Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues(the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body. According AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), massage helps both physically and mentally. "Often times people are stressed in our culture. Stress-related disorders make up between 80-and-90 percent of the ailments that bring people to family-practice physicians. What they require is someone to listen, someone to touch them, someone to care. That does not exist in modern medicine. One of the complaints heard frequently is that physicians don't touch their patients any more. Touch just isn't there. Years ago massage was a big part of nursing. There was so much care, so much touch, so much goodness conveyed through massage. Now nurses for the most part are as busy as physicians. They're writing charts, dealing with insurance notes, they're doing procedures and often there is no room for massage any more. I believe massage therapy is absolutely key in the healing process not only in the hospital environment but because it relieves stress, it is obviously foundational in the healing process any time and anywhere." Joan Borysenko - Massage Journal Interview, Fall 1999 Physical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue Reduces muscle spasms Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work Promotes deeper and easier breathing Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids Reduces blood pressure Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain Enhances the health and nourishment of skin Improves posture Strengthens the immune system Treats musculoskeletal problems Rehabilitation post operative Rehabilitation after injury Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy Fosters peace of mind Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness Helps relieve mental stress Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity Emotional Benefits Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch Fosters a feeling of well-being Reduces levels of anxiety Creates body awareness Increases awareness of mind-body connection (Source: AMTA)