Why Massage Became Essential for Me

Getting regular full-body massages has immensely helped me in so many ways. At this point, massage feels less like a luxury and more like a prescription – one that supports my nervous system, my body, and my mental health. 

I finally found a massage therapist who is genuinely gifted at what she does. She gives, hands down, the best massage I have ever had in my entire life. She uses techniques rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has this incredible way of working that still amazes me every time. By the end of our one-hour session, I feel like an entirely different person – in all the right ways.

She always starts out the session by working on either my head or my feet – whatever she feels like that day – and somehow always knows exactly where to go next. She knows which areas need more attention and where to spend extra time without me having to say a word. Each session feels thoughtful and individualized, which I think is a big part of why it has been so impactful for me.

My massage therapist is in such high demand that her schedule is booked out until July of 2028. As I’m writing this, it’s January 2026 – more than two and a half years away. I spent about a year and a half on her cancellation list before I was finally able to become a regular client. Now, I’m grateful to book a massage every four to five weeks. It’s something I genuinely plan my life around.

I’m also fortunate enough to have a Health Savings Account that allows me to pay for my massages. I would prioritize them regardless, but it does help reinforce the idea that this is a legitimate part of my wellness routine – not an indulgence, but a form of care. Let’s be honest though, it does feel indulgent 😉.

For someone who tends to carry a lot of stress like I do, massages feel crucial. The benefits go far beyond relaxation. They improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, increase joint flexibility, promote better sleep, support immune function, and help lower stress and anxiety. Regular massage can also aid in injury recovery, help with chronic pain, improve posture, and simply make daily life feel more manageable. These are just some of the benefits, but they’ve made a noticeable difference for me.

I’ve had my fair share of not-so-great massage experiences, but trial and error was worth it to get to where I am now. If you’ve ever wondered whether massage could help you – or if you’ve written it off as unnecessary or indulgent – I want to encourage you to reconsider. Sometimes care looks simple. Sometimes it looks like lying still for an hour and letting someone help your body soften. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

Regular massage supported me during one of the lowest points in my life, and it’s something I no longer see as optional. For me, it’s essential.