Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is not only about the least invasive treatment possible, but it also has many benefits.

The benefits of massage therapy are many.

The 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. Read more

Five Surprising Benefits of Massage

We know a massage feels good, but it can have a host of therapeutic advantages, too.

The newest cure-all may be an ancient one: simple touch. The Chinese have been using massage for all kinds of medical conditions for centuries. Now, Western research is confirming that massage isn't just for muscle pain. One of the most surprising findings: massage may help premature babies gain weight. When Tiffany Field, a professor of pediatrics, became a new mother, she massaged her premature infant daughter and was so impressed with the results she later founded the Touch Research Institute (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Massage, it turns out, may boost immunity and help people with a range of conditions from premenstrual syndrome to high blood pressure. It also seems to help soothe pain from arthritis, burns and even surgery. Here are five surprising facts about massage from the research findings at TRI and elsewhere that you can put to use: Read more

How Massage Therapy Can Help Your Migraines

A migraine headache is not only painful and distressing, but can also disrupt your life if it stops you from working or going about your daily routine. It can be difficult to focus or concentrate when you have a headache; relief from the pain is sometimes the only thing you can think about. Steve Ross and Olivia Rosewood explain how massage therapy can be used to relieve the pain of migraine headaches.

I have been a massage therapist for 15 years, and I love to help dissolve pain. I believe that joy, freedom, strength, and mobility are normal states of being for humans -- anything that deviates is the body shouting for help. Pain, vomiting, dizziness -- not to mention irritability -- are just a few of the symptoms I've heard about from clients who suffer from migraines. There is no worse feeling in the world than not knowing how to help. Dreaded, unpredictable, and even demobilizing in some cases, I felt so relieved when a study was published with real findings on the effect that massage can have on relieving migraines. Read more