Massage Therapy -- Effects of Massage on Human Health

• Enhances tissue repair and scar formation
• Improves connective tissue health
• Improves pliability of fascia, releases adhesions and separates tissues
• Stimulates sensory receptors in skin
• Increases superficial circulation
• Promotes smooth joint function
• Promotes optimal joint flexibility, range of motion and proper alignment
• Elicits specific as well as general muscle relaxation
• Enhances connective tissue health and pliability related to muscles and joints
• Relieves myofascial trigger points and releases myofascial adhesions
• Induces release of endorphins and enkephalins and decreases pain
• Stimulates parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response) and reduces stress
• Increases general and local circulation
• Enhances venous return
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
• Increases lymph fluid movement and improves immune function
• Relieves muscle pain from tension and poor circulation
• Activates neural-gating mechanism
• Reduces anxiety