Massage Proves To Have Medical Benefits

While Massage may have developed a reputation as a decadent treat for people who love pampering, new studies are showing it has a wide variety of tangible health benefits.  

Research has found that massage therapy boosts immune function in woman with breast cancer, improves symptoms with children with asthma, and increases grip.

A March 2012 article on Fox News dwells on the multiple benefits of massage therapy. While it is traditionally regarded as a method of relaxation, recent scientific studies suggest that massage can reduce cortisol and cytokine proteins, which are responsible for stress and inflammation, respectively, while boosting infection-fighting white blood cells. These benefits are what cause a growing number of people to go for therapeutic massage in Mid-Atlantic establishments.

In Seattle, Washington, they are noted for their vibrant coffee culture. The city’s residents typically enjoy a good stiff brew as a morning pick-me-up, or to cap a particularly stressful day. While coffee is rich in antioxidants and offers several health benefits, massage might just be what any stressed-out individual needs to get some much-needed rejuvenation without relying too much on caffeine. As many people there have since discovered, an hour-long massage may have more overall benefits to one’s body than a good cup of Joe.

Interest in the health possibilities of massage therapy has undoubtedly surged in recent years. Massage might appear to be nothing more than a series of physical manipulations on a passive subject’s body; but one experiences almost immediate relief during and after each treatment, all thanks to massage’s stress-reducing and immunity-boosting effects. Studies by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society even go so far as to posit that massage can help treat lower back pain.

It’s a good thing, then, that in the land of pleasant living, locals can turn to massage treatment centers like Muscular Harmony for a variety of personalized massage services. Most Massage Therapists know a variety of techniques which allow them to go beyond deep-tissue relaxation, and approach the patient’s health and wellness concerns from a holistic perspective to also address emotional and spiritual issues. In any case, patients are advised to seek the services of a qualified massage therapist to maximize the health benefits and avoid possible complications.

People need not spend a fortune to undergo massage therapy, as many facilities charge reasonable rates for various massage treatments. Some establishments might specialize in massage for particular areas of the body in need of attention, with such focused services being more affordable than a full-body procedure. Meanwhile, those who wish to experience the immune-boosting effects of massage therapy and other associated services might want to check out what Muscular Harmony have to offer.

While science has yet to completely understand the full benefits of massage therapy, it is clear that massage can be part of a healthy lifestyle or even specific treatment plans for a variety of medical conditions. The next time you’re hankering for a sip of energizing coffee, you might want to try spending the next hour on a massage table, instead. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel after a single session.



This article was originally published in the Wall Street Journal on March 14, 2012 - it is being re-published here with references more suitable to our Mid-Atlantic readership.