Massage & Aging
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
There are many reasons to get a massage…to relax, relieve muscle tension or pain, improve athletic performance, or sleep better. But did you know that massage can support healthy aging?
At this point I think we have all come to understand that stress is hard on the body and can accelerate the aging process. Regular massage supports stress reduction by lowering cortisol levels (cortisol is the stress hormone), and promoting relaxation and emotional well-being.
Another challenge of aging is reduced circulation. Massage improves circulation by stimulating blood flow, and delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to our tissues. This increased circulation enhances healing and improves our overall vitality.

As we age we all live in fear of falling and becoming less active due to limited mobility. Massage releases muscle tension and improves range of motion in our joints, thus enhancing our flexibility, mobility, and balance.

Massage helps with pain management as it promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, helping to alleviate chronic pain and discomfort.
Increased difficulty sleeping is often a symptom of aging. Massage promotes relaxation and can help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, making it easier for us to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Massage also helps to boost our immune system as we age by stimulating the lymphatic system, and aiding in waste removal.
And finally, and perhaps most importantly, massage can support our long-term emotional well-being. The physical touch of massage can provide comfort and connection, something that is often lacking for seniors who have become isolated. Massage can also help improve our mood by promoting the release of dopamine and serotonin.

So, what’s the real message here? If you want to stay vital and active, and have a strong relaxation response instead of a strong stress response, start getting regular massages now.




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