Benefits to Health and Well Being: What can massage really do?

The benefits of massage therapy are widely documented. The specific benefit to an individual will of course vary widely and will depend on many factors such as age, physical condition, and therapeutic goals. Below I have grouped the benefits of massage therapy into three broad categories. Which of these are most important to you?

Physical Level

Deep relaxation and stress reduction
Relief of muscle tension and stiffness
Reduced muscle spasm and tension
Greater joint flexibility and range of motion
Increased ease of efficiency of movement
Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids
Reduced blood pressure
Relief of tension-related headaches, eye-strain
Healthier, better nourished skin
Improved posture
Faster healing time from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments; reduced spasm, pain, and swelling; reduced formation of scar tissue
Strengthened immune system and disease prevention

Mental Level

Relaxed state of alertness
Reduced mental stress; a calmer mind
Greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
Increased capacity for clearer thinking.

Emotional Level

Satisfying the need for caring and nurturing touch
Feeling of well-being
Greater ease of emotional expression
Enhanced self-image
Reduced levels of anxiety
Increased awareness of the mind-body connection
A sense of being unified and in harmony