Massage and Weight Loss
If you struggle with your weight, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization(WHO), it is estimated that there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and there are at least 300 million clinically obese individuals.
Overweight people spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. People are turning to extreme fasting, fad diets or even drastic measures such as surgery; in an attempt to manage their weight.
Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risks and it’s never too late to get started.
Did you know massage improves a body’s metabolism?
A full-body massage activates the parasympathetic response in the body producing a state of relaxation. When the body is in this state, it is capable of digestion. During stressful periods, or sympathetic responses, the body redirects blood from digestive organs to muscles, the heart and lungs for the survival mode of “fight or flight”. Massage therapy also increases the blood circulation in the body and thus increases the metabolic rate.
What types of massage are beneficial?
As you receive a massage, your body’s metabolism and the circulation of fresh oxygenated blood increase throughout the body. The following types of massage may help clients with weight loss:
- Abdominal massage encourages healthy digestion and removal of stagnant waste
- Lymphatic massage assists with removal of toxins and increases metabolism.
- Aromatherapy reduces the appetite, engages the senses and increases energy levels.
What can you do?
Exercise is an important component of any weight loss program. Adding aerobic exercise, weight training, and other types of exercise to your daily routine will have a positive effect on your weight and general health.
Diet is another important issue to consider. In general, a healthy diet is made up of unprocessed, organic foods, including a wide variety of whole grains and vegetables.
By learning to lower stress and anxiety through techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation and/or gentle exercise, you may lose weight more easily and possibly stop the destructive symptoms caused overeating.
