As the new year arrives, it’s very common for people to start setting their goals and resolutions for the year to come, and losing weight is one of the most common. However, losing weight can often be a daunting task and while people usually want to lose weight for their health, they can engage in some unhealthy habits to do so. If you’re looking to lose weight this year, consider adding massage therapy to your routine. While massage alone won’t make you lose weight, it can improve the effectiveness of your weight-loss efforts. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the different ways regular massage therapy can help the effectiveness of your weight loss efforts while improving your general health and wellness!
Improved Sleep
Massage often improves sleep quality for many people thanks to the combination of lowered stress levels, reduced pain, lowered cortisol levels, and increased serotonin and dopamine levels. Quality sleep can improve weight loss efforts in multiple ways. Mentally, getting quality sleep helps lower stress and anxiety. Waking up each morning with more mental clarity and less stress can make it easier to start the day and do whatever you need to do like meal prep or get to the gym. Quality sleep also makes it easier to go about your day. Reducing your fatigue and having more energy will naturally make it easier to be able to work out after a long day of work or go for a walk after dinner. Physically, your body uses sleep as a time to recover and regulate. Your body repairs tissues, organs, and cells, regulates hormones that affect appetite, hunger, and stress, and secretes proteins that boost the immune system. These processes are important for feeling your best and being able to continue effectively working toward your weight loss goals.
Improved Circulation & Lymphatic Flow
Another great benefit of massage when it comes to improving the effectiveness of weight loss efforts is improved circulation and improved lymphatic flow. Improved circulation provides better blood flow to your muscles which better transports oxygen and nutrients and helps improve your recovery after exercise. Improved athletic recovery can help you feel better after your workout and have an easier time continuing your workouts. Improved lymphatic flow can help remove toxins from the body that are slowing your progress, as well as, reduce fluid retention and swelling. Massage, and more specifically lymphatic massage, can be a helpful tool in ensuring that your circulatory systems are functioning optimally and in reducing the appearance of bloating and swelling.
Supports Relaxation & Stress Reduction
High levels of stress can not only inhibit weight loss but also contribute to weight gain. There are a few different ways this can manifest. One way is that increased stress can affect behaviors that contribute to weight gain. For example, you may have less time and energy to spend being physically active, you may have a harder time sleeping, or you may find yourself eating more as a response to stress. Another way that stress can impact weight loss is through disrupting the hormonal balance. An altered hormonal balance can slow down your metabolism and lead to increased fat accumulation. The effects that stress can have on weight loss efforts are why massage therapy can be beneficial as it is commonly used as a tool to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Where Can I Find A Massage Therapist Near Me?
If you’re looking for a massage therapist who offers a variety of massage services from lymphatic drainage to trigger point to cupping, Advanced Kinetics Physical Therapy is the place for you! We offer a variety of massage therapy services at our locations in Falls Church and McLean, Virginia. If you’re interested in learning more about how our massage therapists can help you, please get in touch with us!
