More Information

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#333366" TEXT="#080000" background="3c0b85a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><I><B>Serenity Unlimited</B></I></FONT><B>     |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Serenity Unlimited"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Serenity">About Serenity</A>   |   <A HREF="offerings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Products and Services">Products and Services</A>   |   <A HREF="qa.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Q A and Other Stuff">Q & A and Other Stuff</A>   |   <B>More Information</B>   |   <A HREF="testimonials.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What They Say">What They Say</A>   |   <A HREF="bha.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="BHA">BHA</A>   |   <A HREF="mail.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us">Contact Us</A>   |   <A HREF="links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Resources">Resources</A>   |   <A HREF="offers.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Special Offers">Special Offers</A></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#333366" TEXT="#080000" background="3bfd2e83.jpg"> <div> <I><B>Experience</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Serenity</B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="info_m.htm#physical_benefits_of_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="More Information"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">Benefits</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="info_m.htm#what_is_therapeutic_massage__" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="More Information"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">Therapeutic Massage</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="info_m.htm#how_can_massage_be_medically" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="More Information"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">Medically beneficial?</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="info_m.htm#what_does_research_show_about_massage" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="More Information"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">Research</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="info_m.htm#massage_therapy" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="More Information"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">NIH Article</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id42.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Other Articles"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">Other Articles</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id58.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="This Months Article"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF">This Month's Article</FONT></A></div> <div> <A HREF="mail_join_my_mailing_list.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><FONT COLOR="#FFFFFF"><I><B>Join my Mailing List</B></I></FONT></A></div> <div>  <script language="JavaScript1.2">  </script>  </div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="150" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#9999CC" BORDERCOLORDARK="#9999CC" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 53 WIDTH="138"><div> <I><B>For an appointment, </B></I></div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:serenityunlimited@earthlink.net?Subject=I would like to make an Appointment" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:serenityunlimited@earthlink.net?S"><FONT COLOR="#333366"><I><B>E-mail me</B></I></FONT></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B>More Information</B></I></div> <div> <B> <script language="JavaScript1.2">  </script>  </B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Health Benefits of Massage</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="514" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#CCCCE4 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER COLSPAN=3 BGCOLOR=#CCCCE4 HEIGHT= 28 WIDTH="510"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="28" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="510" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#CCCCE4 HEIGHT= 649 WIDTH="28"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="649" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="28" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF WIDTH="448"><div> <I><B> <A NAME="physical_benefits_of_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>Physical Benefits of </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Therapeutic Massage</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reduces muscle spasms<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Enhances athletic performance </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Promotes deeper and easier breathing<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reduces blood pressure </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Enhances the health and nourishment of skin<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Improves posture<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Strengthens the immune system<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="massage_therapy_and_well_being_mental"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>M</B></I><I><B>assage Therapy and Well-Being: Mental Benefits</B></I><I><B> </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fosters peace of mind<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Helps relieve mental stress<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Emotional Benefits<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fosters a feeling of well-being<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Reduces levels of anxiety<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Increases awareness of mind-body connection<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER BGCOLOR=#CCCCE4 WIDTH="28"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="649" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="28" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="what_is_therapeutic_massage__"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>What is therapeutic massage?</B></I><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote health and wellness. AMTA defines massage therapy as a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client.</div> <div> Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying pressure to the body</div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="how_can_massage_be_medically"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>How can massage be medically beneficial?</B></I><I> </I></div> <bR> <div> People find that therapeutic massage can help with a wide range of medical conditions, including: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">allergies<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">anxiety<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">arthritis (both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">asthma and bronchitis<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">carpal tunnel syndrome<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">chronic and temporary pain<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">circulatory problems<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">depression<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">digestive disorders, including spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">headache, especially when due to muscle tension<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">insomnia<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">myofascial pain (a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles)]<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">reduced range of motion<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">sinusitis<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">sports injuries, including pulled or strained muscles and sprained ligaments<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">stress<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <div> Although massage therapy does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.</div> <bR> <div> Therapeutic massage can be inappropriate in some cases, such as in people with: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">inflammation of the veins (phlebitis)<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">infectious diseases<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">certain forms of cancer<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">some skin conditions<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">some cardiac problems<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> If you have one of these or some other diagnosed medical condition, always check with your doctor before seeking a massage.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B> <A NAME="what_does_research_show_about_massage"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></I><I><B>What</B></I><I><B> does research show about massage therapy?</B></I></div> <bR> <div> Research on the effects of massage therapy has been ongoing for more than 120 years. A surge in research over the past 20 years has resulted in more than 100 published studies.</div> <div> At the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, 55 studies on touch, the majority on massage therapy ‹ have been published or are under way. And, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) ‹ the government agency that oversees and conducts medical research in the United States, opened an Office of Alternative Medicine in 1992, which has funded several studies on the benefits of massage. More research is under way.</div> <div> Among research findings so far: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren't.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c866333300.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#333366" FACE="Verdana" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> The NIH has awarded $10 million in grants to establish 10 centers in the United States to study alternative therapies, including massage, for a variety of ailments. All are affiliated with major institutions, from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, to Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1c381010.png" border=0 width="385" height="1" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="massage_therapy"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>Massage Therapy</B></div> <div> By The National Institutes of Health </div> <div> Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons</div> <bR> <div> Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods in the gallery of health care practices. References to massage are found in Chinese medical texts 4,000 years old. Massage has been advocated in Western health care practices in an almost unbroken line since the time of Hippocrates, the "father of medicine." In the 4th century B.C., Hippocrates wrote, "The physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing" (the ancient Greek and Roman term for massage).</div> <div> Some of the greatest physicians in history advocated massage, including Celsus (25 B.C.-50 A.D.), who wrote <I>De Medicinia</I>, an encyclopedia of Roman medical knowledge that dealt extensively with prevention and therapeutics using massage; Galen (131-200), the most influential physician in the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance worlds, who addressed techniques and indications for massage in his book <I>De Sanitate Tuenda</I> (which is translated as <I>The Hygiene</I>, meaning prevention); and Avicenna (980-1037), a Persian physician who wrote extensively about massage in his <I>Canon of Medicine</I>, which was considered the authoritative medical text in Europe for several centuries. A sampling of other noted advocates includes Ambrose ParJ, who wrote the first modern textbook of surgery; William Harvey, who demonstrated the circulation of the blood; and Herman Boerhaave, who introduced the clinical method of teaching medicine.</div> <div> As the health care system in the United States became more influenced by biomedicine and technology in the early 1900s, physicians began assigning massage duties (which were also labor-intensive, requiring more time to be spent with patients) to assistants, nurses, and physical therapists. In turn, in the 1930s and 1940s, nurses and physical therapists lost interest in massage therapy, virtually abandoning it. However, a small number of massage therapists carried on until the 1970s, when a new surge of interest in massage therapy revitalized the field, albeit in the realm of alternative health care. That interest has continued to the present.</div> <div> <B>Basic Approach</B></div> <div> Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues. It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body, using primarily the hands but sometimes other areas such as forearms, elbows, or feet. These techniques affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. The basic philosophy of massage therapy encompasses the concept of <I>vis medicatrix naturae</I> -- that is, aiding the ability of the body to heal itself -- and is aimed at achieving or increasing health and well-being.</div> <div> Touch is the fundamental medium of massage therapy. While massage methods can be described in terms of a series of techniques to be performed, it is important to understand that touch is not used solely in a mechanistic way in massage therapy; there is also an artistic component. Because massage usually involves applying touch with some degree of pressure, the massage therapist must use touch with sensitivity to determine the optimal amount of pressure appropriate for each person. Touch used with sensitivity also allows the massage therapist to receive useful information about the body, such as locating areas of muscle tension and other soft-tissue problems. Because touch is also a form of communication, sensitive touch can convey a sense of caring -- which is an essential element in the therapeutic relationship -- to the person receiving massage. Using the wrong kind of touch -- sometimes thought of as "toxic touch" -- is counterproductive, tending to render a technique ineffective and to cause the body to defend or guard itself, which in turn introduces greater tension.</div> </td> </tr></table></body>