Massage is one of the oldest therapies there is, and it is claimed that it can lessen the symptoms from a wide range of ailments, including stress, fatigue, arthritis and cancer. Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection.

Is there scientific evidence behind the beneficial effects of massage? Possibly - in a study by Professor Fulvio D’Aquisto of Roehampton University (reported on the BBC programme ‘Trust Me, I’m a Doctor’ 3rd October 2018), results showed that the white blood cells in all the massage participants increased by almost 70% after receiving an hour-long massage. White blood cells (lymphocytes) play a vital role in the body’s immune response and help us to fight-off bacteria, viruses, and other toxins that can make us ill.  These findings may go some way to explain why a massage makes us feel good – it is, if this study’s findings are to be believed, having a positive effect on our immune system, potentially helping us to heal and repair.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain