Massage as a healing tool has been used by many cultures for thousands of years. Touch is a human reaction to pain and stress. When you bump your head or have a sore calf, the natural response is to rub it to feel better. This instinct is built in to our reflexes for good reason.

Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind. There are specific physiological and psychological changes that occur, and even more so when massage is utilized as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury.

Healers throughout time and from cultures around the world have independently developed a wide range of therapeutic massage techniques. We now have scientific proof that massage helps in the treatment of chronic diseases and injuries plus alleviates the tension and stress of modern lifestyles.

Benefits of massage include:

• Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.

• Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles.

• Reduces spasms, cramping and increases joint flexibility.

• Reduces recovery time and helps prepare the body for strenuous workouts, reducing subsequent muscle pain of athletes at any level.

• Releases endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, and is proving beneficial in patients with chronic illness, injury, and post-op pain.

• Reduces post-surgery adhesions, edema, and can be used to reduce or realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.

• Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.

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