Generally, massage is known to affect the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph,reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and enhance tissue healing. These effects provide a number of benefits:
• reduction of muscle tension and stiffness
• relief of muscle spasms
• greater flexibility and range of motion
• increase of the ease and efficiency of movement
• promotion of deeper and easier breathing
• relief of tension-related conditions, such as headaches and eyestrain
• promotion of faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments, and reduction in pain and swelling related to such injuries
• reduction in the formation of excessive scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
• enhancement in the health and nourishment of skin
• improvement in posture through changing tension patterns that affect posture
• reduction in stress and an excellent stress management tool
• creation of a feeling of well-being
• reduction in levels of anxiety
• increase in awareness of the mind-body connection
• promotion of a relaxed state of mental awareness