Stress relief is one of the first benefits that come to mind when thinking of massage therapy. It’s also a key component for anyone trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Clinical studies show that even a single one hour massage session can significantly relax muscles, lower heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels and insulin levels – all of which help reduce stess. In a nutshell, massage therapy helps to bring calmness back into life. It allows your body to turn off its stress survival mechanism and begin to relax.