I use the word art because of the artistic techniques which play an essential role in effective massage. It is the master of massage who brings exceptional forms of relaxation, reflection, and connection of the mind with the body. A well trained massage therapist will accomplish all these benefits and maximize the psychological and physical benefits you can receive from a massage. The Benefits of massage come in many forms. For the purpose of describing the primary benefits of massage, I will categorize them into the physical, mental and emotional benefits one can potentially obtain by experiencing the art of a well trained massage therapist.
Massage has direct psychological and physiological benefits.
Physically, massage increases metabolism, hastens healing, relaxes and refreshes the muscles, and improves the detoxifying functions of the lymphatic system. Massage helps to prevent and relieve muscle cramps and spasms and improves circulation of blood and lymph, thereby improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells as it enhances the removal of metabolic wastes. Since blood carries nutrients to the skin, massage is beneficial in keeping the skin functioning in a normal, healthy manner. Massage therapy is effective in pain management in conditions such as arthritis, neuritis, neuralgia, labor and delivery, whiplash, muscular lesions, sciatica, headache, muscle spasms, and many other conditions. Psychologically, massage relieves fatigue, reduces tension and anxiety, calms the nervous system, and promotes a sense of relaxation and renewed energy.