Welcome to the May 2009 newsletter! In challenging times that seem to be beyond our control, it’s important to focus on the things you can control to some degree. Two areas you can take charge of are your day-to-day health and your outlook on life in general.

When you can focus your attention on your personal goals and look for the bright side in your everyday life, you just naturally feel happier. So be sure to take a pleasant walk on the positive side of life and enjoy your days!

Of course, one excellent way to boost your health and your mental outlook is by receiving regular massages. Studies show that massage boosts your body’s production of serotonin and endorphins that can calm you and can improve your mood.

Speaking of studies, this issue covers some recent news reports on health and massage benefits that you should find interesting. If you have any questions about your health and how massage can help you, please ask at your next appointment. See you then!

Say “I really care about you!” with the gift of health

— A massage gift certificate! Call today to order...

Massage makes the ideal gift for birthdays, graduation, anniversaries, or “just because”

Make the Most of Each Massage

You know how good massage can make you feel, and you probably have a pretty good idea of some of the ways massage can help you maintain and/or improve your overall health. Here are some thoughts on how you can make each of your massage sessions bring about even better results.

Share what’s going on — Just before each session, take a quick mental inventory of how you’re doing. Do you have any new aches or pains, an injury to be aware of, etc.?   Are you carrying extra tension in your back or shoulders? Whatever is happening, be sure to share the details at the beginning of your massage so it can be addressed.

Everyone has different needs and wants, so share yours. Do you like specific techniques? More time spent on a certain problem area? Are you completely at ease?

During your massage, be sure to say if you get too hot or cold or if you need more pressure or a lighter touch. If everything is great, you can lie back and relax. If you find your attention is on something, bring it up so you will be able to lie back and relax!

Each session is especially for you, so please communicate about what you want! Sharing information can lead to a more effective massage and can help you to more completely let go of any stress and tension.   

Handling Pain with Massage...

Pain is one of the top motivators that brings clients to massage—and studies show that rates of back and neck pain are increasing ... An article in the May 2009 edition of Consumer Reports magazine details back-pain-relief methods considered helpful by survey participants.

In "Relief for aching backs: Hands-on therapies were top-rated by 14,000 consumers," the publication noted, "[a]bout 80 percent of adults have at some point been bothered by back pain … More than half [of respondents] said pain severely limited their daily routine for a week or longer, and 88 percent said it recurred through the year. Many said the pain interfered with sleep, sex, and efforts to maintain a healthy weight."

The article went on to explain that most respondents turn to hands-on therapies, including massage ... to address back pain, and were satisfied with the results ... 48 percent said massage therapy was very helpful ...

In March, MASSAGE Magazine reported on new research that showed massage is more effective than relaxation alone in reducing low-back pain. — Source: massagemag.com

Therapeutic Massage May Extend Life Expectancy

(The article below appears in the May/June 2009 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine.)

“Medical Massage Care has conducted an actuarial study that indicates receiving therapeutic massage will increase life expectancy. The study examined life expectancy for states and then did a population survey looking at the number of massage practitioners per 1,000 people. Coincidentally, states with the highest concentration of massage therapists ... had correlating higher life expectancies compared to states ... which have the fewest concentration of therapists and the lowest life expectancy figures.”

 It makes sense when so many studies show that massage can help you stay healthier that it could also contribute to a longer life. So, keep investing in your own healthier future with your regular massages!

Air Temperature, Pressure Contribute to Headache

Massage therapy has been shown to significantly reduce the number and duration of headaches, and studies show that up to 69 percent of headache sufferers turn to massage for relief. New research shows that headaches are linked to weather.

The study of 7,000 patients by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in New York City, found that higher temperatures and lower barometric pressures are associated with severe headache pain.

"The findings showed that of all of the environmental factors considered, higher air temperature in the 24 hours prior to the patient’s hospital visit was most closely associated with headache symptoms, with a 7.5 percent higher risk of severe headache reported for each temperature increase of 5 degrees Celsius (approximately 9 degrees Fahrenheit)," a press release noted.

"To a lesser degree, lower barometric pressure 48 to 72 hours prior to patients’ emergency room visits also appeared to trigger headache. The researchers found no evidence that air pollutants influenced the onset of headache, but could not rule out a smaller effect similar to that previously seen for stroke. — Source: massagemag.com

Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty.
Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
— Franz Kafka

The content of this letter is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
If you’re ill, please consult a physician.
© 2009 Massage Marketing.   Used with permission; all rights reserved.