A Cornerstone of Health
Why Now, More Than Ever, You Need a Massage

While you may be tempted to trim your
wellness budget when economic times
are tough, now more than ever, massage
should play a role in reducing stress and
strengthening the health of Americans.

When you feel your best, you are more
likely to be able to face the challenges
difficult times present. With greater
health and peace of mind, you can face
difficulties with poise, clarity of
purpose, and strengthened emotional
reserves.

Truly, massage is more than a
luxury--it's a vital part of self-care that
has a positive ripple effect on us as we
work, play, relax, live life, and care for
others.

Invest In Yourself,
Invest in Those You Love
In economically challenging times, it is
vital to invest in preventative health care.
The last thing you want is to get sick,
have to take time off of work, and pay
expensive medical bills. Staying healthy
means maintaining your ability to take
whatever life has to throw at you. Besides
lowering stress levels and, in turn,
 reducing the risk of stress-related
illnesses, massage also boosts immunity,
helping you fight colds, flu, and other
viral infections.

Following is a sampling of a long list of
bodywork benefits:
- Ease anxiety.
- Reduce the flow of stress hormones.
- Improve sleep.
- Boost the immune system.
- Build energy levels.
- Reduce fatigue.
- Foster concentration.
- Increase circulation.
- Develop self-esteem.
- Reduce frequency of headaches.
- Release endorphins.

And if you think about it, massage is an
excellent value. The price of massage has
remained stable in recent years, as the
cost of movies, dining out, and sports
events has risen. Which of these has the
power to improve your health and your
outlook on life?

 The positive effects of regular massage
can have far-reaching effects in many
areas of your life.

At Home
Massage therapy will also help families
under stress create healthier households
with clear-thinking and more relaxed
moms and dads. Children are very
sensitive and often pick up on tension in
a household; parents who are taking care
of themselves are more likely to be better
caregivers and provide a sense of security
to their kids. This goes for caregivers of
aging parents and other family
members.

At Work
The health benefits of massage can help
forestall illnesses and lost work time,
especially when you may be asked to
produce more with fewer resources.
Decision-making skills will be better and
your performance is likely to be
improved with a clear focus and more
energy.

A hint for the boss: Research shows
employees exhibit less stress and
improved performance when given
twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the
office!

For Health Conditions
Those with already existing health
conditions can continue to reap benefits
in the following ways. And proactively
caring for health through massage may
help reduce costly doctor visits and use
of prescription and over-the-counter
medications.

Research shows:
-     Massage can reduce sports-related
soreness and improve circulation--good
to know when you may be exercising
more to reduce stress.

-     Deep-tissue massage is effective in
treating back pain, arthritis,
osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage
also have less pain, depression, anxiety,
stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems.

-     Massage reduces symptoms of carpal
tunnel syndrome.

-     Oncology patients show less pain,
fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression
following massage therapy.

 -     Stroke patients show less anxiety and
lower blood pressure with massage
therapy.

-     Massage therapy is effective is
reducing postsurgical pain.

-     Alzheimer's patients exhibit reduced
pacing, irritability and restlessness after
neck and shoulder massage.

-     Labor pain. Massage during labor
appears to reduce stress and anxiety,
relax muscles and help block pain. Some
medical professionals believe massage
also reduces tearing, shortens labor,
reduces the need for medication and
shortens hospital stays.

-     Preterm babies receiving massage
therapy gain more weight and have
shorter hospital stays than infants not
receiving massage.

 -     Massage is beneficial in reducing
symptoms associated with arthritis,
asthma, high blood pressure, and
premenstrual syndrome.

There is now a body of research to
support the benefits listed above. But
there's no greater testimonial than the
person who is a regular receiver of
massage. The first-hand experience of
bodywork clients largely echo the same
sentiment: bodywork enhances quality
of life, and the return on your
investment is great.

While bodywork feels like a luxurious
mini-vacation, and you should by all
means enjoy it, there is an actual
physical need for massage. Maintaining
a regular massage schedule will help you
operate at your peak level--whether it be
at work, at home, or at play. Invest in
yourself, and book a massage today.