Massage helps to bring the breath into harmony. Breathing in harmony with the body will allow for greater oxygen intake. During massage you will gain optimal results by having more oxygen in the body.
Massage will increase your circulation while reducing your heart rate. This gives your heart a chance to relax and receive more oxygen and nutrients.
The goal then, is to soften overly contracted muscles, check for muscle imbalances, and educate the client in their specific patterns (sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, slouching at a desk) in order to foster their awareness of self.