Relieving the Effects of Tension and Toning Muscles with Massage This article is about the benefits of massage therapy. In broad terms, massage means pressing or kneading muscles. When being done gently, massage can be soothing. When being done forcefully, massage can have a stimulating effect because it quickens the blood flow and lymph. Therefore, massage can be useful for both relieving the effects of tension and to tone muscles.  Massage can also induce a feeling of well-being that can support weight control and fitness in general. Massage is often used by therapist to relieve the pain of rheumatism, sciatica, neuralgia, sprains, and stiffness. It is also often used as a method to maintain muscle tone in cases like muscle wasting and paralysis. However, this kind of massage should be undertaken only by a doctor's advice, and be done only by a professional masseur. Usual or general massage can be really useful in relieving tension. Tension involves tautness, and that is why the effects can often be recognized easily. The flesh is more resistant than it should be to fingers pressure and there might be small lumps of knotted tissue below the surface. Massage can help to relax those muscles, and give a positive psychological effect at the same time. People who are overweight can benefit from massage. Massage can help our posture by firming up our muscles. Massage is often mentioned in health tips, because it is very simple to do, and the benefits are great. We can even