The first health benefit of massage, and one that most people know even if they have never had a massage, is:

Improved circulation

But just as importantly, many more health benefits follow as the result of massage:

Lowers blood pressure

Gets oxygen and nutrients to cells faster

Waste products are moved away from cells more easily

Heart and pulse rates are reduced

Red and white blood cells and platelets increase

Lymph circulation increases

Swelling is reduced

Natural killer cells increase in function and amount

Skin conditions are improved

Skin gland production is improved

Superficial scar tissue is reduced

Stress and anxiety are reduced

Relaxation is activated, decreasing pain

Increase in delta wave and alpha wave activity, and decrease in beta wave activity (confirmed by EEG)

Natural dopamine and seratonin are increased which helps to reduce stress and depresson

Relieves muscular tension and relaxes muscles

Takes away soreness and fatigue from muscles

Increases range of motion and flexibility

Motor skills are improved

Promotes healing of fractures

Decreases asthma attacks and difficult breathing

Increases fluid discharge from lungs

Relieves constipation and intestinal gas

Stimulates digestion

Increases urinary output

Improves sleep patterns

Reduces work-related stress

Reduces post-traumatic stress

Improves your mood

Decreases angry feelings

Improves self-esteem

Increases academic performance and mental alertness

Massage is not just a nice, special thing to have done, it is important for your overall well-being.