Massage therapy has gained a lot of ground as a complement to conventional medicine. Research studies conducted in the past decade have shown that massage has medically beneficial effects – such as lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen absorption – in addition to its ability to relax both the mind and tense muscle tissue.

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue to prevent or reduce pain and stress, and to promote health and well-being. The success of massage therapy has spawned many methods, systems and types (e.g., Swedish, shiatsu, trigger point therapies).

All massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue – kneading, pressing or stroking – by a practitioner licensed from an accredited school. Associated with relieving stress and anxiety, massage has been used to supplement the treatment or management of soft-tissue injuries, physiological and emotional disorders, and pain.

People with pre-existing conditions or diseases should consult their physician before undergoing massage therapy. Massage may not be appropriate for certain conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain skin conditions.