What Massage Can Do For You

The benefits of a relaxing massage are many, including these:

• Slower heart rate
• Decreased pain levels
• Increased blood circulation
• Decreased muscle tension
• Decreased blood pressure
• Lowered stress levels
• End of ongoing stress reactions
• Increased level of endorphins, the “feel good” hormones
• Improved circulation of the lymph, the milky white fluid that carries away impurities and waste 

There’s no proven correlation between massage and headache prevention or relief. But, since stress is a major cause of headaches, it makes sense that a stress reliever like massage should be helpful in a headache management plan. It certainly seems to ease my tension headaches. If I’ve got a headache at the beginning of a massage, by the end it’s either gone or markedly reduced. Even if I don’t have a headache, after an hour of massage, my rock-like neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles are loose and tension free. That’s got to do something to keep my headaches at bay, at least for a while.

Finding A Qualified Massage Therapist

To find a massage therapist, try asking your friends, physical therapist, or chiropractor. For a certified massage therapist.