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8. Health Information
Health Benefits of Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance the function and
promote relaxation and well-being. Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage
include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate,
and state of anxiety.
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Pain and stress relief:
Relief from pain due to musculature injuries and other causes is cited as a major
benefit of massage. In one study, cancer patients self-reported symptomatic relief of pain. Acupressure or
pressure point massage could be beneficial in relieving back pain.
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State and trait anxiety:
Massage has been shown to reduce state and trait anxiety.
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Depression:
Massage has been shown to reduce sub-clinical depression.
•
Blood pressure and heart rate:
Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate as
temporary effects.
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Sleep better:
Massage has been shown to help improve deep sleep at night.
Fig.14: Body Acupressure & Reflexology Points
