Massage benefits in the fall
Massage therapy has several benefits, whether physical, emotional and spiritual at any time of the year. But did you know that massage therapy can support the body during seasonal changes? For example, with falls, the body needs to adapt to temperature changes and the cool wind that sets in. So here are some benefits of a good massage in the fall.
Warm the body
In the fall, the climate is cooler, and the temperature variations are quite frequent. During the change of seasons, we tend to move less, rather stay indoors. The body naturally seeks to retain its heat. Due to temperature changes, the body is forced to constantly adapt, as it must maintain a constant body temperature, around 37 degrees Celsius, to perform its vital functions. This process involves the body’s thermoregulatory system. Massage therapy can gently help you get through the fall by promoting a return to balance, homeostasis by activating blood circulation and bringing more movement in the body. In addition, the external temperature of the body is normally lower than its internal temperature, thus allowing heat exchange. Massage therapy can support these natural physiological processes.
Strengthen the immune system
Many factors cause many of us to fall ill in the fall. Fatigue, cold, lack of physical exercise, light, vitamin D, back to school for the little ones, and overwork often strain the immune system. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is essential to help the immune system and fight small pains that “run”. The massage assists the drainage of the lymph to the lymph nodes. To find a certified lymphatic drainage therapist, visit the network’s member directory.
Soothe joint and rheumatic pain
When summer, the sun, and the heat quietly give way to the colder, damp and grey days, many people with chronic pain, rheumatism or joint problems see their symptoms worsen. It is especially the case for people with arthritis because the joints are particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Massage therapy is ideal for warming the body, relieving sore joints, reducing inflammation, bringing more movement and better lubrication of joints by synovial fluid. Massage therapy sessions regularly, therefore, make it possible to control or soothe joint pain often exacerbated by the cooler and wetter weather. Thus, the transition to winter is a little softer.
Moisturise the skin
Fall is when skin problems tend to resurface due to changes in temperature, the cold wind, or heating systems that dry out the skin. The massage is often carried out using moisturising vegetable oils to avoid unpleasant friction with the skin. Thus, it can remain hydrated and supple. Also, by promoting better blood circulation in the skin, massage helps give it more radiance and vitality by nourishing it. Indeed, the blood is the transporter of several important nutrients for the health of the skin. To discover the different oils used in massage therapy and their virtues, you can read this little guide to massage oil.
Alleviate seasonal depression
The lack of sunlight in the fall, due to the days getting shorter from day to day until the winter solstice, can cause some people to get a little depressed, even seasonal depression in some. Massage therapy and touch, in general, contribute to the production of several neurotransmitters associated with well-being and happiness. These are endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin. So taking the time to treat yourself to quality massage and time for yourself will certainly help improve your mood.
Encourage sleep
The change of seasons can cause temporary sleep disturbances in some people due to the modification of biological rhythms depending on the hours of natural sunshine. Besides, time changes sometimes complicate matters. Sleep cycles can, therefore, be temporarily disturbed. Our internal clock must adjust to these temporary disturbances. Massage can help get more restful sleep and help the body get through the change of seasons. It is also possible to benefit from using certain calming essential oils during the session to obtain an even more marked effect on sleep. Lavender essential oil is also one of the most popular and effective in promoting sleep and falling asleep.
In the fall, you will certainly have noticed that nature falls asleep all around and that everything slows down, whereas, on the contrary, we get more active after the summer holidays. Biologically speaking, it should be the opposite. In summer, thanks to the heat and prolonged sunshine, energy are stronger, and we are more resistant to stress and in better general shape. So, through the daily race to achieve our personal and professional goals before the New Year, integrating regular massage therapy sessions will undoubtedly be very beneficial in helping the body respond better to surrounding stress. Massage therapy allows a better natural adaptation of the body to stress. Remember, fall is the “cocooning” season,