| In
general, massage is believed to support healing, boost energy,
reduce recovery time after an injury, ease pain, and enhance
relaxation, mood, and well-being. In addition to being of
value for many musculoskeletal problems such as low back pain,
osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains, massage
may relieve depression in people with chronic fatigue syndrome,
ease chronic constipation (when the technique is performed
in the abdominal area), decrease swelling after a mastectomy
(removal of the breast), alleviate sleep disorders, and improve
self-image. In the workplace, massage has been shown to melt
away stress and enhance mental alertness.
Studies have found that massage relieves chronic
back pain more effectively than other treatments (including
acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition
with education via books and videos) and, in many cases, costs
less than other treatments for this common health problem.
In addition, mothers and newborns also appear to benefit from
massage.
Mothers trained to massage their infants often
feel less depressed and have a better emotional bond with
their babies. Newborns who receive massage from their mothers
also tend to cry less, and are more active, alert, and sociable.
Premature babies who receive massage therapy have been shown
to gain weight faster than preemies who do not receive this
type of therapy. Infants who receive massage regularly may
also sleep better, be less gassy or colicky, and have better
body awareness as well as more regular digestion.
Studies have also shown that massage may be
an effective treatment for young children and adolescents
with a wide range of health problems including the following:
* Autism: Autistic children, who usually
don't like being touched, show less autistic behavior and
are more social and attentive after receiving massage therapy
from their parents.
* Atopic dermatitis/Eczema: Children with
this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to experience less redness,
scaling, and other symptoms if receiving massage between flares.
Massage should not be used when this skin condition is actively
inflamed.
* Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD): Massage may improve mood in children with ADHD and
help them feel less fidgety and hyperactive.
* Bulimia: Studies have shown that adolescents
with this eating disorder feel less depressed and anxious
after receiving massage therapy.
* Cystic fibrosis: Massage may reduce anxiety
and improve respiration in children with this lung condition.
* Diabetes: Massage may help regulate blood
sugar levels and reduce anxiety and depression in children
with diabetes.
* HIV: In a small study, teenagers with the
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) showed improved immune
function and diminished feelings of depression and anxiety
after receiving two massages per week for 12 weeks.
* Rheumatoid arthritis: Children with juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) have been shown to experience less
pain, morning stiffness, and anxiety as a result of massage
therapy.
Massage
for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
Massage
Therapy Online
Massage
Can Boost The Immune System And Relieve Common Ailments
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Massage
Therapy and the Entrepreneur |
What
happens during a massage therapy session? |
Types
of massage | What
is massage good for?
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