Benefits of Massage Therapy The benefits of massage therapy have been documented throughout history dating back to 2000 BCE. Physiologically, massage is effective in managing pain, circulation (blood flow and pressure), lymphatic flow and drainage, the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, and posture), respiratory function, and boosting the immune system. Psychological effects include reducing stress (a contributing factor to illness and disease), anxiety, and depression, and even increasing alertness. From reducing joint and muscle rigidity in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease to alleviating headaches in individuals experiencing temporomandibular joint dysfunction, massage therapy just may be the key to increasing a person’s quality of life.