Benefits of Massage
So what exactly are the benefits to receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments?
- Increases circulation, allowing the body
to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulates 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.
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the
body's largest organ - the skin.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms
and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts
and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller
- and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reduces
post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
-
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.
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant
mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.
Originally published in Body Sense magazine, Fall 2001.
Copyright 2001. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. All rights reserved.
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