Benefits of Massage
What Massage Does:
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Following is a brief list of the many known, research–based benefits of massage and bodywork.
Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
Simulates the flow of lymph, the body’s natural defense system, against toxic invaders for example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. Furthermore, increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin;
Relaxes and softens injured and over used muscles
Reduces spasms and cramping
Increases joint flexibility;
Reduces recovery time and helps prepare the body for strenuous workouts, reducing subsequent muscle pain of athletes at any level;
Releases endorphins—the body’s natural painkiller—and is proving very beneficial in patients with chronic illness, injury, and post-op pain;
Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred;
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 reduces the need for medication, eases postpartum depression and anxiety, and contributes to a shorter hospital stay.
