While most people get a massage to lower stress or reduce muscle aches, therapeutic massage can also:

• Decrease anxiety and fatigue
• Improve the quality of sleep
• Enhance the immune system by stimulating lymph flow
• Improve range of motion
• Ease medication dependence
• Help athletes prepare for and recover from strenuous workouts
• Nourish and improve the skin
• Improve circulation
• Release endorphins that work as the body’s natural painkiller
• Lower blood pressue
• Reduce scar tissue and stretch marks
• Ease spasms and cramping
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling
• Relieve migraine pain

I’ve witnessed variations of each of the above-listed benefits first-hand during my 16 years working as a therapeutic massage therapist. However, the most profound benefit — in my opinion — is the simplist of all: Massage makes my clients happier. The science geek in me understands this is a partially the result of increased oxytocin and  decreased Adrenocorticotropin hormones and suggests you read an amazing research paper by on the subject (click here for the research paper), yet the holistic healer in me suggests you simply get a massage and see for yourself: It really works.

Enzo