The WSJ article says more research is being driven by massage therapy's popularity:

New research is also starting to reveal just what happens in the body after a massage. While there have long been theories about how massage works—from releasing toxins to improving circulation—those have been fairly nebulous, with little hard evidence.

Now, one study, for example, found that a single, 45-minute massage led to a small reduction in the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the blood, a decrease in cytokine proteins related to inflammation and allergic reactions, and a boost in white blood cells that fight infection.

Some stats from the article:

• 8.3% of American adults used massage in 2007, up from 5% in 2002.

• Massage was a $10 billion industry in the U.S. in 2011.

Happy endings all around.

Can also improve your math skills.

Memo to self: Get Massage before working on taxes!