The Benefits of Essential Massage
Massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen and useful for the following conditions:

• Alleviate low-back pain and increase joint flexibility.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow-the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Release endorphins-amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

Experts estimate that over 90% of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. Remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan.