Massage therapy can be like having a warm blanket of positive emotions draped over you. It can relieve tension, provide you with a relaxing environment to destress in, and can even help in relieving the physical and mental symptoms of depression.

In order to decrease physical and emotional stress, massage therapists use different techniques to stimulate blood flow and manipulate the tissues. In addition, an hourlong massage can lower cortisol by about 30%.

Cortisol is the hormone that our body produces in response to stress and when cortisol is decreased, serotonin increases, by approximately 28%. Serotonin is our body’s natural pain reliever and when it is increased, our chances of fighting pain, sadness, and anxiety are far greater.

Why not experience the benefits of massage and treat yourself to a regular weekly massage?