Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy has been around for more
than 4000 years, showing up as a practice in ancient Chinese
medical books. But massage isn’t a practice of uncertain
efficacy, like tea leaf reading. In the last few decades,
scientists have proven the effectiveness of medical massage,
and many health insurance companies will reimburse for treatment.
A masseuse does more than help people relax while at the
spa. Massage is a type of medical therapy with clinically
proven results. A good massage can have a variety of health
benefits, ranging from preventative health-care to actual
healing.
Massage as Preventative medicine
• Better blood and lymph circulation.
• Deeper breathing.
• Stress reduction.
• Better immune functioning.
Pain Management through Massage
• Relief from muscle spasms.
• Management of chronic, non-malignant pain, including among
the elderly, the arthritic, and those with sickle-cell anemia.
• Enhanced flexibility.
Healing Power of Touch
• Promotion of faster healing of soft tissue
injuries like pulled muscles and sprained ligaments.
• Relief of tension related health problems such as headaches
and eyestrain.
• Reduction in the formation of excessive scar tissue after
a soft-tissue injury.
• Promotion of growth among preterm infants.
• Improve pulmonary function in asthma patients.
• Reduce anxiety.
• Reduce distress among those with inflammatory bowel disease.
• Relieve insomnia.
Most people love receiving a massage, and no wonder. Certainly,
a massage helps a person relax, and relaxation promotes
health. But the positive effects achieved by a well-trained
touch reach well beyond mere restfulness.
Sources:
Healthline.com, "Massage Therapy"
