Strategies for De-Stressing/The Benefits of Massage

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Strategies for De-Stressing The Benefits of Massage

A massage at the hands of a skilled practitioner can be rejuvenating. Research

shows massage has a physiological impact, too. A 2005 review of research

studies involving massage therapy showed that massage consistently lowered

levels of cortisol while increasing activity of pleasure-related brain chemicals

in patients with a broad range of physical and psychological conditions. Massage

also lowers blood pressure and heart rate and may enhance certain measures of

immune function. A 2005 study showed that women with breast cancer who

participated in massage therapy three times a week for five weeks showed more

immune system activity and reported less depression, anxiety, and fatigue than

the women who didn’t receive massages regularly. Some studies have found that

massage is also beneficial in boosting the immune systems of people with HIV.

Whether it’s for therapeutic reasons or purely for pleasure, massage offers

the comforts of a warm touch and release from muscle tension. There are

currently no national licensing requirements or standards for massage

therapists. Experienced practitioners can be found through professional

organizations, such as the American Massage Therapy Association (888-THE-AMTA)

and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

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Affirmations

When you have nothing left but God,

you become aware that God is enough.

-Guideposts