Benefits of Massage:
Our bodies can endure a lot, but too often stress, either physical or emotional in nature, lodges itself into our muscles, and we hurt. Some of us develop headaches. Or decreased flexibility. Or muscle spasms. Fatigue, sleep disorders, anxiety or depression can also result from accumulated stress. Massage is a powerful and effective way to alleviate all of these symptoms. And it feels so darn good!
If you're one of the estimated 40 million Americans who had a massage last year, you know that a good one feels fantastic. Now medical research is showing that this relaxing ritual can actually improve your health, and not just in a vague, happiness-boosting way.
"More and more, we find massage can have measurable medical benefits for a variety of conditions," says Brent Bauer, MD, director of complementary integrative medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Research has shown that it can increase the number of cancer-fighting cells in breast cancer patients, make osteoarthritis sufferers more mobile, and help reduce the spasms of Parkinson's disease. It offers potent benefits to healthy people, as well. "Massage -- even self-massage -- slows the heart rate and lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol," says Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Physical Benefits …
Mental/Emotional Benefits …
People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Aching muscles * Arthritis * Anxiety and stress * Asthma * Cancer * Carpal tunnel syndrome * Chronic pain * Depression * Digestive disorders * Fibromyalgia * Headaches, especially tension-related * Insomnia * Low back pain * Neck pain/stiffness * Plantar fasciitis * Pregnancy and postpartum * Reduced range of motion * Scar tissue * Sciatica * Sports injuries * Strains and sprains * Surgery recovery * Temporomandibular (TMJ) joint dysfunction
If you're one of the estimated 40 million Americans who had a massage last year, you know that a good one feels fantastic. Now medical research is showing that this relaxing ritual can actually improve your health, and not just in a vague, happiness-boosting way.
"More and more, we find massage can have measurable medical benefits for a variety of conditions," says Brent Bauer, MD, director of complementary integrative medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Research has shown that it can increase the number of cancer-fighting cells in breast cancer patients, make osteoarthritis sufferers more mobile, and help reduce the spasms of Parkinson's disease. It offers potent benefits to healthy people, as well. "Massage -- even self-massage -- slows the heart rate and lowers the level of the stress hormone cortisol," says Tiffany Field, PhD, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Physical Benefits …
- Promotes the flow of blood, lymph, and oxygen
- Helps to eliminate toxins stored in your muscles
- Facilitates tissue healing
- Helps to manage pain and discomfort
- Relieves muscle soreness, tension, spasm, and stiffness
- Increases range of motion and mobility
- Improves muscle tone
- Lowers blood pressure
- Helps muscles recover more quickly from exertion and fatigue
- Reduces pain, swelling, and formation of scar tissue following injury
- Boosts the immune system
- Balances the nervous system
- Increases endorphin secretion (the body’s natural painkillers)
- Improves posture
- Promotes restful sleep
- Enhances skin condition
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Mental/Emotional Benefits …
- Promotes relaxation and calmness
- Fosters a positive attitude
- Relieves stress and anxiety
- Relieves depression
- Restores vital energy and alertness
- Enhances calm and clear thinking
- Satisfies the need for caring, nurturing touch
- Increases awareness of mind-body connection
- Enhances self-image
- Fosters a feeling of inner peace
People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Aching muscles * Arthritis * Anxiety and stress * Asthma * Cancer * Carpal tunnel syndrome * Chronic pain * Depression * Digestive disorders * Fibromyalgia * Headaches, especially tension-related * Insomnia * Low back pain * Neck pain/stiffness * Plantar fasciitis * Pregnancy and postpartum * Reduced range of motion * Scar tissue * Sciatica * Sports injuries * Strains and sprains * Surgery recovery * Temporomandibular (TMJ) joint dysfunction
