Benefits of massage: It’s okay to feel good 

SALT LAKE CITY — Massage has a number of benefits, experts at the Mayo Clinic say — and beyond just helping you relax.

On a recent episode of the Let’s Get Moving podcast, Maria Shilaos spoke with KellieAnn Halvorsen, a licensed massage therapist. The two discussed the benefits of massage and how it can be an important part of self-care.

What is it about massage that really improves our well-being? 

“Taking that time to slow down, take care of yourself and to be aware of what’s happening in your body. Where you hurt, where you ache, what feels good, what doesn’t. It really just brings this wonderful awareness to your mind,” said Halvorsen.

Halvorsen says that massage is more than a physical component, it allows the body to release endorphins that ultimately help our brain relax.

What benefits can come from regular massage? 

Halvorsen mentions how frequent massage can help with pain that we may have given up on. Chronic pain is an example, for instance.

“I think part of the problem is we’re not even aware of some of the issues anymore because we’ve been living with them for so long,” Halvorsen stated.“…and then after a few sessions they are just amazed at the benefits that’s come from, from it!” she said. “Being able to have increased flexibility, these chronic issues that they thought they could do nothing about are actually starting to release, to be able to have a functioning neck again and to be able to work on these issues.”

Halvorsen continued to state that people, as early as the age of 4 years old, learn to hold in their stress.

“We literally learn to hold our stress in when we say someone’s a pain in the neck, they can literally be a pain in the neck,” Halvorsen continued.

Why should we take more time for massage?

Sometimes self-care can feel selfish, when it is actually a much-needed asset in our day to day lives.

“We’re not just these eyeballs floating around in space. We have minds, we have bodies, they’re interconnected with energy and we need to make sure we take care of the holistic approach to our bodies,” Halvorsen encouraged.

“Take time, slow down, book your appointments, be clear with your therapist,” she said. “It’s okay to feel good.”

Listen to the full episode

Learn more about KellieAnn Halvorsen here.

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