The Healing Power of Massage

urbanfringesalon.weebly.com

Need a chill pill? The majority of us could use several the way we rush about from engagement to engagement and double book ourselves into a frenzy. I’m not pointing any fingers without taking a good look at myself in the mirror first. Life can get hectic, and it’s important to listen to the signs that our bodies give us to slow down, smell the roses, and perhaps get a massage! Why are massages great? Besides the fact that they promote relaxation, massages may relieve you of that kink you’ve had in your neck for a month, or help you sleep better, the answer is very simple. Humans need human touch. Keep in mind that your skin is your bodies’ largest organ. Not only do we need touch, but it’s been scientifically proven that massage has powerful effects on the healing progress of a wide range of ailments.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association several studies have show that massage can positively affect back pains, burns, carpal tunnel syndrome, lung cancer, cardiac patients after surgery, boost immune function and relieve stress in women with breast cancer, assist students in relieving academic stress, assist with recovery and soreness of athletes, and relieve overall anxiety and depression. If you are suffering from a stress relation disease, massages should be in your arsenal along with yoga or meditation. If you have certain types of cancer, inflammation of the veins, certain skin conditions, an infectious disease or cardiac issues you need to consult a doctor before considering massage therapy.

While in New York, I had a hot stone massage that changed my life. I came in stiff and sore, and left skipping with the soundtrack from the Sound of Music playing in my head. The world really seems like a better place when you muscles are relaxed. So just as you find the time weekly, and daily to breathe, stretch, and go within, make sure you get someone to rub on you. Even if it’s for a few minutes, it could make a great difference in promoting a healthier happier you. -XoXo Raw Girl

Below are a few  scientific studies that prove that massage can speed up healing :

A groundbreaking study of 40 preterm infants included the practice of giving a gentle, 15-minute massage three times a day for several days to a number of the group. The results were astounding; infants given massages  gained 47 percent more weight, became more responsive, and left the hospital six days earlier than controls (Pediatrics, May 1986).

A controlled study of 20 HIV-positive men who received a 45-minute massage five times weekly for a month showed that natural killer cells increased (suggesting positive effects on the immune system), and that anxiety, stress, and cortisol levels were significantly reduced (International Journal of Neuroscience, February 1996).

In another study, thirty-two children with asthma received  massage or relaxation therapy from their parents for 20 minutes before bedtime for 30 days-and only the massage group experienced increased peak air flow, improved pulmonary function, and decreased levels of stress hormones.  (Journal of Pediatrics, May 1998).