Bodywork is a general term for therapeutic techniques that center on the body to promote physical health and emotional and spiritual well-being, including touch and manipulation (like massage), use of essential oils, and practices designed to affect the body's systemic balance (like Reiki).
Massage can specifically address a number of health issues, including:
Alleviating low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Enhancing immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
Exercising and stretching weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Helping athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improving the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
Increasing joint flexibility.
Promoting tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reducing postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reducing spasms and cramping.
Relaxing and softening injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Releasing endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
Relieving migraine pain.
Clinical studies have shown that reported benefits of Reiki include:
Assists in pain management.
Accelerated surgical recovery.
Reduced side effects from chemo and perscription medications.
Feelings of enhanced well being.
Stronger self esteem which result in better personal care.