Most of us are probably already following a health and wellness regimen that includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep. Many healthy people overlook the benefits of massage therapy on their well-being. But massage isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a must-have for better health.

Why Massage Should Be Part of Your Wellness Program
Ask almost anyone why they might want to book an appointment with a massage therapist, and you’ll hear two common answers: pain relief and stress management. And, while both of these reasons are valid, massage can do so much more. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of regular massage therapy.

1. 1. Massage can help improve sleep. Chronic sleep problems not only cause extreme fatigue – they often lead to mood disorders, concentration problems and slower reaction time. The condition known as “sleep debt,” or the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep, has even been linked to more serious health concerns such as obesity and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Massage helps people spend more time in deep sleep, the most restorative phase of sleep during which the body heals and replenishes itself.
   2. Massage can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cortisol is the body’s response to stress, and studies have shown massage therapy lowers it by as much as 50 percent. At the same time, massage can also naturally boost your body’s levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are both neurotransmitters that help stabilize your mood. Regular massage therapy promotes mental alertness and a sense of well-being, contributing to a more positive outlook on life.
   3. Massage can improve your body’s circulatory system. Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure used in massage techniques actually pushes blood through the body. The squeezing and pulling also flushes out lactic acid, which can build up in muscles and cause soreness.
   4. Massage helps detoxify your body. The pressure applied to muscles, tissues and organs during massage therapy literally squeezes out toxins and impurities that have built up in your body. Massage stimulates your lymphatic system, which works hand-in-hand with the circulatory system to flush out toxins and help your body defend itself from infection. If your lymph fluid circulation gets sluggish, toxins can accumulate, and immune cells may not get carried to the areas of the body where they’re needed most. When your lymphatic system is working properly, circulation of lymphatic fluid carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.
   5. Massage releases tight muscles and relieves aches and pains. Of course, reducing muscle tension and stress is the biggest reason most people seek out quality time with a massage therapist. As electronics of all kinds have become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, many people spend their days sitting in front of a computer – and their evenings sitting in front of the TV. This sedentary lifestyle has a negative effect on people’s bodies and overall health, which massage therapy can counteract. Essentially, massage therapy is a “passive” exercise for tense or tired muscles. The therapy can balance out joint stiffness in a non-invasive way that leaves you feeling happier and more relaxed.

What Is Body Therapy?
The terms “body therapy” and “massage” can be used interchangeably. However, at Synergy Spa & Aesthetics, we take a more corrective, clinical and therapeutic approach to the practice of traditional massage. Our restorative body therapy treatments are combined with all the pampering you expect from a massage, so you’ll still get the “spa feel” from the experience.

What Body Therapy Treatments Does Synergy Spa & Aesthetics Offer?
Synergy is an award-winning spa and proud to be the official massage therapy provider for the dancers of the Carolina Ballet. Our talented team of professionals is committed to your health and well-being.

Synergy’s massages are for a full 45, 60, 75 or 90 minutes, which includes a proper pre- and post-consultation and plenty of time to dress without feeling rushed. Our body therapy treatments include:

Customized Massage: This popular massage choice includes your desired preference of pressure. We also use a heated treatment table, heated neck, back and eye pillows, hot towels, your choice of aromatherapy and the incorporation of hot stones to specific problem areas.

Hot Stone Therapy: When you choose this technique, your therapist will use hot basalt stones in combination with a full body massage to completely relax your muscles. The direct heat from the smooth stones expands blood vessels, promoting blood flow throughout the body. The stones also help relieve chronic pain and reduce stress for a thorough healing experience.

Seasonal Body Exfoliation: This pampering treatment begins with a seasonal foot scrub, followed by a shea butter exfoliation and a lavish personalized full body massage.

Thai Yoga Massage: Yoga massage is an ancient form of therapeutic bodywork brought to Thailand more than 2,000 years ago by Buddhist monks. This powerful yoga-based therapy combines massage and acupressure with assisted yoga poses, energy work, meditation and rhythmic breathing. Similar to yoga, Thai massage enhances strength and flexibility while relaxing sore or tense muscles. The treatment realigns the mind-body connection and restores a sense of harmony and tranquility to counteract the negative effects of stress.

Cupping Therapy: Rather than applying pressure to muscles, cupping therapy is a treatment that pulls skin, tissue and muscles upward. Cupping enhances circulation, helps relieve pain and removes damaging toxins that linger in your body’s tissues. This treatment can be helpful for athletes, as well as people who suffer from anxiety, headaches, joint pain or fatigue.

Detoxifying Body Treatment With Full Body Massage: This soothing treatment includes a dry-glove exfoliation, followed by a full body application of OSEA Green Marine Detox Bath Foam. This all-natural product contains the purifying power of antioxidant-rich seaweed, minerals, enzymes and vitamins. This treatment is followed by an hour-long massage using OSEA Undaria Body Oil and Anti-Aging Body Balm to leave your skin feeling smooth and intensely hydrated.

Setting aside time for a professional massage, customized to address your personal needs, can and should be an integral part of your wellness routine. You deserve to feel your best, and regular massage is one of the most important steps you can take to make your health a priority.