The Benefits of Massage

Reduces the effects of stress
Massage therapy has an amazing effect on your body’s nervous system. It counteracts your body’s negative response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing your heart rate, blood pressure and circulation to return to normal.

Relaxes tense muscles
Massage therapy stretches and loosens tight muscles, and connective tissue, breaking down and preventing further formation of adhesions, and freeing your range of motion.

Increases blood circulation
Massage therapy releases contracted muscles and pushes venous blood toward the heart, thus easing the strain on this vital organ. Massage therapy increases your body’s oxygen-carrying red blood cell count, helping to bring even more oxygen to your body’s cells.

Decreases chronic pain
Not only does massage therapy help to correct the conditions that cause chronic pain, but it also decreases chronic pain by blocking the pain signals to the brain and by increasing the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

Strengthens the immune system
Massage increases the circulation of lymph fluid in your lymphatic system thus helping your body to fight off infection and speeding your recovery from injuries and illness.

Can improve nerve function
Massage therapy relaxes your tense muscles and calms your nervous system, causing your body’s rhythm to slow down, priming you for a perfect night's sleep.

Improves skin tone
Massage therapy dilates the blood capillaries of the skin increasing the uptake of vital skin repairing nutrients and speeding the removal of harmful toxins. This improved circulation helps to moisturize your skin, improving and relieving dryness and itching.

Source:  Touch Research Institute , University of Miami School of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University

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