17 Benefits of Massage and Body Work

Live Holistically is a multi-author site.
This post was written by: Susan Blue

A fellow student brought the first research report that was medically based into my Swedish Massage class. This was 1981. The Aids epidemic was becoming more public.

What I remember about this report was the cells that fight infections increased significantly with massage. They did lab work regularly as these patients received massage. Because of the immunity improvement, they then drew blood and tested it 2 hours before and 2 hours after massage was given. The cell count showed significant increases from the before massage blood work.

I saved that report for many years. Through the moves, it was misplaced and lost. Since then, I have looked for this particular report.

There have been numerous studies and research about the effects of massage. Just to give you a small general idea of the benefits, here is my list:

Moving the Fluids

1) Massage improves circulation by manually moving nutrients into the different tissues.

2) It enhances the lymphatic flow. The lymph is the body’s natural immune defense system.

3) It increases joint flexibility. Move the toxins and you move better.

4) Massage decreases water retention and cramping for PMS sufferers.

5) It helps regular people and athletes prepare and recover from strenuous workouts.

6) It relaxes and softens tired, overworked and or injured muscles.

7) Massage can reduce muscle spasm and cramping.

It promotes tissue regeneration, and can reduce scar tissue and stretch marks.

9) Massage can reduce post surgery adhesion and swelling.

10) It stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

11) Massage can lessen the effects of depression and anxiety.

12) It can lessen the need and or dependency of medication.

13) Massage is good for headache relief, including migraines.

14) It is considered more effective for lower back pain than other Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM).

15) It helps premature infants gain weight and release the stress of early birth.

16) Massage lessen the aches, pains and stiffness for those who have arthritis.

17) Asthmatics have less anxiety, relax better and will show an increase in air flow and pulmonary function.

The list can go on and on.

The good news is that more hospitals are incorporating massage into their pain management programs and health care for employees. A new trend is the offering of spa services to their patients and families.