Massage therapy eases the effects of plane, train and automobile travel on the body!
Sitting for prolonged periods of time decreases our energy levels, reduces blood circulation to our limbs and causes stiffness in the ankles, calves, legs, hips, back, neck… well basically everywhere! Massage post-travel gets that circulation moving again. It rejuvenates and revitalizes achy areas, provides synovial fluid to move freely through our joints again and allows the healthy removal of toxins which can become stagnant in our soft tissues. You might be asking yourself – so what exactly is a prolonged period of time? Sitting for 6 hours or more is deemed too long. Now, did you know the average flight time is between 6 and 12 hours?
Tips:
Get up and move that body! Every 30 minutes, stand up to stretch, take a lap around the plane or make a trip to the bathroom.
Hydrate while flying. Water prevents your blood from becoming too viscous or “sticky”, allowing for good circulation to occur.
Book a massage. A massage pre-travel has the ability to prepare your body for that short or long haul flight and help your body better adapt to sitting. It also helps to boost your immune system, fighting any germs picked up by touching objects that many others have touched, changes in diet due to altered eating times or food types, and a disrupted sleep schedule.
Extended walking, sightseeing, and tourist activities are a great way to make the most of your new destination. We tend to use muscle groups that are not part of our daily norm. Reduce jet lag with a 60 minutes relaxation massage post-travel; it engages the parasympathetic nervous system – the part we need for relaxation and equates to 7-8 hours of sleep for the body.
A relaxation, therapeutic, hot stone and cupping massage all have the capability to set you up for a great vacation.