The physiological effects of Massage include:

- Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. Research indicates that massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer in Breast Cancer patients.

- Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.

- Reducing spasms and cramping. - Increasing joint flexibility.

- Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating ensuing pains of the athlete at any level.

- Releasing endorphins which are the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.

 - Reducing post-surgery adhesions and swelling and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.

- Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.

- Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.

- Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

- Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.

   Massage also provides another therapeutic component largely absent in today’s world.That therapeutic component is  tactile stimulation, or, more simply, touch. In 1986, the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami published groundbreaking research on the effects of massage on premature babies. The preterm babies who received massage therapy showed 47% greater weight gain and six-day shorter hospital stays than the infants who were not receiving massage.

It is important to note that there are some conditions where massage is not recommended.

These conditions include people with:

- Certain forms of cancer
- Phlebitis
- Some cardiac problems
- Some skin conditions
- Infectious diseases

Your practitioner should ask you about your specific health conditions and determine if massage, bodywork or somatic therapies are a good idea. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor’s permission before providing services.


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