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Massage is Essential to Our Health and Well-Being

Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapeutic care used to ease muscle pain and stress providing relief to practically everyone-from infants to seniors, and from the competitive athlete to the busy executive. Anyone who has ever experienced a good massage can tell you just how beneficial it can be to your overall well-being.

Why Massage is Essential to Our Health and Well-Being


The skin is the body's largest sensory organ and thousands of specialized receptors in the dermis, the second layer of skin, react to external stimuli such as heat, cold and pressure by sending messages through the nervous system to the brain. Gentle massage affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel good' chemicals.

Endorphins help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, to relieve pain and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline -- helping to combat the effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.

Massage is said to increase activity of the vagus nerve, one of ten cranial nerves, that affects the secretion of food absorption hormones, heart rate and respiration. Studies suggest that it is an effective therapy for a variety of health conditions -- particularly stress related tension, which experts believe accounts for as much as 80%-90% of health concerns.

Long-term stress is a large contributor to the development of many health concerns. Massage is one way to ease the stress in your life. Massage is a nearly perfect therapy because it taps into the body's natural ability to rejuvenate itself. Among its many physiological effects, massage can:

  • Stimulate the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders.

  • Relax and soften injured and overused muscles, reducing occasional spasms and cramping.

  • Temporarily provides relief of pain associated with arthritis by increasing joint flexibility.

  • Reduce recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminate subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.

  • Release endorphins, the body's natural ability to reduce everyday minor aches and pains in the elderly.

  • Temporarily relieves pain for migraine sufferers.

  • May help contribute to shorter labor and help relax muscles to help reduce tearing for expectant mothers.
A recent multi-centre study in the American Medical Association's Annals of Internal Medicine showed that therapeutic massage was an effective treatment for low back pain, out-performing acupuncture. Massage is also commonly used to help achieve restful sleep, as well as digestive issues like occasional constipation.

However, it's important to understand that massage is not recommended in people with certain forms of cancer, phlebitis, some cardiac problems, skin conditions, or infectious diseases. As with any therapy, you should consult with your practitioner regarding specific health conditions to determine if massage is an appropriate therapeutic option.

The Healing Mind and Body Connection of Massage

The benefits of massage extend beyond the physical. Massage is unique in that it provides tangible stimulation through touch. Touch is our first sensual experience and remains, along with smell, the most immediate and evocative link between mind and body.

Many people have reported cathartic experiences during a massage. Just as a massage unwinds tired and stressed muscles, it also may very well unwind repressed emotions that are not processed during a hectic day. In addition to reducing stress, massage has shown success in:

  • Fostering peace of mind and feeling of well-being

  • Promoting a relaxed state of mental alertness

  • Improving ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately

  • Enhancing creativity

  • Increased awareness of the mind-body connection

  • Improving employee performance and creating higher job satisfaction and morale

©Copyright 2007 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved.


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The Aim of Public Education
is Not to Spread Enligtenment
at All; It is Simply to Reduce
as Many Individuals as
Possible to the Same Safe
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~ HL Mencken

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