Massage has been around for centuries and continues to be increasingly popular therapy for stress and pain management. Research shows that massage is among the top ten most frequently used complementary health practices for adults and for children. Studies investigating the effects of massage therapy on a number of wide-ranging conditions, demonstrate there is scientific evidence that points toward its many beneficial effects. In fact, the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society have issued joint clinical practice guidelines that include massage therapy as one of the non-pharmacologic treatment options that should be considered for patients with low-back pain
who do not improve on their own. Evidence from other NIH studies show massage may help improve quality of life for people with conditions such as depression, cancer, PTSD, fibromyalgia and other autoimmune disorders, and HIV/AIDS. Most importantly, massage therapy has been effective in profoundly reducing stress level and activating the para-sympathetic nervous system to promote general healing and wellness.