Massage has many wide-ranging benefits that affect both our bodies and our minds. Almost everyone can safely receive bodywork of one type or another.

Amongst its many other benefits, massage increases body awareness so that any issues can be addressed before they get more serious in nature.

And it feels great!

Physical Benefits of Massage

• Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
• Promotes faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling and reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance
• Promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system

Psychological Benefits of Massage

• Fosters peace of mind
• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
• Helps relieve mental stress
• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring, nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Research Findings Show Positive Effects of Massage

Studies on the benefits of massage and bodywork are ongoing. One of the organisations at the forefront of the research is the Miami University School of Medicine Touch Research Institute, in Miami, Florida.

The Touch Research Institute have conducted some 78 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in varied age groups.

Check out their findings in more detail at: www.miami.edu/touch-research