Innumerable sources have cited the benefits of massage therapy. Extensive research is ongoing to back up the claims, some of which might come as a surprise. Among the more commonly known and confirmed benefits are these:

• Reduces muscle tension and stress
• Eases anxiety and fatigue
• Promotes mental clarity
• Improves function of the immune system
• Improves lymphatic flow and blood circulation
• Increases the body's metabolic rate
• Mitigation of select muscular-skeletal conditions

Massage therapy is also a complement to many other healthcare approaches, traditional and alternative (such as physical therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy and acupuncture).