Massage isn't capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorders, but it can provide welcome relief from symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, stress, as well as back pain, headaches and migraines, muscle pain, and some forms of chronic pain. Minor sports injuries and repetitive stress injuries can also be relieved with massage.
Some of the benefits of massage are listed below:
- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders.
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin.
- Improves quality of life by helping to de-stress mental, physical, and emotional tension.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
- Reduces spasms and cramping.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.
