Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension. Massage has proven to be beneficial in treating sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, lower back pain, immunity suppression, spinal cord injury, autism, cancer-related fatigue, post-operative care, age-related disorders, infertility, eating disorders, smoking cessation and depression.

Here's why: Massage offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach to well-being based on the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Massage therapy provides many benefits, such as:

• Improves range of motion and decreases discomfort associated with lower back pain.

• Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.

• Reduces muscle spasms and cramping.

• Reduces recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent risk of muscle strain.

• Increases joint flexibility.

• Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.

• Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

• Stimulates the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer.

• Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is incorporated in treatment for chronic illnesses, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.

• Reduces post-operative adhesions and edema, as well as reduces and realigns scar tissue after healing has occurred.

• Contributes to shorter labor, helping to reduce tearing, as well as reducing the need for medication in pregnant women.

Source: American Bodywork and Massage Professionals www.abmp.com