The incredible benefits of massage are
doubly powerful if taken in regular
“doses.” Dr. Maria Hernandez-Reif,
from the Touch Research Institute
(TRI) at the University of Miami, is
known for her massage research, along
with colleague Tiffany Field. Together,
they and other researchers have done
outstanding work proving the value
of massage. While their studies have
shown we can benefit from massage
even in small doses (15 minutes of
chair massage or a half-hour table
session), Hernandez-Reif says they
know from their research that receiving
bodywork 2-3 times a week is highly
beneficial. And if we lived in a fantasy
world, Hernandez-Reif has the answer.
“I feel a daily massage is optimal.”
It’s undoubtedly a wonderful thing when
your therapist begins unwinding those
stress-tightened muscles, and your day’s
troubles begin to fade away. But it’s the
cherry on top to know this “medicine”
only gets better with frequency.
What You Already Know: The
Benefits of Massage
Increases circulation, allowing the body
to pump more oxygen and nutrients
into tissues and vital organs. Stimulates
the flow of lymph, the body’s natural
defense system, against toxic invaders.
For example, in breast cancer patients,
massage has been shown to increase
the cells that fight cancer. Increased
circulation of blood and lymph systems
improves the condition of the body’s
largest organ the skin. Relaxes and
softens injured and overused muscles.
Reduces spasms and cramping.
Increases joint flexibility. Reduces
recovery time, helps prepare for
strenuous workouts and eliminates sub-
sequent pains of the athlete at any level.
Releases endorphins the body’s natural
painkiller and is being used in chronic
illness, injury and recovery from
surgery to control and relieve pain.
Improves range motion and decreases
discomfort for patients with low back
pain. Relieves pain for migraine
sufferers and decreases the need
for medication. Provides exercise and
stretching for atrophied muscles and
reduces shortening of the muscles for
those with restricted range of motion.
Other Body Therapies
Alexander Technique -
A movement re-eduction therapy that
was created by a mid-19th century actor
who tried to understand his own
movement dysfunctions on stage.
The emphasis is on observing and
modifying
improper
movement
patterns, thereby reducing physical
stress on the b ody.
The Need for Touch
As a society, we are touch deprived and
this can lead to disease or emotional
dysfunction. From the cradle to the
nursing home, tactile stimulation and
the emotional assurance of caring touch
bring about a sense of well-being and
security. In numerous studies conducted
on massage for infants, TRI researchers
have found improved weight gain
and development in pre-term infants,
improved weight gain and motor beh
avior in cocaine-exposed infants, and
improved weight gain and decreased
stress behavior in HIV-exposed infants.
Full-term infants also benefit with
increased alertness and social behavior,
less crying and increased weight gain.
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