Massage has been a medical practice for many years by our Chinese neighbors. 4 years ago a Western research showed that massage has more benefits then only treating muscle pain. One surprising finding showed that massages could help gain premature babies. Also we see various positive impacts on the human immunity system and other physical conditions varying from premenstrual syndrome to high blood pressure. Some cases of arthritis are relieved from pains through precise massages. Below there are a few more surprising findings:
1. You don’t really need to massage the exact spot where your pain is located. For example massaging your shoulder can easily treat a pain in your back. Massages generate chemical changes that eases body pains and stress through the whole body.
2. Increase immunity. When the body is in high alertness of stress, the body produces cortisol. As a result your body will lower the immune system and is easily exposed to illness and other diseases. Massaging the body regularly will lower the stress levels and also the cortisol so therefore an increase in your immune system.
3. Massages decrease hypertension. In a 2005 study at the University of South Florida, which concluded that of a group of 10 hypertension patients undergoing 10 massages of 10 minutes each over a period of three weeks presented substantial improvements in blood pressure compared to a control group that rested during those 10 minutes.
4. It does not really matter which sort of massage you support as long as the pressure is firm enough to create a temporary dent in the skin. Oil for many people is experienced as something relishing but take note that some parts of your skin can negatively react to it.
5. If you experience any pains you may wish to massage yourself. Make sure that you apply gentle strokes for approximately 15 minutes. A good example can be your arm after a long session of repeating typing motions at work, which then a self-massage might be just the helping hand you need.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2008/09/03/five-surprising-benefits-of-massage.html