Is Getting a Massage a Luxury or Necessity?

In an age of technical and, at times, impersonal medicine, massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body's natural ability to heal itself. So what exactly are the benefits to receiving regular massage and/or bodywork treatments? 

- Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. 
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. 
- Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body's largest organ - the skin. 
- Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces spasms and cramping
- Increases joint flexibility. 
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain. 
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred. 
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
- Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.