8 Reasons Why You Should Have A Regular Massage

With a massage in Sydney typically costing over $100 for an hour, it has always been a very occasional treat. On my recent travels to Indonesia however, I found Balinese massages were offered almost everywhere – and the going rate worked out at somewhere between $4.50 and $12 an hour. With prices like that, I thought I’d conduct my very own experiment, which basically involved having as many massages as I could and seeing if I felt any better for it!

The first few were quite sore, probably because I had some muscle tension. By the end of the trip, the soreness had completely gone. I noticed my sleep was better (though being on holiday probably has a big part to play), I felt relaxed and I'm certain I am a bit taller!

Having got back and researched it a bit further, there are lots of reasons for having regular massages.

The Benefits of Massage:

1. Posture gradually improves as the muscles around the spine become more flexible and less tense.

2. Circulation is encouraged, which is good for muscle recovery and healing

3. Massage encourages deeper breathing, helping oxygen circulate encouraging healing and growth

4. Joint flexibility is increased and tension relieved

5. A calm mind is encouraged by massage along with a completely relaxed body.

6. A massage is claimed to boast alertness and improve attention.

7. The cortisol that is decreased by massage is said to boast your lymph flow and immune cells (though I think the massage I had by the sneezing, sniffing masseuse in Bali probably didn’t have such a benefit to my immune system)

8. The decrease in cortisol and increase in serotonin and dopamine provided by the massage may also reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

If only a daily massage was an affordable option!

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

The frequency of massage therapy really depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re using massage as part of recovery from an injury or to manage chronic pain, weekly sessions may be ideal. For general relaxation or maintenance, a fortnightly or even monthly massage can still deliver noticeable benefits.

Many physiotherapists and wellness practitioners suggest a regular massage schedule is far more effective than infrequent, reactive sessions. A one-off massage might feel amazing at the time, but the cumulative effects of regular bodywork—like better posture, improved circulation, and reduced muscle stiffness—really show after a few weeks of consistency.

Types of Massage and Which One is Right for You

If your only experience with massage has been a Swedish or Balinese style, it’s worth exploring some of the other techniques available. Different massage styles offer different benefits:

• Swedish Massage: Best for relaxation and light muscle tension. Long strokes and kneading movements help promote calm and improve blood flow.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Ideal for chronic muscle tightness and postural problems. This style targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
• Sports Massage: Focuses on areas affected by sports or physical activity. Excellent for injury prevention and recovery.
• Lymphatic Drainage: A gentle technique that stimulates the lymphatic system and helps reduce water retention, swelling, and fatigue.
• Thai Massage: Combines acupressure, stretching, and yoga-like poses to improve flexibility and release energy blockages.

Choosing the right massage depends on your goals. If you’re unsure, start with a Swedish massage and ask the therapist to adjust the pressure and techniques based on your feedback.

Massage and the Paleo Lifestyle

Massage might not be something you typically associate with the Paleo lifestyle, but it complements it beautifully. The Paleo philosophy is centred around returning to natural movement, eating, and living habits—and massage supports this by helping to realign the body and reduce the strain caused by modern life. We weren’t made to hunch over laptops or spend hours seated in cars or on planes. Regular massage can help undo some of this damage by loosening tight muscles and allowing you to move more naturally.

Just like a good night’s sleep and eating nutrient-dense food, bodywork contributes to a holistic view of health. Massage is a restorative tool that helps manage stress, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones—key pillars in any ancestral health framework.

Why Massage is Especially Important in the Modern World

Modern life is not kind to our bodies. From long hours sitting at a desk to digital overload and high stress levels, it’s no surprise many of us suffer from tight shoulders, headaches, back pain, and poor sleep. Massage offers a reprieve from this constant stimulation. It allows the nervous system to shift into parasympathetic mode—the “rest and digest” state—which is often neglected in our always-on culture.

Massage also encourages mindfulness. Even if you don’t actively meditate, a massage session provides a pocket of time where you’re not distracted by your phone, computer, or mental to-do list. This kind of reset can be just as powerful as a good workout or a nourishing meal.

Creating a Self-Care Routine with Massage at Home

If regular professional massage is out of reach, there are still options to incorporate massage into your routine at home. Consider investing in a few key tools:

• Massage balls or rollers: Great for targeting specific trigger points like your back, glutes or calves.
• Massage gun: These have become incredibly popular and are excellent for loosening tight muscles quickly.
• Foam roller: Perfect for post-exercise recovery and improving flexibility over time.
• Essential oils: Aromatherapy can elevate the experience and help relax both the body and mind.

Even a few minutes of targeted self-massage each day can dramatically reduce tension and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. Pair it with a few deep breaths, some gentle stretching, or meditation to amplify the effect.

Is Massage Worth the Cost?

It can be easy to dismiss massage as a luxury, but when viewed through a health and wellness lens, it becomes more of an investment. Many people spend hundreds of dollars a month on supplements, gym memberships, or fitness gear but overlook the profound impact massage can have on physical and emotional wellbeing.

In countries like Indonesia or Thailand, where massage is accessible and affordable, people incorporate it into their lifestyle far more regularly. Perhaps there’s something to be learned from this approach—massages don’t have to be elaborate spa treatments. Even a 30-minute foot or back massage can do wonders. If affordability is a concern, consider trading with a partner or friend, looking for student massage clinics, or bundling prepaid sessions for a discount.

Final Thoughts

Your health isn’t just about what you eat or how you move—it’s also about how well you rest and recover. Massage is one of those rare interventions that supports the mind, body, and soul. Whether you opt for weekly sessions or occasional indulgences, it’s a practice worth incorporating into your routine.

So next time you’re feeling stiff, anxious, or just in need of some TLC, consider booking a massage or rolling out a mat at home. Your muscles—and your mind—will thank you.

What benefits have you gained from massages? Do you regularly have them?