More than 70% of Americans that receive regular massage are women. Why? Of course, men experience the same benefits of massage. Many men report feeling uncomfortable with another person touching their bodies. Others also site that they are unaware of Massage Room Etiquette and don’t know what to expect during a session (see our May newsletter!!). Whatever the reason, the large majority of men are missing out on the many therapeutic elements of massage. Massage can help men (and women) relieve many of the problems they face in their day to day lives.
Five reasons men need massage, too:
o Better sleep – About 20% of all men suffer from insomnia, an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Insomnia is associated with a lack of the hormone called serotonin, the “feel good hormone,” which is released in the body after a massage. The sense of relaxation and well-being you feel after a massage helps men fall asleep and spend more time in deep sleep.
o Reduce your risk of high blood pressure – High blood pressure is associated with a number of other health risks, including hypertension, heart failure, and kidney failure. Men are 60% more likely to experience this than women. Massage has been shown to reduce high blood pressure by reducing stress (one of the risk factors) and improving circulation.
o Natural mood booster – Men are less likely to talk openly about their mental health. While massage is not a substitute for more substantial mood therapies, the serotonin boost provided by massage can lift the blues and improve mental outlook.
o Cardiovascular wellness – Massage is good for heart health. Over 8% of all men have coronary heart disease, according to the CDC. Massage relaxes the body, boosts circulation and lowers levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. All these things help reduce stress on the heart and improve cardiovascular health.
o Workout recovery – Massage is a necessity for people with active lifestyles. Massage not only eases the onset of muscle soreness, but can speed healing by boosting the body’s circulatory and immune system. A sports massage is specifically designed to improve athletic performance.