There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives attached to it, be it pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic, or a a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management, a massage therapy can be a powerful ally in ones’ healthcare regimen.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage, but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure.

Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.

Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.

Relieve Stress with Massage Therapy

Research has shown that it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles and increase the production of endorphin’s, your body’s natural “feel good” chemical. Serotonin and dopamine are also released through massage, and the result is a feeling of calm relaxation that makes chronic or habitual as well as acute or short-term stress much easier to overcome. In fact, stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy.

Massage Therapy Encourages Relaxation

Massage has been shown to decrease cortisol in the body. This allows the body to enter a relaxing rest-and-recovery mode an effect that lingers long after the massage is over. In fact, massage triggers a host of brain chemistry responses that can result in lasting feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and improved mood.

Massage Therapy Improves Blood Circulation

Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.

Massage Therapy Relaxes Muscles

Massage gets to the root of the pain by relaxing tense muscles and increasing flexibility. . Massage also encourages blood flow to the affected muscles, which can bring increase oxygen and nutrients,. All of this activity reduces swelling and stiffness and increases flexibility to help eliminate pain.

Massage Therapy Improves Flexibility

Massage therapy is a beneficial treatment for maintaining and improving flexibility and motion. By working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints, regular massage can improve your flexibility and range of motion, keeping your joints more fluid and making them less injury prone.

Promotes Deeper and Easier Breathing

Massage plays an important role in training the body how to relax and help improve breathing. Respiratory issues, such as allergies, sinus problems, asthma and bronchitis, are one group of conditions that can benefit from massage therapy.

Massage Therapy Relieves Tension Headaches

A study found that in adults with migraine headaches, massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.