Massage Therapy Advantages

Massage therapy not only addresses the physical needs of a person, but also their mental and emotional needs and wants in order to help the person feel relief from physical injuries, get rid of daily stress or help them maintain good health in general. There are many advantages to massage therapy.

The physical advantages of massage therapy, such as relieving arthritis, circulatory problems, pulled or strained muscles, tension headaches, increasing the immune system, insomnia and many other physical problems can help a person’s physical body feel better. There are also many mental benefits as well, including satisfying the need for a nurturing touch, relieving anxiety and increasing awareness of the mind-body connection.

The literal meaning of the word “massage” is manipulation of the soft tissue of the body using the hands. Here are just some of the many physical advantages you may get from your massage:

* Strengthen the immune system
* Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller
* Promotes deeper and easier breathing
* Improves circulation, increasing the flow of oxygen to and nutrients to cells and tissues
* Speeds movement of lymph fluids, facilitating the removal of metabolic wastes, which accumulate from exercise or inactivity
* Relieves muscle tension and stiffness and decreases muscle spasms
* Relief from headaches
* Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
* Facilitates healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments, reduces pain and swelling and the formation of excessive scar tissue
* Enhances the health and nourishment of the skin
* Improves posture
* Improves athletic performance

There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.