I can’t tell you how much my body, at times, aches. After all, being the publisher of an all online lifestyle magazine is fun and exciting; but sitting for hours at the computer slowly takes its toll on my body and mind.

Typically, a knee-jerk reaction for many might be to take a hot shower, go outside for a walk, or even relax for a power nap, but none of these alternatives will feel and treat the body’s symptoms and aches, as rejuvenating or re-energizing as a Swedish massage.

To be sure, having a full body massage from a professional to alleviate the aches and pains that build up over time is heavenly. Also, a full body massage assists to help eliminate the kinks and knots out of my back, neck, and arms.

After doing a little research and my homework, the Massage for Healing Spa, in the stylish community of Silverlake, caught my eye.

For many, a massage is considered a luxury, but you’d be surprised at how affordable and important having the proper massage therapy can be for your health, body, and mind.

What can a massage do for you?

Let me count the ways:

1. Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

2. Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.

3. Ease medication dependence.

4. Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.

5. Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

6. Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

7. Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.

8. Increase joint flexibility.

9. Lessen depression and anxiety.

10. Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

11. Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

12. Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.

13. Reduce spasms and cramping.

14. Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

15. Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.

16. Relieve migraine pain. Source: Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

Now, that’s what I call a lot of ways to make one feel better. If you have any of these symptoms or ailments, and you’re seeking treatment to alleviate them, chances are a massage treatment is something that would be a good idea for you to have.

Win a pair of free massages at the Massage for Healing Spa

If you’d like to win a free massage at the Massage for Healing Spa, Cameo, the owner/operator of Massage for Healing, generously gave me a pair of massages to give away for Travelin’ Local’s readers–one for you and one for a friend.

So, if you’re up to winning a wonderful relaxing hour of “therapeutic treatment that releases chronic patterns of tension in the muscles,” just leave a comment below and tell us why you want one or need one. Feel free to share your aches, pains, and other ailments with us. After all, sharing is caring. And if you’re so inclined, the Twitter button is always available. The comments will be open until the end of the month and the prize winner will be announced the first week of March.

Oh, I almost forgot about telling you about my visit to the Massage for Healing Spa, but I thought that would make for a compelling story independent of this one. Therefore, I’ll be sharing my entire experience with you in another story that I’m currently working on.

To keep up to date with the contest, subscribe to Travelin’ Local’s RSS feed, or follow me on Twitter for updates on the Massage for Healing Spa Contest. I’m really looking forward to reading your comments, so what are you waiting for, let’s get started.