Why is massage in the workplace so good for health? Quite simply, therapeutic massage provides a multitude of benefits to our physical and mental health. Read on to find out why…
Our modern world
Our modern world can be fast-paced and frenetic. Communication has become so quick and accessible it can demand from us more speed in our routines and duties. More and more of our day to day social and business lives use digital formats, this can require us to be plugged into technology for a large proportion of the day. And of course, these communications often require less personal contact. The place for massage and therapeutic touch within our lives has never been needed more. If we can allow our brains to switch off, slow down and bring awareness back into our bodies, we can relax our vital nervous system and help regulate and promote its healthy functions.
Touch is essential for a healthy life as a human. It has been shown that infants can die not just through lack of food and water but also through lack of human contact and touch. We need touch to help us feel a sense of connectedness with others. It is important for us to have a strong feeling of belonging, identity and self -worth. When there is a lack of physical contact from others we can feel isolated, depressed and unvalued.
A powerful example of positive touch is in hugging. Studies have shown the act of hugging releases endorphins such as oxytocin. Oxytocin lowers heart rate and cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease. In addition to releasing Oxytocin, hugs also stimulate our brain to release dopamine, the pleasure hormone that helps us to feel loved and uplifted.
The value of therapeutic massage
Through therapeutic massage we can experience this same ‘feel good’ element, raise health awareness and experience many other benefits within a safe and professional space. When introduced within the workplace a short massage session can also give the worker a chance to become aware of their physical tensions. This encourages corrective changes to their work position and promotes good posture awareness.
Massage can help to ease a build-up of tension within the body. In addition, it can help to break the pain/tension/stress cycle that can cause sickness and time off work. Common issues such as carpal tunnel, repetitive strain injury, chronic back, neck and shoulder issues can all be helped by massage. This in turn has a positive impact on absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace.
Following a workplace massage, many workers find that they re-enter the office feeling refreshed with renewed focus and motivation. This element of therapeutic touch within the workplace can help staff members to feel valued and cared for. It also boosts morale and motivation in the workplace and increases loyalty to the company.
In some ways, massage allows us to come back to basics in our body and mind. It allows more space to breathe deeply. It gives our body the chance to repair and unwind and experience the essential element of positive human contact that we all need.
To find out more about our workplace massage services, head to our On Site Massage page or contact us for an Instant Quote.
This blog was written by one of our brilliant massage therapists Sophie Joseph.
