Massage: More Than Just A Treat

Endless shopping, egg nog, gift wrapping, decorations, and oh, the candy canes that conveniently hang from your tree as an "ornament". It’s that time of the year again where the holiday food and stress is endless. So, take a deep breath and read, because here is one thing you should be committing to during these festive months – YOUR WELLNESS PLAN!

Darien YMCA

Content Partner: Darien YMCA

Of course, you have your regimented fitness and nutrition plan intact to help keep those holiday temptations away - so what else do you need to do?

Got Massage?

Yes we do! Here at the Darien Y, our massage therapy delivers more than just a treat to your body, rather, we offer healing and a new sense of why massage should be a part of your wellness program today. For this season, try adding massage into your routine and witness some of the amazing benefits of massage below.

Pain reduction. A 2011 study found that massage helped people with low back pain to feel and function better, compared to people who didn't get a massage. That's good news for the eight in 10 Americans who will experience debilitating back pain at least once in their lives, Time.com reported.
Improved athletic or fitness performance. Massage can speed recovery, improve conditioning and maintain peak performance.
Increased alertness. At least one study has linked massage to better brainpower. In a 1996 study, a group of adults completed a series of math problems faster and with more accuracy after a 15-minute chair massage than a group of adults who were told to just sit in a chair and relax during those 15 minutes.
Reduction in headaches. A 2002 study found that massage therapy reduced the frequency of chronic tension headaches. And in a very small 2012 study, 10 male patients with migraine headaches noted significant pain reduction after neck and upper back massage and manipulation, WebMD reported.
Clinically proven stress reduction. Research suggests a very literal reduction of cortisol, a major stress hormone. Chronically high levels of cortisol can contribute to serious health issues, like high blood pressure and blood sugar, suppressed immune system function and obesity.

So, book a massage at the Darien YMCA! Because massage shouldn’t be looked at as a luxury, it should be an important component to one’s Wellness Program. For more information about massage, visit www.darien-ymca.org/fitness/therapeutic-massage or call the Darien Y’s Wellness Center at 203-655-8228 x1322.