Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies recommended reading : Parents can massage babies to promote sleep quality and stress reduction

Massage in Brighton by Little Jasmine Therapies found the following research useful and fascinating therefore we are sharing it with all of you, enjoy.

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Newborn babies parents can assist their infants and children sleep through the night and cry less by giving them a gentle massage, according to research conducted by Warwick Medical School  and the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick.

The research was led by Dr. Angela Underdown, examined nine previous studies on baby massage that included 601 infants younger than a year old. During the studies, health professionals trained the parents in baby massage therapy.

"There are indications that infants who were massaged were more relaxed, probably due to lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, compared to infants who did not receive massage," Underdown said.

Infant massage -- long practised in Africa and Asia -- has been shown to be as effective as rocking in helping babies cry less and sleep through the night. Typically, the massage involves touching the baby with light pressure from head to toe, gently moving the muscles beneath the skin, while looking into the baby's eyes.

"As there are indications that infant massage therapy may have an effect on sleep and crying, this would seem a useful technique that parents can use with their babies to help them relax and promote sleep," Underdown said.

No negative effects were found in the research of infant massage, and noted that mothers suffering from postnatal depression who massaged their infants built better relationships with their babies.

Underdown urged parents interested in learning the technique to seek advice from midwives or health workers.

According to natural health advocate Mike Adams, modern-day medicine has caused people to forget "the healing power of therapeutic touch," and its positive health effects.

"All humans need loving physical contact, including babies," Adams said. "Parents can literally boost their baby's immune function, accelerate healing and speed recovery from physical stress by giving their babies the gift of human touch. It's powerful medicine

Learn how massages in Brighton and stretching can be used to enhance recovery abilities!

Massage in Brighton is a great tool for speeding up recovery. It helps the athlete physically and psychologically rests. Stretching has also been shown to be a key factor in proper recovery as well as in proper flexibility. Stretching also reduces the chance of injury. 

Massage in Brighton by little Jasmine Therapies

Massage
 
Massage has been an important part of European athletes' for many years. Just recently, North American athletes have learned to appreciate the value of massage. A study conducted by Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, found promising evidence to support the benefits of massage. In this study, a group of cyclists pedaled until complete fatigue and then took a ten-minute rest. During the ten-minute rest period. Half of the cyclists received a massage while the other half didn't. 

After the rest period, the cyclists were asked to perform 50 knee extensions on a leg machine. The results showed that the cyclists who received massages were 11% stronger than the athletes who did not receive massage. With compelling evidence such as this, it is undoubtable that massage has benefits for athletes. Massage can also help maintain the health of muscles. 

Maintenance Of Muscle
 
 Muscle can help improve muscle recovery, which leads to efficient training. Massage can improve the circulation of bodily fluids. With increased circulation, tissues are better able to receive nutrients and other substances that are vital for optimal body functioning. Massage also helps decrease the swelling of muscles and relaxes and stretches sore muscles. 

Massage does not directly affect normal muscle strength but it is more effective than rest at optimizing your recovery abilities. Massage keeps your muscles healthy and flexible. I would recommend that all athletes should have massages from time to time. If you have access to a massage on a regular basis it would be beneficial to add it to your program. Once you have a massage, you will be amazed how good you will feel during and after the massage. 

Massage Before Competition
 
Pre-competition massage can be a tool for increasing or decreasing the stimulation level of nerve cells, ligaments, and joints, which helps in keeping them loose and flexible. This can help to prevent excessive micro-trauma (injury to cell membranes). Massage before a competition focuses on stretching and warming up the tendons and ligaments of the legs and arms. These connective tissues do not have their own blood supply; therefore it takes longer to warm them up. Massage improves the bodies' circulation; hence improved blood flow to the tendons and ligaments. 

It is important that an athlete's tendons and ligaments be properly warmed up before engaging in a competition. When properly warmed up, performance ability is increased and the chance of injury is decreased. 

Pre-competition massage also helps nervous athletes to relax and calm down before competition. It is recommended that the massage should be performed before the specific warm-up. After the massage, pre-competition stretching and warming up should be performed. 

Massage After A Competition
 
A massage after an athletic event is very relaxing. Most athletes that have massages after their events say this is the best method of relaxation. The massage helps the mind and body to relax. Massages performed after a workout or competition help to relieve the effects of muscular fatigue. Massage helps the body by relieving soreness and stiffness and it allows the muscles to maintain flexibility and looseness. The joints, tendons and ligaments are also helped in the same manner. Research says that post-workout or post-competition massage can speed up recovery time by as much as two times faster than rest alone. When given a massage, the body is able to transport nutrients and oxygen better to the muscles because of the enhancing blood flow. 

The by-products of metabolism are also carried away from the muscles more efficiently; therefore increasing recovery time. Intense exercise results in micro-trauma. Massage can help decrease the soreness associated with micro-trauma. The post workout massage should last at least 30 minutes. This allows adequate time for the body to be relieved physically and mentally. The massage should be given a minimum of 90 minutes after your last meal. This allows the meal too be partially digested before the massage begins. During digestion, most of the body's blood flow is directed toward the stomach. By allowing partial digestion to have taken place, the massage is better able to direct the blood flow to the muscles. 

Massage Helps Injuries
 
Massage has been shown to accelerate the recovery of injured muscles. Massage also allows for a greater range of motion of the injured muscle. Andy Pruitt, Certified Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, advises that massage therapy for muscle damage should not be performed immediately after the injury. This would only worsen the condition. He recommends that massage therapy in Brighton should not be given any sooner than 48 hours after the injury occurs. 

Also, be sure the swelling and pain have ceased before undergoing massage therapy. Massage therapy induces blood and lymph movement, which increases nutrition to the muscles and joints and also reduces swelling and eliminates inflammatory waste products. Deep breathing, massage or muscular movement induces lymph movement. Massage helps to trigger lymphatic vessels when exercise is obsolete. 


Stretching
 
With proper stretching, recovery can be enhanced, as well as preventing stiff an sore muscles. Stretching before a workout helps to circulate blood. Stretching helps to rush nutrients to the muscles and it also allows the body time to prepare for exercise. Stretching after a workout helps to relieve the body of muscle soreness and stiffness. Stretching after exercise also helps to flush out waste products from the muscles.

A proper stretching program such as Thai massage in Brighton will have positive effects on your recovery abilities. Top-level performance cannot be achieved by training, nutrition and supplement without proper recovery. Pay close attention to factors that affect your recovery abilities and do your best to achieve optimal levels of recovery. Proper recovery can go a long way in improving your physique and performance level.

Brighton Spa etiquette – Learn and Be Confident

 Not all of us are regular spa goers in Brighton and a first visit to the spa can be a bit of a daunting experience for anyone. Behind the polished doors of the spa lies a space that is classy and apparently inviting but there is always a nagging fear that you may not belong there and a faux pas committed by you could really travel. Such things do travel and could reach your workplace too and woe betide you if you’re not the type to laugh it off.

The objective of this article is to apprise you of the basic dos and don’ts regarding your conduct in a spa. The International SPA Association and Resort Hotel Association has developed a Spa Code of Conduct that you should read, it will make you breathe easy and ease of any feelings of self-consciousness that you may be harboring.

Essentially as a patron of a spa it is your responsibility to let the spa management know of your expectations from the treatment that you want and learn about it from the concerned person. You should also come clear about any medical condition that you have. Be courteous. Follow directions and use unguents and ointments as directed by the staff.

You will do fine if you observe basic etiquette and show some common sense. For example, arrive around 10-15 minutes before an appointment and do not distract others by talking loudly on your phone. Wash off the chlorinated water on your body from the hot tub before you move on to the steam bath. Do not leave your children unattended. Ideally you should not carry any jewelry to the spa but if you do then deposit it in your locker before proceeding for treatment.

As a patron of a spa, you can expect courteous treatment; you have the right to stop a particular treatment at any time for whatever reason. You can elaborate on any discomfort that you may be experiencing and the therapist will make adjustments accordingly. You have the right to ask questions about staff training, licensing and certification. Your disclosure about any condition should be kept a secret by the spa staff. If you are uncomfortable taking a massage nude with a towel on, you have the option of wearing your undergarments. Alternatively you can opt for a Thai massage where you stay fully clothed during the massage.

It is important to know what you want when you enter a spa; for example if you do not specify the gender of a masseur it is likely that you will be assigned a male masseur. This is because female masseurs are in demand with female clients who may have issues with undressing before a man and may not be comfortable with a man’s touch. More than women, one would think it’s the men who would opt for female massagers. So, let your preference be known. For many experienced spa goers, the gender of the massage therapist is secondary to his/her skill. For some type of massages such as a deep tissue massage, a male massager is a better choice as this massage technique requires strength.

Tipping is always an issue that most people seek enlightenment on. In the spa industry, the tipping norm is usually 15%-20%. Check if the tip is included in the price of the service. If you get a gift certificate that entitles you to a spa treatment check if it is inclusive of the tips. Also if you are visiting the spa with a gift certificate mention it in advance so that the spa can clear any policy issues related to treatments with gift certificates.

One of the major concerns for most spa goers is information regarding nudity at the spa. Read on to learn about it. At the outset it would be fair to say that in most European countries attitudes towards nudity are far relaxed than what they are in America, so much so that in Germany men and women can take steam baths together in the nude. The general procedure before a massage treatment is that you are given time to change into a robe before you enter the massage room. The spa may or may not have a private changing space. The masseur will escort you to the massage area and leave giving you time to disrobe and slip under the sheets. After the massage, you should vacate the massage area in around five minutes. Do not keep the next customer waiting. If you wish you can unwind in the waiting room or meditation room.

There are certain body treatments that will require you to be fully exposed for some time. So, learn beforehand about the kind of massage that you are going for. You can request the spa to provide you with disposable underwear; with certain spas it is mandatory. You can enter a steam bath or a sauna naked or draped. You may have to share the space with people of the opposite sex.

Most day spas in Brighton experience peak traffic during late afternoon and at weekends. So if you wish to be treated by your favorite therapist book an appointment in advance. If, for some reason you have to cancel an appointment give the spa as much of an advance notice as you possibly can. With some spas, a minimum 24-hour notice is required. This is because spas are obliged to pay therapists for their time regardless of client arrival or not. They need advance notice to fill the slot vacated by you.

Brighton Massage Post : Eleven Great Ways to Reduce Stress

Massage in Brighton Post : Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays. The sources of stress are many and the helpful ways to reduce stress are also plentiful. Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, impotence, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration.

We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.

Massage in Brighton

Here are 10 simple steps we can easily take to reduce stress:

Define your goals: we must define our life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will support us against stress because we will feel that we know what our life purpose is and why, and that we control our own lives.

Take control of your diet: we can use simple ways in our diet plans to reduce stress by avoiding some stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar and we can use chamomile tea as an alternative because of its calming and relaxing effect. We need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow our digestive system to work well. We can use honey as an alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).

 Take hot baths regularly: after a very busy day or when we feel that we need to relax (I do this three times a week). You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water and the water level should be above the waist, using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.

 Aromatherapy: in the office you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress. One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most.

 Exercise: This is one of the important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring happiness. When we exercise, our brains release substances which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation; we need engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming.

Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathing techniques. To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.

Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: we can easily do this after the hot bath to relax even more, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it, then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening -- you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.

 Massage therapy: this is a great way to reduce stress, I do this when other ways fail, I feel better after receiving a massage. You can get a professional massage or you can simply ask your partner to massage you.

Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction. You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions.

Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B complex regularly to decrease stress and this has been a great help in my stress reduction.

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful, my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it. Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action. One of the things you can do is visit Little Jasmine Therapies in Brighton, one of the best massage therapies providers in the South East.

Couples Massage in the Brighton Spa Industry

A recent trend in the spa industry, couples massage in Brighton is gaining ground as a frequently requested offering on many spa menus. Like The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental, many spas are investing heavily in couples' suites, creating rooms with a romantic atmosphere and honeymoon-like surroundings in an attempt to capture a piece of the couples market. With the emphasis on romance, are spas inadvertently creating an atmosphere where therapeutic touch and sexual tension go hand in hand, or is this trend simply a way to include partners who might otherwise pass on bodywork?

"Our couples massage program is tremendously popular," says Rick Joseph, owner and director of The Village Spa in Roslyn, N.Y. "It's the biggest part of our business."

Specializing in spa treatments for couples and groups, The Village Spa is getting extensive media coverage throughout the New York area and was even featured in a television news story in Japan. But in an industry where personal pampering is paramount, why would clientele want to receive massage treatments in the same room?

"The biggest reason most people sign up is for the shared experience. They enjoy being together and trying something new," Joseph says. "Often, both partners are new to massage. Getting a massage together in the same room seems to give them both the courage to try it. Other times, one partner -- usually the guy -- is shy about being in a room alone. When he can look over and see his partner enjoying the treatment, he is able to relax and feel comfortable."


The Couples' Massage -- Two Tables

The typical couples massage consists of two tables, two clients, and two therapists. Massage tables are set side by side with enough room between for both therapists to work comfortably, so most contact between clients is verbal or visual. Techniques may vary, but the general goal of couples massage is relaxation. Gentle Swedish techniques are the norm.

While it's not necessary to synchronize strokes, timing remains important. Many therapist teams work on the same areas of the body at the same time. They may start with clients prone, working on backs, legs, and arms and then ask their clients to turn simultaneously. The key to successful couples work is coordination.

"If one therapist is slow in finishing, it means the other must draw out her massage so the massages end together," Joseph says. "This makes it tough for the therapist that's finished. What you don't want to have to do is start over on areas that you've already worked on. Couples massage requires therapists to stay on their toes -- they have to be present and aware of what's going on with their own client and aware of what the other therapist is doing as well," he adds. Nonverbal communication is important between therapists, and it may be helpful to agree on a general routine before beginning.

From a therapist's viewpoint, other challenges may be encountered. "What seemed like a good idea to the couple can quickly turn sour," says Colorado massage therapist Ashley Greninger. "The wife wants to bring her husband for his first massage, but when she sees him receiving massage, perhaps from a female therapist, she may become jealous, especially if he's enjoying his session. She's unable to relax because she's so busy watching him. Usually after a while, she'll relax, but I've done sessions where it's been pretty tense throughout."

Greninger feels that energy boundaries can also be a challenge in this setting. "With four people in the room it's difficult to keep a sense of energetic space. I think of drawing a line down the middle of the room, which helps me stay more focused on my client."


One Table, One Therapist, Two Clients

While the two-therapist approach is the most common offering, some spas offer massage instruction for couples. The Village Spa offers an optional private lesson at the end of a two-table session. One therapist leaves and the other teaches basic strokes to both partners who take turns working on each other for an additional 30 minutes.

Other spas offer couples massage lessons as a separate session. The emphasis here is on instruction, similar to what might be offered in a couples massage class but in a private setting. In an hour-long session, the therapist teaches one partner techniques while the other partner receives, then the students trade places. Generally clients learn Swedish techniques, but other massage approaches may be included depending on clients' interests and needs.

In an instruction session, the therapist must come prepared with a general plan, but she must also be able to improvise depending on the learning style of her clients, their natural physical skill, and awareness. When teaching massage in a private setting, it's also helpful to educate clients about the benefits of therapeutic touch and the importance of giving and receiving. Therapeutic touch, especially between partners, can help to enrich their relationship and teach them new ways of communicating beyond touch that is strictly sexual in nature.


The Potential for Sexualization

In a field that strives to distance itself from the old "massage parlor" image, a question begs to be asked: Are spas crossing into a shady realm by marketing simultaneous services to romantic couples?

"No," Rick Joseph says. "We're making it safe for people to experience therapeutic massage for the first time. When they're with their partner, they're sharing an experience that can be very meditative and there's no sexual tension. With two therapists and two clients, the sessions tend to be very quiet and profound. There's very little talking because the clients don't want to disturb their partners, and the therapists tend to stay very focused. This is just about enjoying and sharing a special moment."

Dawn Schmidt, director of education at The Brenneke School in Seattle, Wash., agrees. "Sharing the space for a massage can be a positive feeling. The two-table concept may be the best way to introduce therapeutic touch to a reluctant client. When there are two therapists working side by side, they can look out for each other. Four people in a room can actually create a safer setting for clients and therapists," she says.

"I personally don't have any issues at all about folks being taught how to do massage, but there might be a greater risk for sexualization in the private instruction setting. What's important in any massage setting is to create safety for yourself, for your client, and for the community.

"Safety for yourself means your personal and professional safety. Safety for the client means they are able to experience therapeutic touch in a healthy way. Safety for the community means you are looking out for the massage community as a whole. Anything you do affects your whole community. I don't want sexualization to show up at my table because someone else allowed it on theirs.

"A simple way of diffusing an uncomfortable situation is to say 'I'm picking up on some sexual energy here, which is healthy, but in this environment I want to provide an intimate safe experience that doesn't involve sex. If you choose that in your home that's great, but not here'." She adds, "If you call them on it, they're usually OK with your request."

Practitioner Ashley Greninger maintains a private practice and works part time in a spa. She feels the two-table approach is safe and aside from the jealousy issue, she's never experienced any noticeable sexual tension in her sessions. Greninger also teaches couples massage. "By being clear about the therapeutic nature of massage in a private or classroom setting, it's possible to keep it safe, and I've never had a problem with sexualization with my couples work."

It seems that while the potential for sexualization in couples massage work is possible, it's a rare occurrence. Practitioners have the responsibility to set safe boundaries, and clients are usually willing to respect those boundaries. So sexualization issues seem to be the same whether in private individual sessions or couples sessions.*

The consensus among spa owner, practitioner, and massage educator is that couples or duo massage has become a popular offering in spas. Whether it creates an opportunity for couples to share the intimate experience of therapeutic touch or a chance for clients to try massage for the first time with the support of their partner, the demand for the service is growing.

"I think it's exciting that spas and practitioners are finding ways to bring positive feelings and healthy touch to people who may have never experienced [massage] before," Schmidt says. By being creative in their offerings, practitioners and spas seem to be opening new possibilities for sharing the gift of therapeutic touch.

What is Brighton massage?

Brighton massage is a "hands-on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension, reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.

What is the history of massage?

The use of massage for healing purposes dates back 4,000 years in Chinese medical literature and continues to be an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). A contemporary form of massage, known as Swedish massage, was introduced to the United States in the 1850s. By the end of the 19^th century, a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique, and the nation's first massage therapy clinic had opened its doors to the public.

In the early 20^th century, the rise of technology and prescription drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several decades, massage remained dormant, with only a few therapists continuing to practice the "ancient" technique. During the 1970s, however, both the general public and the medical profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and mind-body therapies, including massage therapy. Today, more than 125,000 massage therapists practice in the United States. Their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than 80 million massage therapy appointments people make every year.

Are there many types of massage?

There are nearly 100 different massage and body work techniques. Each technique is uniquely designed to achieve a specific goal. The most common types practiced in the United States include:

• Aromatherapy massage: Essential oils from plants are massaged into the skin to enhance the healing and relaxing effects of massage. Essential oils are believed to have a powerful effect on mood by stimulating two structures deep in the brain known to store emotions and memory. (See also: Aromatherapy.)
• Craniosacral massage: Gentle pressure is applied to the head and spine to correct imbalances and restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in these areas.
• Lymphatic massage: Light, rhythmic strokes are used to improve the flow of lymph (colorless fluid that helps fight infection and disease) throughout the body. One of the most popular forms of lymphatic massage, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), focuses on draining excess lymph. MLD is commonly used after surgery (such as a mastectomy for breast cancer) to reduce swelling.
• Myofascial release: Gentle pressure and body positioning are used to relax and stretch the muscles, fascia (connective tissue), and related structures. Trained physical therapists and massage therapists use this technique.
• On-site/chair massage: On-site massage therapists use a portable chair to deliver brief, upper body massages to fully-clothed people in offices and other public places.
• Polarity therapy: A form of energy healing, polarity therapy stimulates and balances the flow of energy within the body to enhance health and well-being.
• Reflexology: Specialized thumb and finger techniques are applied to the hands and feet. Reflexologists believe that these areas contain "reflex points," or direct connections to specific organs and structures, throughout the body.
• Rolfing: Pressure is applied to the fascia (connective tissue) to stretch it, lengthen it, and make it more flexible. The goal of this technique is to realign the body so that it conserves energy, releases tension, and functions better.
• Shiatsu: Gentle finger and hand pressure are applied to specific points on the body to relieve pain and enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body's energy pathways (called meridians). Shiatsu is widely used in TCM.
• Sports massage: Often used on professional athletes and other active individuals, sports massage can enhance performance and prevent and treat sports-related injuries.
• Swedish massage: A variety of strokes and pressure techniques are used to enhance the flow of blood to the heart, remove waste products from the tissues, stretch ligaments and tendons, and ease physical and emotional tension.
• Trigger point massage: Pressure is applied to "trigger points" (tender areas where the muscles have been damaged) to alleviate muscle spasms and pain.
• Integrative touch: A gentle form of massage therapy that uses gentle, noncirculatory techniques. It is designed to meet the needs of patients who are hospitalized or in hospice care.
• Compassionate touch: Combines one-on-one focused attention, intentional touch, and sensitive massage with communication to enhance the quality of life for elderly, ill, or dying patients.

How does massage work?

For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally and physically healing. Particular massage techniques may either stimulate or calm the body's muscles and tissues to create a desired effect. When a practitioner massages soft tissue, electrical signals are transmitted both to the local area and throughout the body. These signals, in combination with the healing properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce pain and tension, and induce a calming effect. Massage may also enhance well-being by stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones.

What happens during a massage therapy session?

At your first massage therapy session, the practitioner will ask you about any symptoms you may have (like low back pain) and will also ask questions about your medical history. The practitioner may also initiate a discussion about what you expect to achieve from the massage session.

The therapist leaves the room while you undress and lie down on the massage table. A sheet is draped over your body during the session and moved only to expose the part of the body being worked on at any given time. Massage oil or lotion is often used to reduce friction between the practitioner's hands and your skin. The room is kept warm and free of distractions. The therapist will ask whether they are applying too much or too little pressure. Soft music may be playing in the background.

The manner in which a practitioner massages your body depends on the problem being treated. A massage session can last from 15 - 90 minutes and may include a schedule of follow-up visits, depending on the severity of your situation.

What is massage good for?

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. It is useful for many musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and sprains and strains. Massage may also 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. One study found that deep tissue massage reduced blood pressure levels (an average reduction of 10.4 mm Hg in systolic pressure and a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg). Other studies show that massage may have immediate beneficial effects on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer.

Clinical studies show 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. 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.

Clinical studies also show that massage may be an effective treatment for young children and adolescents with a wide range of health problems, including:

• 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 show 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.
• 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.

Are there any risks associated with massage?

In general, massage is considered relatively safe. Pain or other rare negative side effects are generally caused by an extremely vigorous massage technique.

Women should be very cautious about receiving massages during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, be sure to find a therapist specifically trained to perform massages on pregnant women.

Even though massage is a useful technique to help regulate blood sugar over time, if you have diabetes you should check your blood sugar after receiving a massage because it may be too low. Plus, if you have diabetes and you are receiving massage on a regular basis, you should check your blood sugar frequently to evaluate changes over time.

Should anyone avoid massage?

People with these conditions should avoid massage:

• Heart failure
• Kidney failure
• Infection of the superficial veins (called phlebitis) or soft tissue (called cellulitis) in the legs or elsewhere
• Blood clots in the legs
• Bleeding disorders
• Contagious skin conditions

If you have cancer, check with your doctor before considering massage because massage can damage tissue that is fragile from chemotherapy or radiation treatments. People with rheumatoid arthritis, goiter (a thyroid disorder characterized by an enlarged thyroid), eczema, and other skin lesions should not receive massage therapy during flare-ups. Experts also advise that people with osteoporosis, high fever, few platelets or white blood cells, and mental impairment, as well as those recovering from surgery, should avoid massage. Check with your doctor.

Tell your massage therapist about any medications you are taking, as massage may influence absorption or activity of both oral and topical medications.

What is the future of massage?

More research is needed to determine how effective massage therapy is, which health problems improve the most from this technique, and whether it is more cost-effective than other types of treatment. Although massage is usually offered in the community by private practitioners, it is slowly being integrated into a variety of health care settings, such as hospice care facilities and hospitals.

A Review of Recent Research Touting the Benefits of Therapeutic Massage in Brighton

The myriad health benefits of massage therapy are being validated by a number of fascinating scientific research studies. In the past, massage has been associated largely with exclusive, exotic, luxury spas and upscale health clubs. With more affordable opportunities -- along with increasing support from the medical community, massage therapy is gaining in popularity.

Exciting and proven benefits of massage begin with the very young. In one study, preterm infants gained 47% more weight, were discharged six days earlier (at a hospital cost savings of $10,000 per infant), and become more socially responsive. If the 470,000 preemies born in the U.S. each year were to receive this simple, soothing, and natural treatment, that would translate to annual savings of 4.7 billion dollars.

Preschool children who receive massage right before bedtime fall asleep sooner and stay asleep longer. In another study, preschoolers were given tests before and after receiving a 15 minute massage or spending 15 minutes reading stories with an experimenter. Performance and accuracy improvement were greater for the massage group.

Massage has also been shown to help troubled adolescents. In an interesting study, depressed, hospitalized, adolescents were divided into two groups. One group received 30-minute back massages daily for five days. Another group watched relaxing videotapes. The massaged subjects were less depressed and anxious and had lower cortisol (a stress hormone) levels after the massage. In another study, seventeen aggressive adolescents were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group or a relaxation therapy group. Each group received massage or relaxation therapy for twenty minutes, twice a week, for five weeks. The results demonstrated that the massaged adolescents had lower anxiety and reported feeling less hostile. The parents of the participants perceived their children as being less aggressive after the massage therapy. Significant differences were not found for the teenagers in the relaxation group.

Anorexia nervosa is extremely difficult to treat. Massage therapy is showing great promise with this population. In a study with women diagnosed with anorexia, the results demonstrated that after receiving a massage twice a week for five weeks, the patients reported lower stress and anxiety levels. These women also had lower cortisol levels and increased dopamine and norepinephrine (the "feel good" hormones) after the treatments. A promising result of the treatment was that they reported decreased body dissatisfaction on the Eating Disorders Inventory.

In a study exploring the role of massage therapy for treating migraine headaches, researchers designed a randomized study comparing two groups of subjects. One group received massage therapy for 13 weeks, the other did not. The subjects from both groups were asked to maintain a daily log recording their perceived stress levels and coping efficacy. They were also asked to keep a daily journal of their perceived levels of stress and sleep. Levels of anxiety, heart rate, and cortisol levels were assessed. Compared with the control group, the massage participants showed decreased heart rates less anxious moods, along with lower cortisol levels. The highlight of this study was that the massage group experienced fewer migraines during the study period.

Studies demonstrating the success of massage therapy in treating stress number over one thousand. Currently there are a vast array of theories as to why massage therapy is so successful in managing stress. One can read through extensive scientific studies focusing on measuring neurochemicals and reactions in the SNS (sympathetic nervous system) and the PNS (peripheral nervous system) in order to solve the mystery as to why massage is so effective on various stress disorders. Yet, a simple explanation might be that stress increases muscle tension, massage decreases muscle tension. When a muscle is tensed, circulation is reduced, blocking the absorption of oxygen and nutrients. Massage, on the other hand, loosens up the muscles, increasing circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients back to the area of tension. Massage may also release stored toxins, which might explain the sense of wellbeing after a massage.

In a recent study in New Zealand involving nurses working in emergency departments, aromatherapy massages with music dramatically reduced stress levels amongst the study participants.

The researchers of this study found that sixty percent of the nursing staff in their experiment reported that they suffer from moderate to extreme anxiety due to their work. The percentage of nurses reporting anxiety dropped to just eight percent after aromatherapy massage treatments. The massages were provided by a licensed massage therapist who sprayed an aromatherapy mist above the heads of the participants. The participants were able to choose the scent. The essential oils were rose, lavender, lime, ocean breeze, or a combination of lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot and patchouli.

A reduction of anxiety from sixty to eight percent is statistically significant. This study demonstrates that massage therapy is a powerful tool with tremendous potential. Introducing such healing therapies in the workplace would be a valuable tool for employers for treating, managing and possibly preventing stress disorders.

Other recent studies have shown that massage therapy can help with pain management (including labor), aiding children with diabetes, sports-related soreness, alcohol withdrawal, immune function, and cancer treatment.

Who knows? Maybe someday, a trip to the local spa in Brighton may be just what your doctor orders.