There is much historical evidence to indicate that massage was one of the earliest remedial practices for relief of pain and for the restoration of healthy body functions.  Massage is a natural and instinctive method by which minor aches and pains can be soothed away while bringing relief from nervous tension and fatigue. Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to the body tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery.

Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being and enhance self-esteem, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. It has been incorporated into many health systems, and different massage techniques have been developed and integrated into various complementary therapies.