Benefits of Massage Therapy
In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage therapy offers a drug-free, non-invasive, and humanistic approach to health based on the bodies ability to heal itself.
Massage therapy has many known benefits, simultaneously working on multiple systems of the body:
- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the bodies natural defense system, against toxic invaders.
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.
- Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.
- Increases joint flexibility.
- Reduces recovery time after exercise, helps prepare for strenuous workouts, and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
- Improves range of motion.
- Helps relieve pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Helps to heal old injuries by breaking down scar tissue and other adhesions, which creates more functional muscle and improves joint integrity.
- Relaxes the nervous system into a parasympathetic state, where the body’s natural healing abilities are enhanced.