The kneading and rubbing of fatigued muscles helps improve blood and lymph circulation, which moves oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while eliminating toxins and waste. Massage is often an effective treatment for such conditions as stress, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, headaches and insomnia.

Popular types of massage include:

Swedish massage. The most commonly used form of massage therapy used to increase blood flow and circulation.

Deep-tissue massage. Focuses on deeper muscle layers, using slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release tension.

Shiatsu. A Japanese system in which pressure is applied to special points on the body.

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