Massage Therapy Offers Benefits for a Variety of Health Conditions

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Contrary to popular belief, massage therapy offers more than just relaxation and stress relief: it also offers benefits for people suffering from a variety of ailments. An ancient art – massage has been mentioned in Chinese literature as early as 3000 B.C. – massage has been an important part of health care throughout history. In recent years, physicians and therapists have recommended massage as a treatment for cancer patients, premature infants, and those who suffer from chronic pain because it stimulates the circulation of nutrients and increases the effects of the immune system.

“While it is true massage therapy is great for relaxation, more hospitals, doctors, and patients are discovering the benefits of massage for managing depression, relieving chronic pain, easing post-surgical pain, and reducing post-surgical scarring,” says Dale Healey, DC, dean of the School of Massage Therapy at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn.

By stretching and loosening muscles, massage alleviates muscle tension. By stimulating blood and lymph circulation, massage replenishes muscles with fresh oxygen and nutrients while flushing away metabolic waste products. As a result, individuals suffering

from tension headaches, neck injuries, back pain, and other chronic conditions may find relief at the hands of a massage therapist, says Dr. Healey.

According to Dr. Healey, massage therapy offers a range of 10 health benefits for recipients, including:

• Reduces scars and adhesions;

• Lowers heart rate and blood pressure;

• Increases blood flow to the skin and improves its condition;

• Enhances flexibility and mobility;

• Increases joint range of motion;

• Reduces pain and inflammation;

•Boosts the immune system;

• Promotes circulation and healing;

• Removes toxins and metabolic waste; and

• Reduces fatigue (emotional and physical).

Health care practitioners often recommend massage for the elderly, premature infants, post-operative patients, and people with cancer, but recent studies suggest massage should be a part of a healthy lifestyle and is beneficial for everyone. While stress relief remains a popular benefit of massage therapy, those suffering from chronic conditions should consider asking their health care provider about adding it to their health care regimen.

For additional resources on massage therapy, visit http://www.nwhealth.edu/nns, a Web site focusing on natural approaches to health and wellness hosted by Northwestern Health Sciences University.

Editor’s note: The Natural News Service is a public information program provided by Northwestern Health Sciences University. If you choose to use this release, please attribute the information accordingly.  The University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage and integrative health and wellness. The University has 850 students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.