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Weight Loss and Massage – Massage can do that?

What can massage have to do with weight loss?  Well, I want to first make it clear that I do not think having a massage will make you lose weight.   What I will say is that massage therapy can be a beneficial part of your health care regimen, including weight loss.  Massage therapy can improve your body’s resilience, aid in muscle nutrition and flexibility, and support your mental and emotional well-being.

Massage and weight loss
How massage helps with weight loss

There are other ways that massage can be helpful in your health care regimen.  Massage can help balance some hormones; specifically, cortisol the stress hormone.    Cortisol is called the “stress hormone” for good reason.  When we are stressed out our body increases the production of cortisol.  When this happens it causes a spike in appetite.  Not just for food but for carbs and sweets which are taken in and deposited into your fat cells and not used to fuel your muscles.  This is a problem for many people and regular massage can decrease your cortisol levels.  What you want to produce more of is serotonin.  Also known as the happiness hormone, serotonin not only makes your mood better but it is a natural appetite suppressant; even better right.

Increased serotonin levels will make you feel full even if your stomach isn’t.  Massage has been clinically shown to increase serotonin levels which can decrease cravings and binging and make you feel good about it.  Now you can see how massage can aid in weight loss.

Choosing to create a new and healthy life style isn’t easy.  When you add exercise into your daily routine your muscles and joints can become sore.  Massage therapy can also aid in relieving your aching muscles and help to increase flexibility.  It is important to discuss with your massage therapist your new goals and fitness plans so that they can customize your treatment plan.  Your massage therapist wants you to feel comfortable with every aspect of your treatment so please understand that as a massage therapist we see all shapes, sizes and conditions of the body.  And we truly have a clinical view of the body, no different than other health care worker.   As massage therapist we do not expect our clients to be in perfect health, but we do get excited to help you achieve your health care goals, including weight loss.  So, don’t think of massage as a luxury but think of it as an important part of your new health care plan.

See our health benefits page for further benefits of massage.

By:  Shannon Thrasher, Licensed Massage Therapist, Licensed Esthetician

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