The key antidote to stress is relaxation and there is nothing better and more efficient at relieving stress than having a warm, relaxing massage. Yet, at least in our society, the common practice of massage has remained an esoteric experience for decades being only popular to athletes and prizefighters, but rarely experienced by the rest of us outside of a little shoulder and neck rub. And for too many years, massage has been out of favor with mainstream society and thought of as more of a taboo type of activity other than improving mental, spiritual, and physical health. Fortunately today, the health benefits are being widely recognized.

With the rise of holistic and alternative modes of healing and health maintenance, along with the growing acceptance of the Chinese idea of energy flow throughout the body, massage has achieved widespread respect. It now shares a common choice among many people who measure it up against various healthcare options. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), research studies are amassing solid evidence that massage does more than merely relieve tension in sore muscles. It actually promotes physical and emotional health and well-being in more ways than one.

Studies indicate that massage (among other benefits) actually lowers blood pressure and heart rate, promotes improved circulation, relaxes muscles, and helps improve joint mobility. Data from the University of Miami, which hosts the Touch Research Institute, shows that touch can directly reduce stress hormones circulating in the blood, while it reduces pain and improves immune function. The institute reports a correlation between touch deprivation and an increased tendency to respond to problems with anger or violence. Children suffer both physically and emotionally when they are separated from their parents and receive little touching and cuddling.

The elements of touch and properly applied pressure points have been shown to benefit the nervous system, and some forms of massage are said to improve the function of internal organ systems by improving energy flow throughout the body. After years of resistance, most physicians and healthcare practitioners now accept massage as a valid treatment of injuries and some illnesses, as well as a useful tool for preventative medicine and stress reduction.

A massage before you exercise improves blood flow. It stretches and warms tight muscles, thus reducing the risk of injury. A massage after heavy or stressful physical activity can loosen strained or knotted muscles, release tension, and bring you back to a relaxed state.

Sometimes, muscle soreness is the result of an exercise workout or some vigorous physical activity. At other times, the stress of your work or the ergonomics of your workstation may result in muscle pain or fatigue. These types of physical stresses also responds well to properly executed massage.


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