The Benefits of Regular Massage

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Massage has proven to be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.

Here's why: Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Massage therapy provides many benefits, such as:

• Increases 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