Benefits of Massage
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts known to man, if not the oldest. It is an instinctual reaction to pain. This is why you rub your head when it hurts, even before you reach for the aspirin. The phenomenon of healing
touch is well-documented throughout human history.
Most of us know that massage feels good, but did you know that massage:
· Assists venous blood flow back to the heart
· Increases circulation
· Lowers blood pressure
· Decreases heart rate
· Increases oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
· Stimulates the immune system
· Reduces ischemia (reduction in oxygenated blood; often painful)
· Reduces lymphedema (swelling)
· Improves texture and tone of skin
· Reduces the formation of excessive scar tissue after injury
· Decreases pain by releasing endorphins
· Stretches and broadens tissues
· Tones muscles
· Promotes relaxation and decreases insomnia
· Reduces levels of stress hormones
· Relieves muscular restrictions, tightness, stiffness, and spasms
· Increases flexibility
· Reduces muscle fatigue and soreness
· Slows breathing rate
· Stimulates and aids digestion
· Enhances well-being and can improve body image
· Improves mental alertness
· Reduces depression
· Energizes and invigorates the entire body
· In some cases, alleviates poor posture
· Relieves carpal tunnel, sciatica, and other nerve-entrapment conditions
· People who received a 15-minute massage twice a week actually did better on math tests*
* Field et al. (1998), cited in Salvo, Susan G. Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice (W. B. Saunders, 1999) p. 433
