new strategy that will create the balance you have been longing for.  Make massage therapy the hub of your wellness and see where the journey takes you.

By Sandy Saldano,

Therapeutic Kneads, Ltd.