Is your neck feeling all stiff? Or perhaps your whole body feels like you've been run over by a durian lorry? While applying those over-the-counter analgesic or heat patches might give you some temporary relief, nothing beats the good old massage by a qualified massage therapist. Here are the reasons why you should consider a massage therapy the next time you are sore and achy.

1) Reduces Stress

Are you physically and mentally stressed due to common issues like heavy workload? The good news is, massage can help you relax and loosen up your tense muscles.

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2) Improves Circulation

If the nature of your job requires you to be deskbound for long hours or if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you are bound to suffer from poor circulation. With a good massage therapy, it can help alleviate muscle soreness and stimulate blood flow at the same time.

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3) Promotes Quality Sleep

Those who are constantly suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea should consider getting a massage as well. Besides, massage helps reduce the pressure on your body. It even gives you a therapeutic effect that promotes relaxation while you are lying on the massage table or a recliner.

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4) Improves Mood

One of the best things about a massage is that it makes you feel better. This is especially true when you benefit from a good massage therapist. It boosts your overall mood since a massage stimulates the brain to release the feel-good hormones known as endorphins. So, the next time you are feeling depressed or moody, you know what to do.

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5) Relieves Muscle Soreness From Exercise

Whether you just had a morning jog or an intense workout while playing badminton, you will probably end up with sore muscles. This is where massage is able to benefit you by reducing muscle tightness and decreasing inflammation.

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6) Boosts Immune System

Apparently, popping vitamin pills isn't the only way to boost your immune system. This is because massage can brings you the same benefit as well. According to clinical studies, regular massage therapy is able to improve the body's overall immune system while strengthening the number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) to fight off viruses like common cold and flu.

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7) Relieves Back Pain

Suffering from a back pain is no laughing matter. Imagine all the difficulties you have to face even for simple everyday things like climbing the stairs and lying down on the bed. Thankfully, massage therapy can help to reduce back pain by decreasing muscle tension while promoting flexibility. It is also a non-invasive method that doesn't require you to pop a pill or two. Of course, if you are suffering from chronic back pain, it is advisable to check with your doctor first before opting for a massage therapy.

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8) Reduces Tension Headache

Are you one of the unfortunate individuals who suffer from tension headaches? We sure know how it feels: the intense and sometimes unbearable pain that occurs in your neck, head and behind the eyes. With massage therapy, it helps reduce the pain by targeting certain trigger points in the body that cause the headaches in the first place.

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9) Improves Digestion

Did you know that massage therapy may boost your digestive system? This is particularly beneficial if you suffer from related problems like bloated stomach and constipation. Apparently, massage helps increase the circulation around the body while stimulating the movement of the digestive tract.

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10) Lowers Blood Pressure

If you are looking for a natural way to reduce high blood pressure, you can consider massage therapy. For instance, a deep-tissue massage helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate. After all, it involves significant hands-on body treatment that applies to the deep layers of muscles in the body.

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