Written by Jennifer Morreale
When we are feeling tense or stressed we know that a good massage will help to feel relaxed and calm. Society thinks of massage as a treat that you give yourself as a reward or a great gift on Valentine’s day, but did you know that massage has many great benefits to help us age healthfully and gracefully? Massage can help with immune function, skin nourishment, circulation, improved sleep and digestion, and will help keep us strong and flexible.
As we age we notice that we get sick more often than we used to, but massage therapy can actually help improve our immune system. During a massage our lymph nodes are gently rubbed helping them to drain all of the toxins that they hold, that is then flushed out of our bodies. It is always important to drink plenty of water following a massage to make sure that this happens and those toxins are not re-absorbed.
We all want to keep youthful looking skin as we age, but time dries the skin and it loses its elasticity. Massage can help keep the skin nourished with the oils and lotions used as well as the increased surface circulation. The gentle massage of the face can help the skin keep its elasticity, helping to prevent wrinkles. Always be sure to let the massage therapist know if you have sensitive skin or any allergies to oils.
Massage, especially of the extremities, helps to increase circulation. Increased blood flow to the extremities is especially important in mobility. If our extremities are not getting proper blood flow it can cause them to get cold easily and lose feeling causing issues with tasks such as climbing stairs or getting up out of a chair.
Many people develop trouble sleeping with age, and massage has proven to be a great solution. It can help relax the muscles to increase comfort levels and also to help with issues such as restless let syndrome. Another reason many of us have trouble sleeping is due to stress and the inability to quiet our minds, massage can help to reduce stress and help us count less sheep and get more sleep.
Gentle massage of the abdominal area can help with trouble eating and digesting as well as promote regular bowel movements. Also abdominal massage paired with exercise can help prevent slouching and keep us upright.
Having pliable muscles helps to increase our flexibility and keep us moving, but it also helps to increase our strength. Massage allows for safer exercise regimens because all of your muscles are pliable. If our muscles are stiff and tense it actually puts us at risk of injury during a workout, massage promotes longer, stronger muscles.
If you didn’t have an excuse before to treat yourself to a massage, I have given you six great ones above. Make it a habit to get a massage at least once a month to help keep you young and stress free!
Jennifer Morreale’s passion is running. It’s a passion she shares with anyone and anything she encounters, including her Italian Greyhound puppy Sprocket who can often be seen running alongside her. Jennifer believes that anyone can be a runner and has devoted her life to teaching others the joys and benefits of running and how running can help promote overall health.
As founder of Runner’s Realm, Jennifer inspires and motivates others to run through both words and actions. Jennifer leads by example and has completed many races including the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Iron Girl Half Marathon, the Tri-angle Duathlon and many smaller races. Never slowing down, Jennifer will soon compete in the Hero-thon in San Antonio, Texas, the Tough Mudder in Tampa, Florida, the Walt Disney World Goofy 39.3 miles in two days and the Runner’s World Half Marathon in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Combining her love of running with her desire to help others she has lent her talents to helping organizations meet their fundraising goals. She is currently working with Team in Training in advance of the Hero-thon to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their efforts to raise funds to fight blood cancer and recently adding her name to the bone marrow registry hoping to be a match. Jennifer also works with various other non-profit organizations that promote health, such as World Wellness Education, Relay for Life and Walk 4 Animals helping raise thousands of dollars.
Originally from Upstate New York, Jennifer has lived in six states across the US and now resides in Central Florida where she helps her husband Dr. Joseph Morreale manage his business, The Chiropractic Center. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in alternative medicine from Everglades University, is a certified chiropractic assistant, has written for and been published in numerous health and nutrition publications. She also sits on the Board of the World Wellness Education and the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County. In addition to running Jennifer enjoys yoga, stand up paddle boarding, scuba diving, boating, fishing and just about any other outdoor activity.
This information is not meant to be medical advice. No action or inaction should be taken solely on the contents of this information. Instead, you should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to your health and well-being.