Here at the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health & Healing, we realize that the benefits of massage extend to so much more than just our bodies.  While massage therapy may get most of its attention for the effects it has on us physically and for stress relief, there are many other areas of our emotional, mental, and social health that can be positively influenced by massage.  You may be pleasantly surprised at the list below, as it points out some areas of our lives that we you not have realized can benefit so greatly from therapeutic massage.  I think the most wonderful thing about massage is that it is such a relaxing, nurturing, pleasant therapy to experience…one phone call to schedule a session, then you just show up and enjoy yourself.  What a simple way to do something good for health!  There are so many studies that prove that massage does, in fact, help our whole selves; not just our bodies, but our emotions, minds, and spirits (keep in mind these are all affected by one another.)  And really, who doesn’t need boost in at least one of these areas?   Emotional, Mental, and Social Effects of Massage: *Many of these would apply especially to children and teens.  Massage and Reiki are typically appropriate for both.  Reduces fatigue and increases vigor. Improves sleep patterns.  Clients reported deeper sleep and feeling more rested upon waking. Reduces job related stress and post traumatic stress.  These stresses in particular are decreased after massage. Improves mood.   Decreases feeling of anger.  Feeling less aggression and anger reported after massage. Improves body image and self-esteem.  Improvement in quality and quantity of social interactions, able to speak more freely, openly, and with more enjoyment. Promotes communication and expression.  Improvement in quality and quantity of social interactions, able to speak more freely, openly, and with more enjoyment. Improves lifestyle habits.  Clients reported increased daily activities, fewer cups of coffee, fewer physical symptoms, fewer doctor visits, and increased time spent exercising.  Increases academic performance and mental alertness.  Studies show a decrease in math computation time and an increase in math accuracy. Satisfies emotional needs.  Reports that needs for attention, acceptance, and caring were met. *Taken from Massage Therapy Principles and Practice, Second Edition, by Susan G. Salvo.   If even one thing from the list stands out to you as something you would like to improve, why not make the commitment to yourself and your health, and schedule a massage therapy session at Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health & Healing.  Chances are the benefits you’ll experience from your massage will extend past your original reason for getting one.  You may also want to consider adding Reiki to your massage. It helps to greater enhance everything mentioned above.    Learn more at pghhealthandhealing.com.