Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for: anxiety, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia related to stress, myofascial pain syndrome, soft tissue strains or injuries, sports injuries and temporomandibular joint pain.

        

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.

   

Being touched and touching someone else are fundamental modes of human interaction, and increasingly, many people are seeking out their own “professional touchers” and body arts teachers—chiropractors, physical therapists, Gestalt therapists, Rolfers, the Alexander-technique and Feldenkrais people, massage therapists, martial arts and T’ai Chi Ch’uan instructors. Some even wait in physicians’ offices for a physical examination for ailments that have no organic cause—they wait to be touched.

   

Massage also increases local blood circulation while bringing oxygen to the body through gentle rocking motion, increases energy and mental focus, helps stabilize and support the back, and realigns the vertebrae while relaxing the back muscles. It can aid in weight loss, while strengthening the core.