Massage Therapy Some of the Benefits of Massage Copyright Lily Gold 2000 Relieves Muscular Tension - Muscular Tension can cause headaches, pain, decrease in range of motion and in extreme cases loss of function. Massage increases circulation, which removes the lactic and carbonic acids decreasing soreness and speeding recovery by bringing nutrients and oxygen in. Improves posture and body awareness - Improper posture is often due to lack of awareness of one's body.
Improper posture is often the cause of or contributes to muscle tension and pain.
Stress affects the autonomic nervous system. Heart rate increases, pupils dilate, blood rushes toward large muscles and away from the fingers and toes, and digestion stops. Muscles tighten and adrenaline and cortisol are released into the blood stream. Massage counteracts the stress response, by reducing the heart rate and blood pressure, increasing circulation and relaxing muscles. This allows the body to renew, repair and recharge.