According to a survey sponsored by the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) the top two reasons people seek massage are: 1) relaxation and restoration and 2) relief from pain or muscle soreness.
Everyone can use a little relaxation, and who doesn't have that sore neck/shoulder muscle, but the truth is that there are numerous benefits of massage that you probably don't even know about.
There isn't a man, woman or child that couldn't benefit from healing touch.
How many benefits listed below could you use?:
Cardiovascular System:
Dilates blood vessels
Improves blood circulation
Decreases blood pressure
Creates hyperemia
Stimulates release of acetylcholine and histamine for sustained vasodilation
Replenishes nutritive materials
Promotes rapid removal of waste products
Reduces ischemia
Reduces heart rate
Lowers pulse rate
Increases stroke volume
Increases red blood cell (RBC) count
Increases oxygen saturation in blood
Increases white blood cell (WBC) count
Enhances the adhesion of migrating WBCs
Increases platelet count
Lymphatic / Immune Systems:
Promotes lymph circulation
Reduces lymphedema
Decreases the circumference of an area affected with lymphedema
Decreases weight in patients with lymphedema
Increases lymphocyte count
Increases the number and function of natural killer cells (a type of WBC)
Skin and Related Structures:
Increases skin temperature
Improves skin condition
Stimulates sebaceous glands
Stimulates sudoriferous glands
Improves some skin pathologies
Reduces superficial keloid formation
Nervous and Endocrine Systems:
Reduces stress
Reduces anxiety
Promotes relaxation
Decreases beta wave activity
Increase delta wave activity
Increase in alpha waves
Increase in dopamine levels
Increases serotonin levels
Reduces cortisol levels
Reduces norepinephrine levels
Reduces epinephrine levels
Reduces feeling of depression
Decreases pain
Reduces analgesic use
Activates sensory receptors
Faster and more elaborate development of the hippocampal region of the brain (related to superior memory performance)
Increases vagal nerve activity
Right frontal EEG activation shifted to left frontal EEG activation
Decreases H-amplitude levels during massage
Muscular System:
Relieves musclular tension and spasms
Relaxes muscles
Reduces muscle soreness and fatigue
Increase range of motion
Increases flexibility
Lengthens muscles
Reduces Trigger Point formation
Manually separates muscle fibers
Improves performance (balance and posture)
Improves motor skills
Tones weak muscles
Reduces creatine kinase activity in the blood
Improves muscular nutrition
Decreases electromyography (EMG) readings
Connective Tissues:
Reduces keloid formation
Reduces excessive scar formation
Decreases adhesion formation
Releases fascial restrictions
Increases mineral retention in bone
Promotes fracture healing
Improves connective tissue healing
Reduces surface dimpling of cellulite
Respiratory System:
Reduces respiration rate
Strengthens respiratory muscles
Decreases the sensation of dyspnea
Decreases asthma attacks
Reduces laryngeal tension
Increases fluid discharge from the lungs
Improves pulmonary functions by:
Increased vital capacity
Increased forced vital capacity
Increased forced expiratory volume
Increased forced expiratory flow
Improved peak expiratory flow
Digestive System:
Promotes evacuation of the colon
Relieves constipation
Relieves colic and intestinal gas
Stimulates digestion
Miscellaneous Effects:
Increases urine output
Promotes the excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and sodium chloride in urine
Reduces fatigue and increases vigor
Improves sleep patterns
Reduces job related and post-traumatic stress
Improves mood
Decreases feeling of anger
Improves body image
Improves self-esteem
Promotes communication and expression
Improves lifestyle habits
Increases physical well being
Reduces touch aversion and touch sensitivity
Increases academic performance
Increases mental alertness
Satisfies emotional needs
