Massage Benefits
Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, as well as the following conditions:
- sleep disorders
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- depression
- lower back pain
- immunity suppression
- spinal cord injury
- autism
- cancer-related fatigue
- post-operative care
- age-related disorders
- infertility
- eating disorders
- smoking cessation
Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.
Other healing benefits of massage therapy include:
- Increased circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.
- Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
- Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Contributes to shorter labor, reduces the need for medication and aides in quicker recovery in pregnant women.
Source: American Bodywork and Massage Professionals - www.abmp.com