Massage therapy is known for it’s many benefits including relaxation and the easing of muscle pain. However the benefits of massage do not end there. A therapeutic massage performed by a licensed massage therapist could bring more benefits to your body than originally anticipated. The benefits of massage run far deeper than rest and relaxation.

Benefits include healthier skin, headache relief and stress relief.

However, here are some of the less commonly mentioned benefits of massage therapy....

Help With Posture

Many of us suffer from bad posture and back pains caused predominately by sitting at a desk for hours on end. Massage offers a solution, as regular massages can help relax and loosen the muscles. This then allows your body to re-position itself in a more natural and pain free way.

Help With Anxiety & Depression

Massage causes the body to release endorphins (natural mood elevators) which can reduce the level of stress. Research has proven that massage helps adults fall into deep relaxation which in turn decreases their levels of anxiety.

Improved Sleep

Massage is known as a natural treatment for insomnia. Massage therapy is known to increase relaxation which can help restore your sleep pattern.

The National Institute Of Health confirms that massage therapy can help those who struggle to get a restful night’s sleep. Most studies confirm that massage can increase delta waves in the brain which are directly linked to deep sleep.

Improved Blood Circulation

The benefits of massage therapy are not skin deep. It has been proven that massage can actually help with blood circulation.

Eileen Cahalane of Alive Magazine explains: “Massage facilitates circulation because the pressure created by the massage technique actually moves blood through the congested areas. The release of this same pressure causes new blood to flow in. The squeezing and pulling also flushes lactic acid from the muscles and improves the circulation of the lymph fluid which carries metabolic waste away from muscles and internal organs, resulting in lower blood pressure and improved body function.”

Relief of Arthritis Symptoms

Regular massage therapy can lead to a significant reduction of pain for people with arthritis.  Research has shown that regular massages can lead to less pain and stiffness and can lead to better overall function of the joints.

This works because massage can lower production of the neurotransmitter substance P, which is often linked to pain.