Six Benefits of Massage

Sure, it can help you relax — but massage therapy can do much more than that.

Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. Many ancient peoples – including the Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Indians – were convinced of the therapeutic properties of massage and used it to treat a variety of ailments.

1. It can help counteract all that sitting you do

Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress. More often than not [that stress] tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck. But desk workers, beware. More advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting. Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting. This means you can keep your desk job as long, as you schedule a regular massage.

2. It eases muscle pain

Got sore muscles? Massage therapy can help. Massage increases and improves circulation. Just like rubbing your elbow when you knock it on a table helps to relieve the pain.

A 2011 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found benefits of massage therapy as effective as other methods of treatment for chronic back pain.

3. It soothes anxiety and depression

Human touch, in a context that is safe, friendly and professional, can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing.  Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry, according to a study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience. And, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that patients who were depressed and anxious were much more relaxed and happy, and had reduced stress levels after massage.

4. It improves sleep

Not only do benefits of massage encourage a restful sleep, it also helps those who can’t otherwise comfortably rest.

5. It boosts immunity

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that massage boosts patients’ white blood cell count, which plays a large role in defending the body from disease.

6. It relieves headaches

Next time a headache hits, try booking a last-minute massage. Massage can decrease frequency and severity of tension headaches. Research from Granada University in Spain found that a single session of massage therapy immediately effects perceived pain in patients with chronic tension headaches.