It is used to treat lymphedema, a side effect of any surgery in which the lymph nodes are removed or of radiation administered in the area of the lymph nodes. The length of massage sessions varies, but a full-body massage generally takes an hour. It encourages healing by promoting the flow of blood and lymph, relieving tension, stimulating nerves, and stretching and loosening muscles and connective tissue to keep them elastic. Before physical exercise, massage helps get blood moving to assist in the warm-up. There is also some scientific evidence to support claims that massage enhances the immune system and aids recovery from soft tissue injuries by increasing blood circulation to injured areas.
Some studies indicate that massage can even reduce blood pressure.
The healing powers of massage have been recognized since antiquity. Various forms of massage were also employed by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Chinese. However, the technique as we know it today didn't appear until the late 19th century when Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnast, formulated the principles of Swedish massage. When given massage, babies of HIV-positive mothers achieved greater weight gain and superior performance than babies in a control group that received no massage. Massage was shown to promote relaxation and alleviate pain and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients.