While there is no denying the health benefits of a good massage, there is more to it than rubbing the back and shoulders. There are many different areas of focus that you may have never considered, with four in particular that you might not even know that you need. Here’s a look at four areas to target during your next massage.
Scalp Massage
Scalp massage is not only relaxing but also beneficial to your mental and physical health. If you wake up every morning with a tension headache, then you may have spent the night clenching and grinding your teeth. Scalp massage provides welcome relief for tension headaches and can help minimize stress—especially when focus is centered on the temples. This treatment can help you minimize the risks associated with grinding your teeth. In addition to headache relief, scalp massage can also increase circulation, promote a feeling of well-being, and improve your quality of sleep.
Abdominal Massage
An abdominal or stomach massage can have noticeable benefits for those living with issues such as constipation, cramps, and bloating. It can also realign the organs for more efficient digestive functioning, which can even lead to weight loss. Some patients report that they feel results after just five to 10 minutes of massage. It may sound unusual, and it isn't always what comes to mind when people think about receiving a massage, but abdominal massage has been known to work for those who have mild to severe digestive issues.
Hip & Glute Massage
The last two areas of massage that people often overlook are hip and glute massage. This area of massage reaches deep into the pelvis to relieve a variety of ailments, such as joint pain and sciatica. It can also be very beneficial to athletes and may even help improve their performance. Even if you're not all that athletic, massaging the hips and glutes can help relieve chronic lower back pain and help you recover from injuries caused by falls or an injured tailbone. The gluteal muscles are among the largest muscle groups in the body, and so it stands to reason that a deep tissue massage of that region could be very helpful. These probably aren't what comes to mind when you think about a therapeutic massage, but that's exactly why people should talk about them more. They carry plenty of health benefits and will benefit everybody. If you are interested in these or any other types of massage that could help relieve chronic pain or even to help you relax, speak to your doctor. They can help you find a masseuse or a massage therapist in your area that will be more than happy to help you.