Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues, which eliminates waste products, helps healing after injury, and enhances recovery from disease.

Massage decreases anxiety and respiratory rates, as well as a significant increase in white blood cells and natural killer cell activity.

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.