A typical massage can stretch and loosen muscles and connective tissue, improving circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. Massage stimulates sensory receptors in the skin and muscles which bring new awareness to areas of your body that have been "cut off" due to chronic stress and tension, allowing you to begin focusing on repair and healing of those areas. Massage can also release endorphins that the body creates to reduce pain.

Through these muscular and chemical releases, massage helps to unblock and balance the flow of life energy through the human system, known in various cultures as life force, vital force, chi, prana, ki, kundalini, hara.

Physical Benefits

• Deep Relaxation
• Release of muscle tension, soreness and stiffness
• Headache relief
• Deeper and easier breathing
• Lower blood pressure
• Improved joint flexibility and range of motion
• Improved blood and lymph circulation
• Improved recovery time for injuries such as sprains, strains and pulls
• Reduced scar tissue
• Skin nourishment
• Enhanced immune system

Mental Benefits

• Reduced stress
• Improved alertness and foucs
• Enhances self-awareness of stress and response to stress

Emotional Benefits

• Sense of being nurtured and cared for
• Increased sense of well-being
• Enhanced self-awareness
• Lowered anxiety
• Opportunity to experience a sense of mind-body connection and wholeness

Thanks to the Potomac Massage Training Institute for the basic format and content for this page.