The physiological benefits of massage<

Skeletal System
Massage can help increase joint mobility. It helps to free adhesions, break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation, so helping to restore a joints range of movement. Massage also helps to improve muscle tone and balance, which reduces the physical stress placed on bones and joints.

Muscular System
Massage decreases and relieves muscular tension and stiffness, so reducing overall muscular pain. It prevents muscles tightening and shortening and so increases the flexibility in the muscles. Because of the circulatory benefits, more oxygen and nutrients are brought to the muscles via improved blood supply, so reducing muscular fatigue and soreness. Massage also increases the rate at which toxins and waste products are removed from the muscles.

Cardiovascular System
Massage improves circulation by aiding the flow of blood through the veins and back to the heart. It also causes blood vessels to dilate, so allowing the volume of blood flowing through the vessels to increase so improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues. Massage also improves the rate of removal of toxins, waste products and carbon dioxide from muscle tissue. Due to the blood vessel dilation, blood pressure is reduced, and the state of relaxation achieved which in turn decreases the heart rate.

Lymphatic System
The Lymphatic System is the bodies secondary circulation system which helps to remove excess waste and fluid from the body. Massage helps to remove tissue swellings caused by an excess of fluid collection, by increasing the rate of lymphatic drainage. Regular massage treatment also helps to improve the body's immune response.

Skin Condition
Massage improves the blood supply to the skin, resulting in increased  oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. This promotes skin regeneration, which helps the skin retain its elasticity and appear younger.  Dilation of the blood vessels caused by the massage helps to improve the skins colour and texture. Massage also promotes an increase in sebum production, so maintaining the skins natural protection and resistance to infection, it also helps to improve the skins suppleness.

The psychological benefits of massage<

Massage therapy is proven to help to reduce and to relieve stress, and decrease anxiety levels thus promoting physical well-being. It has been documented that up to 90% of all diseases and conditions can be linked with stress, and that any reduction in mental stress levels improves our physical health.

Massage induces increased mental calmness which in turn aids improved sleep patterns, and an improved quality of the sleep. This in turn increases energy levels, particularly when the massage therapy is regular.

The act that the client is touched in an empathic manner helps to satisfy the emotional need for a caring, nurturing touch. Touch is important to all of us and the largest sense organ in the human body is the skin. This is demonstrated by picking up a crying baby, more often than not what the child needs is the physical reassurance of touch for them to know they are cared for. This requirement is never lost, and hence the emotional need that is fulfilled during massage therapy.