Introduction:
Although a massage won’t make you lose weight, it can help you try to lose weight by promoting better sleep, lowering stress, and aiding your body’s recovery after exercise.
It may be difficult to lose weight, and you’re not alone if the prospect of spending more time at the gym makes you want to curl up on the sofa alongside a pint of your preferred ice cream.
By using self-care practices like massage, you may make losing weight easier and more enjoyable.
A massage can benefit you in many ways, even while it won’t make you lose weight. For example, getting a massage can help you get the most out of your activities by reducing muscular soreness and increasing flexibility.
Can massage help with weight loss?
Although a massage by itself won’t make you lose weight, experts have discovered a number of ways in which it could help.
Improved post-workout recovery
Massage therapy can help you lose weight by promoting your body’s post-exercise recuperation. Muscle soreness or pain may follow a workout if you haven’t been exercising regularly or if you are increasing the intensity of your exercises.
By easing discomfort and reducing muscular fatigue, massage therapy can help you stick to your fitness regimen and objectives.
Stretching, relaxation, good diet, and enough hydration are all important components of enhanced post-workout recovery because they promote muscle regeneration, lessen discomfort, and enhance performance in following exercises.
Getting the most out of your workouts (and day)
Moreover, a massage may improve your flexibility and range of motion, enabling you to benefit more from your exercises.
Massage also releases endorphins, which is an extra perk. This might feel energizing, uplifting your spirits and assisting you in getting off the sofa or bed. Even if you are not going to the gym, you may notice that you are moving your body more.
Make efficiency and consistency your top priorities if you want to get the most out of your exercises and your day in general. To get balanced fitness, schedule your workouts in advance and concentrate on a mix of aerobic, strength, and flexibility activities. For optimal results in less time, use high-intensity intervals. Additionally, remember to properly warm up and cool down to minimize injury and promote healing. Moreover, maintain hydration throughout the day and feed your body with wholesome foods to promote muscular growth and energy levels. Last but not least, make sure you receive adequate good sleep every night to maximize your body’s capacity for healing and peak performance.
Better digestion
Additionally, massage may aid with digestion.
Massages of the abdomen help reduce discomfort, gas, and bloating. This might have an impact on the appearance of your stomach and boost your self-confidence.
Studies suggest that massaging the abdomen can reduce the diameter of the abdomen. This is probably the outcome of less water retention and bloating.
Studies, however, also shown that receiving an abdominal massage did not result in reduced appetite. To assist with it, you’ll still need other resources and willpower!
Improved digestion is critical to general health. By encouraging regular bowel movements and avoiding constipation, including foods high in fiber into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can improve digestion. Better digestion may also be achieved by drinking enough of water, controlling stress, and limiting the amount of processed or high-fat meals you eat. Frequent exercise also supports gut health and aids in digesting stimulation.
Quality sleep
A massage might help you sleep better and calm your body. An increased risk of obesity is associated with inadequate sleep.
Although there is still much to learn about the complex relationships between weight and sleep, massage may undoubtedly provide you more energy for exercise by promoting better sleep.
High-quality sleep, which includes both length and depth of sleep, is critical for general health. It boosts immunity, improves cognitive function, and revitalizes the body. A comfortable sleeping environment, a regular sleep routine, and limiting screen time before bed are all important for getting good sleep. A meaningful existence is facilitated by prioritizing quality sleep, which also improves mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical health.
Potential benefits of massage
Some potential benefits of massage include:
- Improved blood circulation
- Reduced stress, depression, and anxiety
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Improved digestion
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced in pain
- Improved sleep quality
Types of massage to try
You could be interested in exploring a range of various massage styles, depending on your objectives and comfort level. Among the various forms of massage are:
- Swedish massage
- Abdominal massage
- Hot stone massage
- Aromatherapy massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Reflexology
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- Abhyanga oil massage
- Myofascial release therapy
Limitations to be aware of
It’s crucial to keep in mind that massage therapy cannot help you lose weight on its own.
Additionally, there’s a danger that massage can result in wounds, hematomas, or soreness in the muscles and nerves. Don’t get a massage if you:
- Signs of infection like a fever
- Consumed alcohol
- Open wounds
- Burns
- Bleeding disorders like severe hemophilia
Not all massages are safe to get while pregnant. If you are attempting to get pregnant or are already pregnant, please let your massage therapist know in advance.
Inform your massage therapist about any additional medical issues and drugs you use, even if you are not pregnant.
