The Surprising Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a great way to relax and unwind, but did you know that it can also provide a range of health benefits? From reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep and even increasing focus, massage therapy can be an effective tool for improving your overall wellbeing. The immediate benefit of massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This is because massage causes the release of endorphins, the brain's natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing. In addition, massage can counteract the imbalance caused by sitting for long periods of time, as well as reduce pain and depression.

The principles of traditional Chinese medicine are very different from traditional Western notions about health, disease, and body functioning. However, research has consistently linked massage to a variety of health benefits, including pain reduction and relief from depression. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, has found that massage can have a calming effect similar to meditation, which could explain the decrease in cortisol and other stress-related symptoms. While further research is needed to fully understand the health benefits of massage therapy, existing evidence suggests that it can be an effective tool for improving your overall wellbeing. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health do not assume any responsibility for any user's reliance on the materials contained on this website.