The benefits of Massage Therapy include...

Skeletal System
1. Maintains posture and body balance
2. Reduces muscular tension that may eventually cause structural problems
3. Incre the flow of nutrients to the bones
4. Promotes elimination of waste matter

Muscular System
1. Relieves muscle tension
2. Increases the supply of blood and nutrients to the muscles
3. Helps to eliminate waste matter from muscles (especially lactic acid)
4. Helps restore tone to flaccid muscles and partially compensates for lack of exercise and inactivity because of illness or injury
5. Eliminates or prevents muscle adhesions resulting from injury
6. Increases flexibility and strength of joints

Circulatory System
1. Improi. es blood circulation and relieves congestion
2. Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body
3. Eases the strain on the heart by helping to return blood to vital organs, especially in cases of forced inactivity due to ifiness or injury
4. Pushes the movement of lymph through the body, thereby strengthening the immune system and eliminating toxic wastes

Nervous System
1. Can either sedate or stimulate the nervous system, depending on the technique used
2. By balancing the nervous system, massage affects all systems of the body.

Respiratory System
1. Improves breathing patterns
2. Aids in relief of many long-term respiratory difficulties such as asthma and bronchitis

Digestive System
1. Improves the function of the liver
2. Acts as a mechanical cleanser, pushing out waste products, particularly in those who suffer from constipation
3. Relieves spastic colon

Urinary Tract System
1. Massaging the kidneys can cleanse the blood and tone the entire system
2. Massage can affect the elimination of fluids in problems of swelling in the body.

   The American Massage Therapy Association presents the benefits of massage therapy as they affect physical, emotional and mental health.

Physical Benefits
Deep Relaxation & Stress Reduction
Relief of Musde Tension & Stiffness
Reduced Muscle Spasms
Greater Joint Flexibility & Range of Motion
Increased Efficiency of Movement
Reduced Blood Pressure
Improved Posture
Strengthened Immune System
Disease Prevention
Health Maintenance

Emotional Benefits
Enhanced Self-Image
Reduced Levels of Anxiety
Increased Awareness of the Mind/Body Connection
Greater Ease of Emotional Expression

Mental Benefits
Relaxed State of Alertness
Reduced Mental Stress (A Calmer Mind)
Greater Ability to Monitor and Respond to Stress Signals
Increased Capacity for Clearer Thinking