A massage is often viewed as the ultimate way to indulge oneself- to be pampered as one is guided to a state of relaxation. Massages, however, are far more than simply an indulgence. In several situations, a massage can be more of a necessity than a luxury. They have vital benefits that can help people in leading a healthier, pain-free life.   

Getting a massage in Dubai has several benefits- it leaves you feeling relaxed and loose, and can act as a painkiller if required. From relaxation to rehabilitation and everything in between, a massage can help you attain the state of body and mind that you are striving for-and it does all this without employing the use of a single steroid or medicine.

Here are some of the most common reasons that people choose to get massages:

1. Massage can act like a painkiller– One of the most common reasons to get a massage is to alleviate muscle pain, most often in the back, neck and shoulders. Scientists have actually studied why massage is so effective at combating muscle pain, and they came to the conclusion that touch therapy actually activates the same portion of the brain as an opioid painkiller like codeine. Unlike codeine, however, there are no prescription requirements for a massage, and you can get one as often as you’d like without any harmful side effects.

2. Boosts Circulation– After you get a massage, you will find the area that got a massage is slightly red. This is because you have stimulated blood flow to the region by getting a massage. When masseuse performs a massage, they place pressure on a particular area. Once that pressure, is released, the blood flows to the area at a greater rate than before to compensate for the change in pressure. The increased circulation helps combat muscle soreness and fatigue, and also assists in muscle recovery.

3. Boosts Immunity– Massage doesn’t just get the blood flowing- it changes the very composition of your blood. A study performed on individuals who underwent a 45 minute swedish massage revealed that those who underwent the massage had significantly higher levels of blood protein than those who did not receive the massage. Blood protein play a major role in protecting the body from tumours, viral infections, and other pathogens- definitely worth 45 minutes of anyone’s time!

4. Improves Flexibility– Massage is one of the most effective ways to increase your muscle flexibility. Massage movements have a lengthening effect on the muscles being worked on, making them more supple and flexible (as well as longer). When muscles are overworked or stressed, on the other hand, they tend to become shorter and stiffer. Muscles are far more inflexible when they are short and stiff, which also leaves them more prone to injuries. This is why massage is prescribed as part of the muscle recovery process for most athletes and individuals with a gruelling workout routine.

5. Reduces Stress– Studies have shown that getting a massage can reduce the levels of cortisol in your system. Cortisol is the hormone associated with the fight or flight response- when the body feels it is about to enter a dangerous situation, it increases the cortisol level in your system. The cortisol keeps your body on edge so that it is capable of responding instantly to any perceived threat- which is the feeling we associate with stress. Lowering the cortisol levels in your system allows your body and mind to relax, leaving you feeling far more peaceful.

6. Gets Rid of Headaches– One of the biggest causes of headaches is a restricted supply of blood to the brain. Massaging the neck and head area can cause these headaches to vanish almost magically,  as the massage movements trigger blood flow. Once the blood supply to the brain is back at the normal level, the headache vanishes, leaving you ready to face the rest of the day with a smile.

7. Put Yourself in a better mood– A vanishing headache isn’t the only reason you’ll be smiling after your massage! Studies have shown that, on average, a massage is likely to boost the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is linked to feelings of happiness- thus ensuring that your mood will be far better after your massage than it was before.   

You can book an appointment for any of our other luxury spa services at any of our four luxurious locations across Dubai- located at Al Safa, JBR, Village Mall and Beach Centre.