If you have yet to experience a massage therapy appointment, make this the year that you treat yourself. Whether you have a specific physical issue that you would like addressed, you're simply interested in relaxing or you've heard about the ability of massage to promote better all-around health, find a certified massage therapist in your community and schedule a session. Massage therapy can provide positive results for a comprehensive list of ailments, but regardless of the reason for your appointment, this form of hands-on healthcare can greatly improve your health. Here are three reasons to make 2016 the year that you experience massage therapy.

Help With Your Anxiety And Stress

Regardless of the reason for your anxiety or stress, these issues can lead to physical and emotional problems that range from sore muscles to headaches to feeling depressed. Having a massage appointment has a profoundly calming nature -- the therapist's slow, methodical movements throughout your body can often provide a feeling of well-being. Massage clinics are often set up with stress reduction in mind; you'll encounter relaxing music, pleasant-smelling essential oils and hushed tones that can help your anxiety and stress begin to melt away. Many massage therapy patients find that scheduling regular appointments can play a key role in keeping stress and anxiety at bay.

A Better Night's Sleep

As many as 70 million Americans have trouble sleeping, which can lead to a variety of health issues. Even if you consider yourself mostly healthy but admit that you'd like to sleep better, massage therapy can be the answer for you. Massage patients experience a boost in their body's serotonin levels, which is a hormone that is necessary for deep, high-quality sleep. Although some people choose to schedule their massages at clinics that have evening hours, so that they can go to bed soon after their treatments, the reality is that regardless of when you visit the massage therapist, you can expect the treatment to help you sleep.

An Immune System Boost

Being sick can keep you home from work and away from family functions; if your immune system is weak, you might frequently find yourself ill. Having a massage appointment can help build a stronger immune system. This form of therapy aids in the production of your body's cells that fight sickness, which means that you'll no longer have to dread cold season or be concerned about using medication to keep common bugs at bay. Click here for more info.