Why is Massage Important?
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach based on your 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 your body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, your body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of your body's largest organ -- the skin
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility
- Reduces recovery time and helps prepare your body for strenuous workouts, reducing subsequent muscle pain for athletes at any level
- Releases endorphins -- your body's natural painkiller -- and is proving very beneficial in patients with chronic illness, injury, and post-op pain
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion