- Relieves tension
- Reduces stress (physical and emotional)
- Relaxes muscles
- Relieves muscle spasms and cramps
- Aids in the removal of metabolic waste (lactic acid, uric acid, etc.)
- Relieves stiffness and pain resulting from exercise
- Relief of tension-related or eyestrain headaches
- Increases oxygen flow in the blood
- Improves circulation by mechanically moving fluids
- Better circulation for both lymph and blood flow
- Effective pain management for various dysfunctions (this is good for headache, sciatica, arthritis, neuralgia nerve pain, nutrition of the muscle)
- Increases overall health of skin by increasing circulation thus feeding the tissue
- Stimulation of muscular, glandular, and vascular activities improves overall health of the body
- Stimulates nervous system and soothes the nervous system at the same time
- Stretches ligaments and tendons by keeping them supple and pliable
- Improves range of motion
- Improves flexibility
- Hastens healing from sprained ligaments and pulled muscles
- Increased productivity
This is not meant to be a complete list of benefits of massage. The therapeutic applications and the physiological effects of massage are numerous and individualized.