What is a massage? Massage is an ancient tradition and integral part of health care prevention and maintenance in many cultures throughout the world. It is one of the oldest healing techniques known to humankind.
Far beyond simply "feeling good," massage has an impressive range of therapeutic effects and benefits, many of which have been documented in research studies conducted in the United States, Europe and Asia. Different massage techniques stretch and loosen muscle and connective tissue and greatly improve the blood flow to the heart and the movement of lymph fluid throughout the body.
Benefits of massage have been known to include:
- Tranquil relaxation and reduced stress
- Relief from muscle cramps, spasms and myofascial pain, especially in the lower back, neck, hips and legs
- Increase in blood and lymph circulation, which can reduce swelling
- Reduction of stress on weight-bearing joints
- Greater joint flexibility, range of motion and muscle tone
- Reduction in blood pressure
- Relief of tension-related headaches and eye strain
- Increased capacity for clearer thinking
- An overall sense of well-being
- Enhancement of self-image
- Increased awareness of the mind-body connection
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