It has been confirmed by the people at the prestigious Mayo that everyone can benefit from massages. According to research reported in February 2006, the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER) reported that there are health benefits attributed to regular massage. They confirmed that human touch is actually good for both physical and mental reasons.
§ Anxiety: Massage reduces anxiety. It also reduces anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking. “Ok, who doesn’t have anxiety in our crazy world? This one alone added one more massage to my monthly schedule.”
§ Pain: Pain was decreased in studies of people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgeries. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required. “While I don’t really suffer from any pain, maybe it’s from the regular massages. Who knows? But, I’m going with that.”
§ Sports-Related Soreness: Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise. “While the avid athlete already knew about this one, I find it helps me, just a regular person, tremendously.”
§ Immune System: People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
§ Self-Esteem: Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. “And who can’t use a little more self esteem? I figure it is just one more good reason for me to get that weekly message.”
In several studies done by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, a Division of the government funded National Institute of Health, these same findings were corroborated over and over again.
And although the research is not as extensive, there also appears to be many similar health and physical appearance benefits to regular facials. A July 2005 article in New Life Journal named the following as the major health benefits of regular facials: regulation of the immune system, detoxification, reduction in fluid build-up, exfoliation, and stress relief. These benefits are achieved with a facial that incorporates lymphatic drainage, exfoliation treatments, acupressure, and aromatherapy. They also went on to state that regular facials and facial treatments help you stay younger and more vital looking throughout your life.
Ok, that’s enough to convince me. Actually they had me with the anxiety reason. You’ve got to love something that is good for you and quite enjoyable.
