Massage has been used as something of a cure-all for centuries, and for students and athletes, it may be just the thing to reduce mental stress and physical trauma.

Ann Eckhoff, licensed massage therapist, believes massage can relieve stress.

“The human touch does so many things,” Eckhoff said. “I believe that stress is the No. 1 killer in our society. Stress causes disease.”

The effects of stress go beyond physical well-being to mental fitness as well.

“Studies show that a five-minute chair massage before a test boosts students’ grades, productivity and clarity,” Eckhoff said.

“Even the touch of a teacher’s hand on a student’s shoulder lowers the heart rate and anxiety and allows the student to do better.”

Patricia McKee, licensed massage therapist, said the benefits of massage go far beyond simple stress relief.

“An hour-long full-body massage increases circulation like a three-mile hike boosts the metabolism, soothes the nervous system and strengthens the immune system,” McKee said.

The increased blood flow that massage promotes nourishes the muscles, disperses lactic acid and helps the body cleanse itself of toxins, she said.

“I encourage my clients to drink a few extra glasses of water the day of their massage to help flush the toxins the massage releases out of their systems,” McKee said.

Athletes may benefit from massage both before and after exertion.

“An invigorating massage before an event warms the muscles and increases flexibility, which helps prevent injury,” McKee said. “After an event, it helps to release tension and ease any strained muscles.”

In addition, benefits of massage are not restricted to those old enough to incur stress from daily activities.

“Studies show that massage is extremely beneficial to premature babies,” Eckhoff said. “The preemies who were massaged were calmer, gained weight faster and were able to go home sooner.”

Both Eckhoff and McKee agree that massage is the least invasive form of treatment for many ailments.

“Massage is good for everything and I believe that a regular massage prevents several things,” Eckhoff said. “It is especially helpful for tension headaches and arthritis. It’s an excellent alternative to pain medications.”

McKee said massage is an effective preventative measure as well.

“No modality will fix everything, whether it’s herbs, chiropractics, massage or Western medicine,” McKee said. “Massage is a good thing to try first. A regular massage can help prevent so many things.”