When we think about massage and how we can benefit, we tend to think about stress relief and helping with sore muscles. Of course these are some of the benefits, but actually massage can go much further than that. People who undertake regular massages actually find that they experience lots of health benefits.

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1 – Reduce Muscle Tension

Muscle tension can cause aches and pains throughout the body. Chronic or recurring pain is often the result of excess muscle tension. Regular massage can help relieve muscle tension and thus helps to reduce chronic and/or recurring pain.

2 – Boost the Immune System

One benefit that massage has on the immune system is the stimulation of the lymphatic system.  We also see improvements in the circulation of blood which nourishes the whole body. Studies have found an increase in serotonin in massage patients, along with an increase in the production of T-cells which are the first line of defense for the immune system.

3 – Beat Anxiety and Depression

Getting a therapeutic massage can help us to feel better mentally, emotionally and physically. Massage is well known for its stress reducing benefits and therefore it can help combat depression. People who get massages tend to feel more relaxed and less overwhelmed by life’s challenges. As a result, the chances of feeling anxious and/or upset after a massage are greatly reduced.

4 – Make Exercise Easier

Starting an exercise routine is often difficult due to the aches and pains that we feel afterwards. Massage can reduce inflammation which helps to soothe aches and pains. Getting a massage after an exercise session will also reduce your recovery time. When working out is less painful, people will tend to work out more often, leading to greater overall health.

5 – Pain Relief

Even if you are experiencing pain that has nothing to do with muscles and/or muscular tension, massage can help. This is because pain is often made worse when you are feeling tense or stressed. Massage is a great way to relieve stress. One benefit of stress relief is that pain felt throughout the body, even if it seems unrelated, can be reduced.

6  – Help With Arthritis 

Many people suffer from arthritis. It has been found that massage can help to reduce arthritic pain. It has been shown to help with grip and motion in the hands, wrists and upper joints which are often affected by arthritis.

7  – Improved Balance

As you age, you might find that your balance, neurological, and cardiovascular measures decrease. Many studies have shown that massage can improve this condition. It is suggested that people undertake at least 6 weeks of therapy to see a benefit.

8 – Reduced Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause a whole host of long term health problems. Although your doctor can offer lifestyle change advice and/or medication to help reduce high blood pressure, massage has also been shown to lower high blood pressure.

9 – Helps With Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. Massage therapy can improve circulation in the muscles, which increases the flow of nutrients to the cells and eliminates waste products. This is particularly beneficial for those with fibromyalgia as it can reduce heart rate, relax muscles, improve range of motion in joints and increase production of the body’s natural painkillers.