Massage stimulates the release of endorphins – our natural pain relievers. Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland and diminish our perception of pain. This gives our body a chance to relax, remember what it was like to be pain-free and for our neural pathways to be reprogrammed back to a normal, pain-free state. As our bodies relax, along with the manual action of the massage, tight muscles can relax and lengthen.
Massage therapy also increases circulation, which positively affects our bodies. Waste products are flushed away, enabling tight, tired muscles to be flooded with nutrients and healing oxygen. Improved circulation alone may be enough for many individuals to eliminate built-up pain and stiffness in parts of the body.