Ever since humans had the ability to rub a painful spot, massage has been an integral part of long-lasting health.  Massage is more than just relaxation and pampering! Although, those are wonderful benefits they are not the exclusive reasons to do your body good and go get a massage. 

Massage has no known side effects and studies show the more often you receive one, the greater the benefits:  

Reduces stress and anxiety

Besides a good nature walk in Falls Park, massage is a wonderful way to relieve your body of stress. Massage increases serotonin production, easing anxiety and depression. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol have been clinically shown in trials to directly suppress immune system functioning and have been directly linked to depression, stress and many diseases including cancer. Take preventative action or compliment traditional medicine with a stress-reducing massage.

Ease migraine headaches

Massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms and increased serotonin levels in adults with migraine headaches.   Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Dieter, J., Swerdlow. & Diego, M., (1998). Migraine headaches were reduced by massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 96, 1-11.
I often recommend lavender & peppermint essential oil to my clients who suffer from frequent headaches. 

Increases joint flexibility

With arm and leg stretches, we create space & open up the joints to stimulate synovial fluid production. This fluid provides for more cushion adding a spring to your step and lubrication, reducing that grinding feeling in the rotator cuff.  Even if you don't like stretches, gentle movements of the limbs help, too.

Improves rest & sleep

Massage shifts the balance from the sympathetic (fight or flight response) to the parasympathetic, which allows us to rest and repair. Often, massage can be so relaxing that clients often fall asleep during their session! 

Increases circulation in overused muscles

Sports enthusiasts and athletes alike benefit from massage 24 hours before an event or after exercising.  Soreness is greatly reduced by increasing blood flow especially to the muscle groups targeted during the workout or sporting event. Increased circulation means  faster repair of tissues and easier removal of the body's metabolic wastes (like phosphates, CO2, and nitrogen compounds).