- Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
- Stretches muscle fibers, fascia (connective tissue) and tendons
- Reduces accumulation of lactic acid from strenuous muscle contraction and chronic tension
- Relieves and prevents soreness and stiffness in muscles
- Addresses tender points/trigger points and their associated patterns of pain and dysfunction
- Improves elasticity of soft tissue
- Supports ease and efficiency of movement
- Improves posture and functioning
- Increases range of motion at joints
- Encourages synovial fluid production which provides lubrication for joints
- Reduces joint inflammation
- Strengthens blood and lymph circulation
- Temporarily reduces blood pressure
- Stimulates immune function
- Relieves lymphatic congestion
- Reduces edema (swelling)
- Increases endorphin and serotonin production
- Enhances neurological growth and development
- Shifts autonomic nervous system from sympathetic (stress) to parasympathetic (healing) activity
- Supports digestion and elimination of wastes
- Improves absorption of nutrients
- Balances hormonal activity
- Relieves PMS, menstrual and menopausal symptoms
- Loosens and stimulates movement of mucus
- Increases breathing volume and decreases breathing speed
- Improves texture and appearance of skin
- Reduces scar tissue formation
- Increases permeability and promotes elasticity of skin
- Prevents injury and illness
- Reduces stress response
- Relieves pain
- Increases health and longevity
- Improves quality of rest and sleep
- Increases attention and concentration
- Improves self image and self acceptance
- Empowers self to make changes
- Brings unconscious material to consciousness
- Helps access memories – overcome trauma
- Accesses intuition
- Creates better balance and coordination – sense of groundedness and centeredness
- Creates more sensitivity, flexibility, and gracefulness – friendlier relations and increased connectedness to self and others
- Integrates the whole being, living from the entire body and not just the head – authentic rather than intellectual responses
- Moves stagnant energy
- Vitalizes life force energy
According to Iris Burman and Sandy Friedland, authors of TouchAbilities and my 2 wonderful teachers and the co-founders of Educating Hands School of Massage in Miami, Florida.