In Touch Therapeutic Massage

In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2010-03-01T15:34:35Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Hello, and welcome to the March 2010 newsletter! Ready for spring? We’re fast approaching that time of year when many of us increase our activity levels. If you’ve been waiting for spring to get outside and get moving, remember to take your time building up your stamina. Pushing yourself too hard can result in injury, so it’s better to go slow until your body adjusts to the new demands you’re placing on it.

Of course, receiving your next massage can help your body to function at its best, no matter what level of activity you’re putting it through.

And if you think of physical activity as purely a spectator sport, your regular massages should be more important than ever to you. Exercise is a key way to keep your body functioning properly. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, massage can help your body to better perform its many jobs—things like improving your circulation and removing life-threatening toxins.

Read on to see several more ways that massage can help you to feel better and to stay healthier.

See you soon for your next massage!

Celebrate the coming of Spring
with a massage gift certificate
for that special person in your life!
Call today to order...

Your Massage Quiz: Feeling Great or Health Benefits?

Massage’s “chicken or the egg?” question is this: Which comes first: massage’s health benefits or feeling good? In other words, is it the many health benefits that massage provides that make you feel so good, or does that wonderful, relaxed feeling open the door to improved health conditions?

One answer is that just like our chicken or the egg question, massage benefits are connected to the circle of life—the broad range of health benefits contributes to feeling great, and the better you feel, the more it supports having a healthy body.

When you consider that studies have shown massage can help to improve the function of virtually all the body’s systems, it’s easy to see why you feel so great after a massage.

We all want to lessen the likelihood of the many health risks that threaten us, such as cancer and heart disease. Of course, all of our lifestyle choices can contribute to our health conditions, but can you think of a more enjoyable way of supporting your health than your regular massages? In the grand scheme of things, nothing is more important than your health, so give yourself a pleasant boost with your next massage session!

Massage for Older Adults

Below are excerpts from an online article by Constance McCloy, PT, EdD Assoc. Prof.

Recent research studies indicate that therapeutic massage may significantly reduce pain and enhance mood associated with osteoarthritis of the hands and/or spine. Several studies show that massage can lower pain and anxiety levels in women dealing with breast cancer. ...

Massage has also been found to have a relaxation effect in adults who have high blood pressure; one study demonstrated that six 30-minute massages over 6 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure by 10 points (mmhg) and diastolic pressure by 5 points (mmhg). ...

One doesn’t have to have a significant health problem in order to benefit from massage. Massage increases circulation to skin and tissues and it enhances feelings of well being and relaxation in most individuals who enjoy this form of touch. In these days of high stress, massage may be the perfect way to relax and gain perspective on life. One study has shown that adults aged 60 years and older who received massage therapy 50 minutes twice weekly for 4 weeks experienced significant improvements in mood (decreased anxiety) and self-rated measures of positive well-being, self-control, vitality, and general health.

Source: allthingsaging.blogspot.com

Massage Helps ...

The manufacturing marketing research division of TR Cutler, Inc. sponsored [a] national survey of more than one hundred U.S. manufacturers; all show that massage improved bottom line of employers. The study found that after twelve weeks, 269 employees who had once-weekly, 45-minute massages in the manufacturing workplace had dramatically better productivity, reduced absenteeism, included far fewer doctor visits, than a control group of 250 employees who did not receive the massage therapy. The massaged group experienced reduced stress and improved performance, while the control group did not.

Source: www.theopenpress.com

Massage Reduces Depression in Pregnant Women

New research shows massage therapy reduced depression in pregnant women, and also reduced the incidence of massaged women's babies being born prematurely.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Touch Research Institutes, where pioneering research about massage has been conducted since 1992.

Pregnant women diagnosed with major depression were given 12 weeks of massage, twice per week, by their significant other. A control group did not receive massage, according to an abstract published on www.pubmed.gov.

The massage-therapy group versus the control group not only had reduced depression by the end of the massage-therapy period, they also had reduced depression and cortisol levels during the postpartum period.

The massaged women's newborns were also less likely to be born prematurely and low birthweight, pubmed noted, and they had lower cortisol levels and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation and motor scales.

Source: massagemag.com

An optimist is the human personification of spring.
— Susan J. Bissonette

The future, according to some scientists, will be
exactly like the past, only far more expensive.
— John Sladek

The content of this letter is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
If you’re ill, please consult a physician.
© 2010 Massage Marketing. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

Subscribe to In Touch Therapeutic Massage via email by entering your email address below:

In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2010-02-01T13:24:46Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Hello, and welcome to the February 2010 newsletter! This is the time of year when people are more susceptible to catching a cold or flu, so be sure to do all you can to support your immune system. Getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding exposure to illness are all helpful. Remember that many studies have shown that massage can help to strengthen your immune system, so scheduling your next massage is another great idea.

More positive massage news keeps rolling in, and you can read a few of the reports in this issue. Many of these studies may address conditions that are not areas that concern you; however, it does show just how many ways massage has been shown to support and improve health.

With massage helping to improve so many health conditions, the underlying message is that massage just seems to help your body to function better. Isn’t it nice to know that while you’re getting nice and relaxed from your next soothing massage that your body is getting a bit of a health tune-up?

Enjoy the rest of this issue; see you soon for your next massage!

Whether it’s for your favorite Valentine, a friend, family member,
or special loved one, a massage gift certificate is a wonderful way
to let someone know how much you care about them.
Call to order yours today!

Massage Can Help People with Eating Disorders

Massage therapy benefits people who suffer from eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia, according to a new study from the Université de Montréal and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Previously, research by the Touch Research Institutes at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that massaged bulimic patients experienced immediate reductions in anxiety and depression, and improvement on several other psychological and behavioral measures. Another TRI study showed that symptoms of anorexia nervosa were reduced by massage.

Many eating-disorder treatment facilities are aware of the benefits of massage and other complementary therapies, and make them available to their patients.

Massage Therapy Improves Immune Function and Lessens Stress in Women with Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer and undergoing radiation therapy experienced improved immune-system function, and lowered heart rate and systolic blood pressure after a single light-pressure effleurage [slow, rhythmic stroke] massage session.

In this ... study, 30 women, aged 50 to 75 years and patients at a hospital in Sweden, were allocated to either receive massage or a control visit where they were given an equal amount of attention, according to an abstract published on www.pubmed.gov.

Blood samples, saliva, notation of heart rate and blood pressure were collected before and after the massage/control visit. Results showed light-pressure effleurage massage decreased the deterioration of NK cell activity occurring during radiation therapy. Such cells are a component of the immune system. The massage also lowered heart rate and systolic blood pressure. ...

"A single full-body light pressure effleurage massage has a short-term effect on peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cell activity, systolic blood pressure and heart rate in patients with breast cancer," the researchers noted. "However, the long-term clinical importance of these findings needs to be further investigated."

Source: www.massagemag.com

Benefits of Massage

• The Annals of Internal Medicine reported in 2003 that massage therapy was effective for treating persistent back pain, as did a 2000 report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

• Research has shown massage reduces carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004.

• Pediatric healthcare staff report increasing hospital use of complementary and alternative medicine, including massage and energy work (Advance for Nurses, April 2007.)

• Touch Therapy Institute at the University of Miami reports its massage therapy studies indicate effectiveness in:

Reducing mothers risk for premature delivery and post-partum depression; improved sleep for babies.
Reduced pain from migraines and arthritis.
Reduced aggression in adolescents and less hyperactivity in adolescents with ADHD.
Greater alertness in autistic children.
Better lung function in asthmatic children.
Decreased glucose levels in diabetic children.
Less stress and improved performance for employees receiving work-site massage.

• Massage therapy has been shown to strengthen the immune system, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, 1996, and Psychosomatic Medicine, 2000.

• In 2005, Cancer Control reported massage therapy effectively reduced stress and anxiety in cancer patients, with a promising outlook for pain control and management of other symptoms.

• Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy, according to a study by Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2004, and a report in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2002.

• Women with lymph node dissection receiving arm massage had less pain and surgery-related discomfort, according to a 2004 Cancer Nursing article.

• Forty-eight percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey rated massage therapy as “very helpful” in relieving back pain. The survey revealed pain relief was a top motivator for those seeking massage. (Consumer Reports, May 2009)

Source: www.massagetherapy.com

There are three primary reasons people seek massage, each representing about a third of all massages delivered. Most seek relaxation and restoration (34 percent), need relief from pain or muscle soreness (31 percent), or have a massage because they received it as a gift (27 percent). Recommendations by medical professionals and receiving gift certificates are primary factors in consumers choosing to get a massage.

Source: www.massagetherapy.com

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance,
the wise grows it under his feet.
— James Oppenheim

The content of this letter is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
If you’re ill, please consult a physician.
© 2010 Massage Marketing. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2010-01-04T12:54:20Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Happy New Year, and welcome to the January 2010 newsletter! As you start your journey into another year, here’s a question to ask yourself: What’s the underlying reason for setting new goals for the coming months? At first glance, you might decide it’s something like “to improve my life” or “to get better organized.” These are good reasons, but more importantly, your greatest benefit for goal setting is to focus your attention on the areas of life that you can determine and control.

For instance, you may not be able to choose when you eat lunch, but you can decide what you eat. Your goals should reflect what you can control in your life. Ultimately, you decide the direction your life is taking, and goals are the means of seeing what you are controlling, and how well. The more you can call the shots in your life, the happier you tend to be—assuming you align your goals with personal, life-affirming choices.

Another thought: This year, plan now on reviewing your goals on a weekly basis. This allows you to adjust your goals and keep you moving in a positive direction. Enjoy this issue; see you soon for your next massage!

Help your Valentine unwind with a soothing massage—
Special days call for special pleasures...
Plan ahead and order your massage gift certificates today!

Start Your New Year Off Right!

You likely know by now that massage is one of the best overall ways to support your body’s health. Nothing else combines that relaxing sense of well-being with the long list of health benefits that regular massage offers you. Whether it’s handling stress, tense muscles, or just helping your body to function better overall, nothing beats a massage!

You can further improve your health through the choices you make every day. To give you a little inspiration in that direction, the rest of this issue shares some interesting insights into creating a happier, healthier you. Whatever steps you take to improve your overall health, you can count on your regular massage sessions to help your body function at its best. See you soon!

Time to eat... There’s a time to eat and a time to sleep; eating while you should be sleeping “might be doing double damage” to your waistline, Scientific American reports. The problem lies within our natural circadian rhythm, the body’s 24-hour “clock,” which keeps our sleep cycle in sync with day and night but also regulates when and how quickly we metabolize food. A new study suggests that crossing those wires—simply by eating at the wrong time of day—may contribute to weight gain. The researchers were inspired by the observation that shift workers whose schedules force them to eat at times when they’d normally be sleeping tend to be overweight. So they mimicked the behavior with mice: One group ate at night and slept by day, and a second group slept at night and ate during the day. After several weeks, the mice in the first group had gained 20 percent more weight than the others. The results suggest that weight gain may depend as much on when you eat as what you eat, says Northwestern biologist Fred Turek. “Better timing of meals, which would require a change in behavior, could be a critical element in slowing the ever-increasing incidence of obesity.”

— The Week Vol. 9, Iss. 431

Programming yourself to be fat... Eating lots of cheeseburgers, fries, and sugary snacks makes people gain weight—but not, new research shows, just because these foods are so high in calories. A high-fat, high-sugar diet, say Washington University scientists, changes the balance of bacteria in the gut, and effectively “programs” people’s digestive systems to make them fat. The human intestinal tract has two main types of bacteria that help us digest food: Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Research has shown that people—and mice—with a high percentage of Firmicutes in their intestines tend to be fat, because these bacteria are very efficient at converting food into calories that the body then absorbs. Those with a preponderance of the less-efficient Bacteroidetes remain relatively lean. Researchers found that when the y transferred intestinal bacteria from obese mice into the guts of previously microbe-free mice, the mice rapidly gained weight. When both types of bacteria were inserted into skinny mice, they stayed lean—until they began eating a diet high in fat and sugars. Then the count of “lean” bacteria dwindled, while the “fat” bacteria proliferated and took over the gut. As a result, the once-skinny mice bulked up. The results, researcher Jeffrey Gordon tells the Los Angeles Times, suggest that our resident microbes play a major role in determining whether we’re lean or fat; further research may provide new treatments for obesity.

— The Week Vol. 9, Iss. 441

Massage Calms ADHD Kids

Two recent studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami reported that regular massage therapy can be an effective treatment for kids with ADHD. One study found adolescent boys who received ten 15-minute daily massages were observed by their teachers to be more focused in their schoolwork, and they fidgeted less. In addition, the children rated themselves as happier than those who participated in a relaxation therapy program.

Another study involved kids aged 7-18, 20 percent of whom were girls. Each subject received a 20-minute massage twice a week. They showed immediate improvement in their moods and longer-term behavioral improvement in the classroom. They also reported feeling happier and their teachers found them to be more attentive.

In adult studies, massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helping to mitigate the active fight-or-flight response. Massage also helps improve math computation performance and raises alertness levels, as measured on electroencephalograms (EEGs). Finally, massage decreases depression and increases mental focus. The same effects are seen in children and teenagers with ADHD.

Source: ADHD Homeschool.info

Long live optimism...

If you look on the bright side, you’re more likely to live longer than pessimists, a new study says. University of Pittsburgh researcher Hilary Tindle surveyed nearly 100,000 women, ages 50 to 79, about their outlook on life, then tracked their health for several years. Women who answered yes when asked such questions as, “In unclear times, I usually expect the best” were categorized as optimists; pessimists were those who affirmatively answered questions such as, “If something can go wrong for me, it will.” All were healthy at the start of the study. After eight years, the most optimistic women were 9 percent less likely to develop heart disease, 30 percent less likely to have died of heart disease, and 14 percent less likely to have died of any cause. Women who scored high in “cynical hostility” were at even greater risk of dying in general. “When you look at all of the risks, pessimists had everything in the wrong direction,” Tindle tells CNN.com. “The question is, can we take these ingrained attitudes and teach that individual to modify them?”

— The Week Vol. 9, Iss. 427

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
— Benjamin Franklin

Finding a way to live the simple life today is a man’s most complicated task.
— Henry A. Courtney

The content of this letter is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
If you’re ill, please consult a physician.
© 2010 Massage Marketing. Used with permission; all rights reserved.

Subscribe to In Touch Therapeutic Massage via email by entering your email address below:

In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-12-01T15:07:31Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Holiday Greetings, and welcome to the December 2009 newsletter! As we usher out another year, here’s wishing you lots of holiday cheer. Often the best part of the holidays is catching up with all those who give your life special meaning. Enjoy yourself!

You’ll see that this issue has some of the latest reports on massage benefits—and that more of these studies are being done throughout the world. Wherever you go today, more people are discovering the many ways massage can help them lead healthier lives. Read on to see more ways massage can benefit you.

Speaking of massage in the news, you can keep yourself informed on all the latest studies on massage benefits with online searches. Start by typing in “Touch Research Institute” in your search engine, as they have the most extensive collection of massage studies.

Until we meet again, enjoy the rest of your holidays!

Are you stumped for just the right gift?
How about a massage gift certificate?
Nothing offers a greater reward than the gift of health and well-being!
Holiday shopping made easy — Call today!

It’s Time to Enjoy a Little Holiday Relaxation

Maintaining a happy, healthy, rewarding life is a balancing act. If you spend too much of your time focused on certain things, other important aspects of your life can end up being neglected. Maybe postponing cleaning out the garage or the storage shed can wait until you get around to it, but if you put your well-being on the back burner, eventually your body says “Enough!” and you get sick.

The end of the year is often such a busy time that it can be more challenging than usual to make your health a priority. As the holiday celebrations conclude, see about finding some quiet time to take it easy so your body and your mind can recharge. After all, committing to a little “me time” every week might prevent you from a time-consuming illness.

Of course, you can get a lot more from that hour of rest and relaxation with a therapeutic massage! As many studies have shown, massage can supercharge your body’s recuperation by reducing stress-causing hormones in your body while releasing stress-fighting hormones and boosting your immune system.

Have a wonderful time during the remainder of the holiday season and take care!

Massage, Exercise Benefit Diabetes Patients

According to the International Diabetes Federation, some 285 million people worldwide will live with diabetes in 2010.

New research shows a 10-week combination of massage and exercise improves systolic and diastolic pressures in patients' lower extremities, according to an abstract published on www.pubmed.gov...

"A combined program of exercise and massage improves arterial blood pressure and ankle brachial index values in type 2 diabetics with peripheral arterial disease," the researchers from Spain's Universidad de Almería noted.

The full study was published in the Oct. 9 issue of Medicina clínica.

Stressed Americans Still Seeking Massage for Relaxation

For the second year in a row, results of a survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) showed that massage therapy use is fairly steady, despite the lagging economy. Thirty-two percent of stressed out Americans are getting massages to relieve their stress and 57 percent of Americans say they feel more stressed this year than last year, particularly among females (61 percent) and those ages 18 to 24 (66 percent).

"Consumers understand that massage therapy is essential to a healthy balance between stress and relaxation," said Judy Stahl, AMTA president. "We are pleased to see that consumers are prioritizing massage to help them through these difficult times."

Massage Used More Than Ever for Medical, Health Reasons

Results from the 13th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) indicate that 32 percent of Americans are seeking massage for medical and health reasons, tying relaxation and stress reduction for the first time as the top reasons people get massages.

Additionally, 25 percent of Americans ages 35 to 44 have talked to their doctor or healthcare provider about massage therapy this year, compared to 14 percent in 2008. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor strongly recommended/encouraged them to get a massage.

A vast majority of Americans, 86 percent, agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain, and 85 percent agree that massage can be beneficial for health and wellness.

"Even with the ongoing economic crisis, people are not willing to compromise their health," says Judy Stahl, AMTA president. "It's a clear signal of massage's value when those making less than $35,000 a year are the second most active income bracket getting massage therapy."

Fun Facts about Massage Therapy:

• A study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine showed that ongoing massage could lower anxiety, reduce pain, and improve grip strength for those that suffer from arthritis.

• Research indicates massage therapy can boost immunity and reduce hypertension.

• A recent study by the American Massage Therapy Association showed that in adults with migraine headaches massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.

• The number of hospitals offering massage therapy increased by 30 percent from 2004 to 2006. Sixty-seven percent of those hospitals with massage therapy programs offer massage to their staff for stress management.

Source: www.massagemag.com/news

Put duties aside at least an hour before bed
and perform soothing, quiet activities that will help you relax.
— Dianne Hales

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.

Subscribe to In Touch Therapeutic Massage via email by entering your email address below:

In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-11-02T19:10:20Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Happy Holidays, and welcome to the November 2009 newsletter! With the end-of-year holiday season getting underway, it’s time to plan on spending some quiet evenings or weekends with your loved ones and those special friends and relatives that gather for their annual visits. Enjoy every moment!

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wellness program and contributing to your health maintenance. It means a lot to us to do what we can to help you improve the quality of your life through bodywork. Please let us know how we’re doing, and be sure to ask us any questions you have relating to your health as we continue our work together.

This year as you make your holiday gift list, think about who would enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic massage session. (Well, who wouldn’t?) Massage gift certificates make great presents and offer those special people in your life a truly meaningful gift.

This issue has several news releases on some of the latest massage studies. Read on to learn more about how massage can help you stay healthier and feel better. Take care of yourself and have a wonderful holiday season! We’ll see you soon.

What’s the ideal holiday gift? The gift of massage!
Create a beautiful memory ...
Surprise your loved ones this year with a massage gift certificate.
It’s easy for you & special for them.
Give the gift of health — Call today!

Stay Healthy Through the Holidays with Massage

If ever you can count on the pace of life accelerating, it’s at the end of the year during the holidays. In order to maintain a busier-than-usual schedule, it’s more important than ever to take good care of yourself at this time of year.

Know when to say “No thanks.” As we all know, added stress in your life can increase your chances of becoming ill, so do all you can to lessen or avoid the stressors in your environment. Being selective with your social commitments can keep you from overloading your schedule. Trying to do too much can take its toll on your health.

‘Tis the season of tasty, tempting treats and indiscriminate indulgences, so be prepared to limit your intake of holiday cakes, cookies and candies.

The most enjoyable way to support your health is with a relaxing, rejuvenating massage! What better way to reduce your stress level and to help your body operate at its best than putting your busy life on hold for about an hour, so you can take proper care of yourself? Remember, you can be more effective in your day-to-day life when you feel your best. So, give yourself a little holiday health boost with a wonderful massage!

Recent News Reveals More Massage Health Benefits

You really have to love massage! It seems that every new massage-related study brings to light more proof of how regular bodywork can improve your overall health. Here are a few more examples, hot off the press!

Massage Shown to Relieve Headache

Headaches are a leading cause of pain—and massage therapy helps relieve them.

About 78 percent of Americans experience a tension-type headache at some point in their lives, according to the National Headache Foundation.

New research shows the application of a single session of massage produces an immediate decrease in tension, anger status, and perceived pain in patients with chronic tension-type headache, and that the relief from a massage lasts at least one full day.

Researchers from Universidad Granada's Department of Physical Therapy, in Spain, tested massage on 11 patients; eight females and three males, between the ages of 20 and 68 years old. Patients received either the experimental treatment (massage protocol) or a placebo intervention (detuned ultrasound).

Pairwise comparisons showed that head pain (numerical pain rating scale) decreased 24 hours after manual therapy, but not after the placebo intervention, according to an abstract published on www.pubmed.gov.

The research ran in a September issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Stress Relief Doesn't Just Feel Good, It's Good for You

Common Link between Chronic Stress and Serious Health Issues

Doctors have linked chronic stress to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis and certain cancers. Stress can contribute to headaches, digestive problems, back pain, and difficulty sleeping. ...

Reducing stress through massage therapy will have long-lasting health benefits, but what many don’t realize is that massage therapy will also relieve respiratory issues, aid in post-surgery rehabilitation, and aid in prenatal care. Relieving stress has a domino effect in regards to other health benefits that people tend to overlook when considering a massage session.

Research: Healthy Muscles and White Blood Cells

Various studies have shown that massage therapy can increase white blood-cell count. In a new study, European scientists have found that, when a muscle is injured, white blood cells called macrophages play a crucial role in its regeneration.

Normally, macrophages—the white blood cells known for engulfing and eliminating bacteria and other infectious agents—are drawn to areas of injury. Once there, they act as "garbage men," eliminating the dead cells and releasing pro-inflammatory factors, fending off infection.

After clearing up the debris, macrophages stop releasing those pro-inflammatory factors, and start making anti-inflammatory factors that promote repair in the damaged area. This shift from clearing debris to promoting building is known as macrophage polarization and is essential for muscles to regenerate properly.

"There seems to be this point of no return," says researcher Nadia Rosenthal. "If macrophages don't make this switch, then the muscle won't repair itself [and] you just end up with scar, instead of new issue."

Source: www.massagemag.com/news

The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.
— Eric Hoffer

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.

Subscribe to In Touch Therapeutic Massage via email by entering your email address below:

In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-10-01T05:40:00Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Hello, and welcome to the October 2009 newsletter! A new season... and a new reason to get your next massage! Much of the news on health lately has been focused on the spread of the latest strain of the swine flu. This issue covers how you can boost your immune system and improve your odds of avoiding illness.

Other steps you can take to stay healthy include providing yourself with a nutritious diet, drinking plenty of pure water to help flush toxins from your system, and getting an adequate amount of rest. A recent study indicated that getting at least seven hours of sleep each night reduces the likelihood of getting sick. (And studies show massage can help you to get better sleep.)

Some nutritionists recommend supporting your immune system by increasing your intake of probiotics (the good microorganisms that live in your intestinal tract), such as acidophilus. According to information found online at nih.gov, “Friendly bacteria are vital to proper development of the immune system, to protection against microorganisms that could cause disease, and to the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.”

Read the rest of this issue to see the many ways massage can support your immune system and keep you healthy!

Give somebody a health boost with a
massage gift certificate!
Call today to order ...

Strengthen Your Immune System with Massage

Of massage’s many benefits, one of the best is boosting your immune system. It’s easy to take your health for granted until an illness takes hold. With an increased risk of a new flu strain lurking, this is an excellent time to do everything you can to support your immune system. And what better way than with a relaxing massage?

Understanding the basic functions of your immune system might help you appreciate what a remarkable job it performs. Virtually every cell in your body has specific molecules on its surface that identifies itself as being part of “you.” This enables your immune system to differentiate between you and foreign organisms and to send its defensive team after any hostile invaders.

When a health threat has been identified, your body produces various substances to combat it. For instance, certain proteins (antibodies) will be deployed to attach themselves to the attackers to mark them for destruction. Various cells are present to devour certain infected cells, kill parasites, destroy cancer cells, and cope with allergens, while other immune responses occur that help to heal or defend the body.

Your immune system consists of an elaborate and complex network of trillions of white blood cells. Concentrations of these cells are found in your lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow—on call to defend you 24 hours a day. You may be surprised to learn that the largest immunological organ in your body is your intestine, with 70%-80% of all antibody-producing cells located in your digestive system.

A properly functioning immune system produces just enough response to handle the problem, then drops back to alert status. Just as you can have too little response (as from a weakened immune system), it is possible for your immune system to overreact. An overactive system may lead to conditions such as allergies or autoimmune conditions (like arthritis, lupus, insulin-dependent diabetes, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, or multiple sclerosis). These occur when the immune system confuses the body’s own cells with invader cells and attacks its own tissues. So not only do you need a strong immune system, you need one that is well balanced.

Your immune system is tied to and affected by your emotional state—whether you are elated, angry, fatigued, or stressed. Stress actually decreases natural defenses resulting in less efficient and slower healing, and a greater susceptibility to infection.

So how does massage help your immune system?

“ ‘In one study after another, research is suggesting that massage therapy has a positive impact on immune function,’ said Diane Zeitlin, research associate at the Center for Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Kessler Medical Rehabilitation and Education Corporation, West Orange, New Jersey.

“ ‘An increase in white blood cells and natural killer-cell activity better prepares the body to fight off possible invading cells,’ said Zeitlin. ‘These cellular changes suggest the immune system benefited from the massages, and these findings fall in line with previous research.’ ”

In a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami on women who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, the women received regular massage therapy (three times a week for five weeks), with 80 percent showing improved immune function.

“ ‘These are the first studies that show an effect of massage therapy on an immune function test, which can support the use of massage therapy to alleviate stress, relax muscles and now possibly serve as an alternative medical practice,’ said Michael Ruff, Ph.D., research associate professor at Georgetown University Medical School.” 1

So give your immune system some help this season with regular massage sessions! Call today to schedule your next appointment.

Source: 1. American Massage Therapy Assn.

Why is winter the flu season?

Scientists had long theorized that it was mostly because colder weather kept people indoors, where the close contact was more likely to spread the virus. But a new analysis puts the blame on the amount of humidity in the air. Looking at previous studies, climate physicist Jeffrey Shaman of Oregon State University found strong evidence that flu transmission peaks when absolute humidity—the pure percentage of water in the air—is lowest, during cold, dry winter days. “The correlations were surprisingly strong,” Shaman tells the Associated Press. The virus’ ability “to survive and be transmitted person-to-person is greatly affected by how dry or wet the air is.” To humidify your air at home and help ward off flu, you can buy a humidifier, or try Grandma’s low-tech trick: Allow a tea kettle to boil on the stove for a while.

— The Week Vol 9 Issue 401

“What worries you, masters you.”
— John Locke

“The chains of habit are too weak to be felt
until they are too strong to be broken.”
— Samuel Johnson

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.

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-09-01T13:12:26Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Welcome to the September 2009 newsletter! Are you ready for the busy months leading up to the end-of-year holiday season? It seems once summer ends, the pace of life can really pick up all around us. When things grow hectic, it’s a good time to step back and reevaluate your schedule. Be sure to make your health and well-being a high priority; it will help you keep up with all those demands on your time!

Think you’ve got enough to do now? Imagine for a moment if you had to monitor all of your body’s functions and regulate their performance all day long. [See “BODY TALK” below.] Fortunately, your body takes care of most all of those many tasks for you.

You can help your body to do all those daily tasks better by providing it with some support—good nutrition; plenty of water; adequate rest and exercise; and of course, your regular massages. What else can provide your body with so many health benefits in an hour or so ... and leave you feeling great in the process!

Your massage sessions are a smart investment in your health and in your future. Enjoy the rest of this issue; see you soon!

Who do you know that is stressed out and really needs to relax?
Give them a helping hand with a massage gift certificate!
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Review Shows Benefits of Massage in Low Back Pain

Massage found superior to relaxation, physical therapy and mobilization...

Below is an article found online, reporting on several studies that reveal the effectiveness of massage in handling cases of low back pain, offering more proof of the health value of massage.

Massage may offer long-lasting benefits in individuals with *subacute or chronic nonspecific low back pain, according to research published in the July 15 issue of Spine.

Andrea D. Furlan, M.D., of the Institute for Work & Health in Toronto, and colleagues analyzed data from a review of 13 randomized trials that assessed the use of massage using hands or a mechanical device for nonspecific low back pain.

The researchers found that in two studies comparing massage to sham treatment, massage was better for pain relief and function at short-term and long-term follow-up. In eight studies comparing massage to active treatments, massage was superior to relaxation therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, self-care education and joint mobilization, but was similar to exercise. The benefits of massage persisted for at least a year after treatment ended. ...

"Massage is beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic nonspecific low back pain in terms of improving symptoms and function. Massage therapy ... may save money in health care provider visits, pain medications, and costs of back care services. The effects of massage are improved if combined with exercise and education. The beneficial effects of massage in patients with chronic low back pain are long lasting (at least one year after end of sessions)," the authors conclude.

Source: www.modernmedicine.com

Subacute: Rather recent onset or somewhat rapid change. The term “subacute” is used in contrast to “acute” which means very sudden onset or rapid change and “chronic” which means indefinite duration or virtually no change. Subacute is used to designate the mid-ground between acute and chronic.

BODY TALK: The average person’s body holds 1.3 gallons of blood. There’s more than a milk jug full of fluid coursing through your veins, where it functions somewhat like a courier service. Blood is responsible for both delivering the things your body desperately needs—like oxygen—and carting off the things it desperately needs to throw out, like the toxic wastes that end up being filtered out of the body by the kidneys. And it does all of this very, very fast. The heart, the organ responsible for getting all that blood to move around, pumps as much blood as is in the body every minute; when you’re sitting still, that is. Up your activity level and your heart can end up pumping more than five gallons of blood per minute.

Source: www.health.msn.com

Massage can help all your body’s systems to function more optimally. With blood vessels running throughout virtually every inch of your body, a full-body massage can assist in bringing vital nutrients to every cell in your body and in removing cellular waste.

Happiness Grows …

Here’s another good reason to take good care of yourself: Recent studies indicate that people tend to be happier as they grow older.

Speaking at a recent conference in Toronto, Susan Turk Charles, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, said that several studies on aging and mental health indicate that happiness and emotional well-being improve with time.

Charles added that “we know that older people are increasingly aware that the time they have left in life is growing shorter. They want to make the best of it so they avoid engaging in situations that will make them unhappy. They have also had more time to learn and understand the intentions of others, which helps them to avoid these stressful situations.”

Another speaker at the Toronto conference, Laura Carstensen, a professor at Stanford University, noted that “social relationships—or lack of them—influence how older people respond to stress.” Carstensen cited a Swedish study that concluded that people with strong social connections were less likely to suffer cognitive impairment than others. To make the most of the coming years, Carstensen offered these tips:

• Think of ways to enjoy the time ahead and try to imagine living 100, healthy, happy years.

• Provide daily routines that reinforce your goals, both in your home and in your social life.

• Develop new activities and relationships, and don’t invest all of your emotional energy in a job or a single relationship.

Source: www.healthday.com

Boost your happiness with regular massage, which has been shown to improve the body’s chemical balance, which in turn can reduce stress and enhance your mental outlook.

“Laughter is an instant vacation!”
— Milton Berle

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.

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-08-03T06:30:02Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Welcome to the August 2009 newsletter! Another year is moving right along and autumn is right around the corner. For many, the last few months of the year can be an especially busy time. Staying busy is fine, as long as you maintain control of your schedule. Be sure to leave yourself some “me time” so you can take care of your personal needs.

Before we say good-bye to summer and sail headlong into a frantic fall, remember that you can schedule a quick vacation from your day-to-day life with a relaxing and rejuvenating massage. It may not be a trip to Tahiti, but it’s a great getaway—and always available to you!

A busy life can put demands on your body. The main article this month focuses on your mobility and how massage can help. Remember, if you have anything going on with your body—a stiff neck, a sore knee, etc.—be sure to bring it up at your next massage session, so we can address it.

Of course, if you have any specific questions about your health and how massage can help you, just ask. Enjoy the waning days of summer; see you soon!

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How Does Massage Help Your Mobility?

When you think about massage benefits, you probably picture relaxing tense muscles and relieving stress. Another great benefit is improving the mobility in your joints and your range of motion. Your ability to move easily and to perform virtually any task depends on the mobility of your joints.

When you decide to take a drink, nerve impulses instruct your muscles to contract, enabling you to grasp a glass and move it toward your mouth. The function of the joints in this example is to regulate the range of motion of your fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck to successfully complete the required task. If any of your joints are stiff or in a locked position—or in some cases too loose—it becomes more difficult or impossible to complete the sequence of motions.

What can interfere with joint function? Lack of use can lead to a joint locking up. If the proper spacing between two joint surfaces is not maintained, function is altered. The ligaments—bands of strong, flexible, white tissue that connect and support the joints—must be firm enough, pliable and properly supportive or the joint performance will suffer. A muscle contraction can pull the joint out of alignment. If a muscle gets a partial signal from a nerve, it may tense rather than completely contracting. This tension can prevent the joint from proper function.

As you can see from the above example, many factors can contribute to limited range of motion, joint pain, stiffness, etc. Fortunately, your regular massages can help your joints to perform at a more optimum level.

For instance, each massage can help to increase the circulation to the joint area so each joint will receive the raw materials and nourishment it requires. This increased circulation can help to remove any cellular waste as well.

Your joints are affected by the ligaments, muscles, and tendons that surround them. So when your muscle function is improved, it can positively affect the neighboring joints. The proper attention to a joint area can help to improve the range of motion, reduce painful conditions, and restore its performance.

Proper exercise can help as well. Joint movement encourages lubrication of the joint. The ligaments, tendons and joint capsule are warmed from the movement, which helps to keep these tissues pliable.

It’s important to avoid undue stress to your joints. Besides inviting injury, trying to do too much, too soon when working with a stressed, weakened or injured joint can prevent recovery. Be sure to stay within each joint’s limitations when exercising, stretching, or in normal activity. It’s better to go slowly than to risk injury.

Your regular massages help to return proper balance to your body’s many systems—your muscles, joints, tendons, etc. The conditions that tend to cause a muscle to remain too tense or a joint to be stiff and limited in its motions can be normalized in many cases.

Each day brings new challenges to your body’s functions—many which manifest as tensions, aches, pains, and limited ranges of motion. Making sure you get regular bodywork sessions can help your body to overcome many of these challenges and maintain a happier balance, as well as helping to head off some potential problems before they adversely affect you. So contribute to that freedom of movement by keeping a regular massage schedule! Make your future a healthier one.

Reference: Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage

Massage for Chronic Neck Pain

Massage treatments significantly reduce chronic neck pain, according to researchers at the University of Washington. Sixty-four patients were split between two groups. One received a self-care book; the second received up to 10 massages over 10 weeks. Those receiving massage reported a 39 percent improvement on the neck disability index; 55 percent said their neck pain became less bothersome overall. The results, published in The Clinical Journal of Pain, were particularly strong at the four-week mark and suggest massage has promise as a short-term treatment.

Source: Massage & Bodywork July/Aug ‘09

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but
only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-07-01T15:38:32Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Welcome to the July 2009 newsletter! How have you been doing? We hope you’ve been enjoying your summer and finding some relaxation time.

The reason we share information with you in this newsletter is in hopes of inspiring you to do those things that will keep you healthier and feeling your best. It’s all too easy to overextend yourself when you have other demands on your time and energy. The trick is to allot enough time in your life to maintain a proper balance.

When your life is really busy, it’s helpful if you can devote some time to activities that will keep you as healthy and strong as possible. The choices you make now will determine how you feel and what you can accomplish in the future, so reward the future you with wise choices in the present!

The beauty of massage is the number of ways it can help your body to achieve that proper balance. It even helps you to achieve other important health goals, like getting a good night’s sleep. Combined with a decent diet, plenty of water and some exercise, massage supports virtually every aspect of health—boosting both your physical health and your mental outlook. So, please keep your health a high priority and schedule that next massage for yourself! See you then.

A massage gift certificate makes a perfect mini-vacation
from day-to-day stress! Make somebody’s day
with a relaxing massage getaway! Call today to order ...

What Can Water Do for You?

Want an easy way to support your health? Nothing could be easier—or more refreshing on a hot day—than drinking pure water. The following information from an article in Massage & Bodywork magazine reveals the extent of health benefits available to you from simply maintaining an adequate water intake:

“Besides decreasing headaches, heartburn, constipation, fatigue and kidney stones, getting your fair share of water each day may help prevent serious illnesses including heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma. One study at the University of Loma Linda, California, showed that people who drink five or more glasses of water every day cut their risk of suffering a fatal heart attack in half. Researchers believe because water, unlike other beverages, is absorbed immediately into the blood stream, it thins the blood and reduces clot risk. This also helps moderate blood pressure because it’s easier for the heart to pump thinner rather than thicker blood. Furthermore, researchers at Harvard reported men who drank six cups of water daily reduced bladder cancer risk by 50 percent. Other studies indicate that high water intake also curbs the risk of breast and colon cancers. And even asthma sufferers have reason to gulp it down. A University of Buffalo study revealed dehydration reduces lung function and triggers bronchial spasms, especially while exercising.”

Since massage can help your body to eliminate waste and toxic materials from your system, drinking plenty of fresh water after your massages can contribute to the detoxification process.

Warming Up vs. Stretching

There is often confusion about the difference between warming up prior to massage work or sports participation and stretching exercises. The purpose of warming up is to put your muscles and joints through their range of motion before you stress them in your work activities. This reduces your risk for injury.

Stretching, on the other hand, is designed to maintain and/or increase the length of your muscles, and is most effective when you have recently used your muscles to do an activity. Both warming up and stretching increase blood flow to your muscles.

Because your muscle tissue is not as pliable first thing in the morning due to lack of adequate circulation, it is better to do specific stretching exercises later in the day to get a more effective stretch.

Source: www.massagemag.com Reproduced from Save Your Hands! The Complete Guide to Injury Prevention and Ergonomics for Manual Therapists, 2nd Edition by Lauriann Greene, C.E.A.S., and Richard W. Goggins, C.P.E., L.M.P., © 2008 Gilded Age Press, www.saveyourhands.com.

Massage as Medicine

Massage provides many benefits, including improved concentration, energy, and self-esteem, as well as reduced stress. It’s helpful with more acute health conditions, also. If you or a loved one are already dealing with a health condition, massage is an even more important part of your healthcare planning. Research shows:

• Alzheimer’s patients exhibit reduced irritability, pacing, and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.
• Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage have fewer sleep problems and less anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and stiffness.
• Massage during labor appears to help block pain, reduce stress and anxiety, and relax muscles. Some medical professionals say massage shortens labor and hospital stays.
• Massage can reduce sports-related soreness and improve circulation.
• Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.
• Massage therapy is effective in reducing post-surgical pain and reducing recovery times.
• Oncology patients show less anxiety, depression, fatigue, nausea, and pain following massage therapy.
• Preterm babies receiving massage therapy gain more weight and have shorter hospital stays.

Source: www.bodysensemagazine.com; Contributed by Nora Brunner

From a recent consumer survey:

• Of the people who had at least one massage in the last five years, 31 percent report they did so for health conditions such as pain management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness.
• Eighty-eight percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.
• Eighty-seven percent agree that massage can be beneficial to health and wellness.

Source: amtamassage.org

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds,
can change the outer aspects of their lives.
— William James

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-06-01T08:27:46Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

Welcome to the June 2009 newsletter! Are you ready for summer? Just a quick note to wish you a relaxing summer season! This issue has lots of recent news on massage and some of its many benefits. Please keep in mind how much massage and bodywork can do to keep you feeling your best and to keep your body properly doing its job. If you have specific questions on how massage can help you, please ask at your next massage appointment. See you soon!

Make someone happy with a massage gift certificate! Call today to order...
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Massage Therapy Research

The therapeutic benefits of massage continue to be researched and studied. Recent research has shown the effectiveness of massage for the following conditions:

Cancer-related fatigue
Lowering blood pressure
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Easing alcohol withdrawal symptom
Reducing post-operative pain
Decreasing pain in cancer patients
Boosting the body’s immune system functioning
Reducing headache frequency
Decreasing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Low back pain Source: amtamassage.org

Massage — The “Anytime” Vacation

If you’re considering ways to enjoy a little time off while staying closer to home this summer, you’re not alone. A recent Google search for “stay at home vacation ideas” yielded 18.5 million results.

Since the purpose of going on a holiday is to get away from your day-to-day worries and to de-stress, isn’t it nice to know you can get those same benefits any day you want with a relaxing massage?

In some ways, just getting your next massage can be every bit as relaxing and rejuvenating as a vacation trip, since traveling creates its own stresses and responsibilities.

And, when you compare the cost of a massage with the current costs of travel, your massage “mini-vacation” is really quite a bargain!

If you are planning a getaway, remember that a massage before and/or after your trip will help you relax and lessen the rigors of hours spent in a plane, car, tour bus, etc. Another great reason to get a massage before you head out of town is that massage can help boost your immune system. Nobody wants to come down with something far from home. So, whether you’re leaving town or sticking around, give your body and mind a rest with your next massage!

New Research: Massage Improves Elders' Balance, Agility

As the population ages, massage and movement therapies will benefit elderly clients in a variety of ways. Massage has been shown to benefit elderly stroke patients. In other research, movement therapy was shown to benefit balance and gait in older clients.

Just-published research shows that massage and mobilization of the feet and ankles in elderly adults assist them with balance and agility. Source: www.massagemag.com

Regular Massage Yields Better Results

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." Source: holisticsite.blogspot.com

Is Massage Effective For Fibromyalgia Pain?

Massage therapy has become one of the more popular treatments among those with fibromyalgia, and is turning out to be one of the most effective methods for treating fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. A number of studies have been done involving massage therapy and fibromyalgia patients. These studies have concluded that those who participated found the following relief of their fibromyalgia symptoms:

Blood circulation was improved in the muscles which enabled faster healing
Improvement in motion range and flexibility
Reduction in stiffness
Reduction in pain
Reduction in stress
Reduction in depression
Improvement in sleep

Source: thereviveblog.com – Posted on 4/20/09

The above report is another example of how effective massage can be in relieving painful conditions and in helping the body to function better. Of course, massage can help improve conditions in your body in many situations, so call for your next massage appointment soon!

Sweetened drinks make you fat

All sugars aren’t the same. New research finds that drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup raise cholesterol levels and triglycerides and make people fat. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, put a group of men and women on diets that included one that got 25 percent of its calories from fructose-sweetened drinks. At the end of the 12-week program, the fructose-drinking subjects had gained more visceral fat, and had developed more resistance to insulin (an early sign of diabetes) than a control group whose drinks were sweetened with glucose, a less sweet sugar found in carrots and other vegetables. Dr. Walter Willet of Harvard University tells Time that the study provides “the best evidence yet” not to let kids consume large quantities of sweetened soda, fruit juice, and other beverages. “If children grow up with everything tasting supersweet,” he says, “then it’s hard for them to appreciate the gentle sweetness of a fresh carrot or an apple.” — The Week Vol. 9 Issue 412

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.
— Celia Thaxter

It's a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do.
— Walter Winchell

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In Touch Therapeutic Massage Message

2009-05-04T05:39:56Z

Staying in Touch® Online Massage News

In Touch Therapeutic Massage 630.983.9698 becky@myintouchmassage.com

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

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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

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