Get in touch with the many benefits of massage

Massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia related to stress, myofascial pain syndrome, soft tissue strains or injuries, sports injuries, and temporomandibular joint pain.

Massage works like an all-natural ibuprofen

If a tough workout has you limping, the answer might be on the massage table. Your therapist can concentrate on stiff muscles and specific problem areas, loosening them and increasing blood circulation. You may not need as much pain medication if you get massages regularly.

Massage keeps sickness at bay

Many studies have shown regular massages support immune system function and decrease stress-related hormones that can lower immunity. For example, New Jersey researchers found college students who were stressed about an upcoming exam had better immune system function and less anxiety when they received a massage.

Relief from fibromyalgia

The Journal of Clinical Rheumatology reports massage therapy lowered stress hormones, anxiety and depression in fibromyalgia sufferers and worked more quickly than transcutaneous electrical stimulation.

Massage melts away stress and anxiety

It's not just the smell of calming oils that have you feeling chill—massage is a true muscle and mood relaxer. Regular massages are an effective stress- management technique. Stress is often caused by being over-committed and overwhelmed with home, work and family obligations. A weekly or bi-weekly massage forces you to take time out for yourself for a pleasurable, relaxing activity.

Management of emotional disorders

Massage therapy can help you to manage emotional disorders such as depression or anxiety as part of an overall treatment plan. Massage is soothing, nurturing and relaxing. It can improve your state of mind if you concentrate on releasing negative thoughts during the treatment. You can incorporate visualization exercises in which you picture yourself in pleasant surroundings during the massage.

Massage increases your range of motion

Flexibility not really your thing? By treating yourself to a Sports Massage, you may just be able to pull off that pyramid pose in yoga. Massage loosens up muscles and increases circulation, which helps pump oxygen to joints.