HEALTHY MASSAGE TIPS
Various studies have shown that massage can relieve fatigue, pain, anxiety, and depression. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lifted spirits and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neuro-transmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression.
8 out of 10 Americans will, at some point, experience some type of debilitating back pain, but massage therapy can help.
A 2009 study found that a 30-minute massage decreased pain for people with tension headaches, and even curbed some of the stress and anger associated with that pounding head.
"We found the benefits of massage are about as strong as those reported for other effective treatments: medications, acupuncture, exercise and yoga," Dan Cherkin, Ph.D., lead author of a 2011 study.
Massage has also been linked to decreased stiffness and pain, as well as better range of motion in people with osteoarthritis. Multiple studies, although often small, have linked massage to better functioning of the immune system.
Massages help create a relaxed state of alertness, reduces mental stress, and is effective in pain management
Massages increases circulation of blood and lymph fluid and relaxes the nervous systems
Massages speed recovery period from physical exercise, sprains and strains