Massage relaxes, promotes healing Revered through the ages Throughout human history, massage was used for everything from stiff, painful muscles to chronic disease. In China, medical texts refer to it as early as 3000 B.C. Today massage therapy is being used by a wide range of people as a pain reliever, antidote to stress, and enhancer of athletic performance. A survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association showed that 25 million more Americans received massage in the year 2006 than they did in 1996. Doctors are referring patients for massage as well. Andrew Weil, MD and author of Spontaneous Healing said, “[Massage] works on the premise … that the body can heal itself if given a chance. Massage nurtures the body’s talent for healing by triggering and supporting the body’s own healing response.” Recent research has shown that massage lowers blood pressure, increases circulation, relaxes muscles and improves range of motion . What’s more, it reduces the effects of stress and can ease the impulse to tighten in response to pain. Because of these results, many people are finding that massage helps them heal faster from injuries and disease. Studies also demonstrate that the benefits of regular massage tend to accumulate, easing long-term tension, conditioning tissues to help prevent injury, and enhancing your ability to breathe more deeply and relax more fully. This Valentine’s Day give your honey the gift that everyone loves… Massage! Aromatherapy, the art of scent Essential oils can boost your mood, relieve stress Aromatherapy is the application of essential oils through baths, spa treatments, facials or massage. Essential oils are distilled from plants — such as lavender, eucalyptus and peppermint — which give the oils their fragrances and therapeutic qualities. Research on the sense of smell has shown that scent is perceived by the part of the brain connected with emotion, and that a scent that pleases you or is associated with a happy event will increase your feeling of well-being. That effect can be heightened when essential oils, easily added to massage oils and creams, are combined with massage. According to Peter and Kate Damian, authors of Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche — Using Essential Oils for Physical and Emotional Well-Being, jasmine, lavender, neroli (orange blossom), and rose are effective in reducing anxiety. These oils in addition to clary sage are helpful for panic and soothing the nerves. Jasmine and lavender as well as basil are believed to help improve sleep. While certified aromatherapists focus solely on the use of essential oils, other professionals such as estheticians, spa professionals and massage therapists often enhance their services with the wonderful properties of these oils. Massage for back pain Study shows long-term benefits Research has shown massage to be very effective in reducing low-back pain. One study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed back-pain sufferers who participated in three different groups receiving either massage, acupuncture, or educational information. After ten weeks, the massage group reported a 47% improvement, while the acupuncture group improved by 38% and the educational group improved by 27%. The study showed that the benefits of massage lasted far longer than the post-massage feeling of relaxation. Even a year after the study was finished, the massage group maintained benefits. How does massage reduce back pain? Massage eases tension and muscle spasm. As the muscles relax, circulation increases, bringing healing oxygen to the tissues. Certain massage techniques release painful trigger points, and increase flexibility and mobility in the body. Massage therapists are trained to be sensitive in dealing with sore, painful tissues. If you have back pain, the goal will be to work well within your pain threshold, gently encouraging relaxation in the back, and throughout the body. Imagine how much better your back, and your body overall, could feel with improved blood flow to the muscles, decreased tension and trigger points, relaxation and easier movement. The more high technology around us, the more the need for human touch. –John Naisbitt, Author of Megatrends MASSAGE THERAPY BY DONNA KIMMEL 111 BUCK RD. SUITE 300 267-988-8700 www.donnakimmel.com

RENT- THE MUSICAL AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC IN PHILADELPHIA

Rent focuses on a year in the lives of a group of modern characters living in New York City’s East Village. Roger and Mark are roomates struggling with issues of poverty, loss and their own identity. Mimi is a troubled dancer looking for love and acceptance from her peers. Tom finds a new lease on life in the form of a heavenly angel. Joanne and Maureen clash over issues of trust and fidelity.

HIV/AIDS looms ver Rent’s makeshift family. Tom,Mimi, Roger and Angel are all living with the disease, and it comes up regulary in scenes and the many very moving and inspirational songs. The screenplay deals with the disease very gracefully. The story respects the pivotal same-sex relationships and expresses the many struggles in the life of these characters. Its a kaleidoscope of characters, colors and emotions. You will emotionally connect with the songs, the spirit, and the sense of hope.

This is a play for the sophisticated, yet open-minded to see. I attended with my two daughters and the experience was unforgettable. The Academy buzzing with emotional patrons and music swirling throughout the entire play. You laughed, you sobbed, you felt their pain, the compassion. The love between these characters, proves that family is made from love, not just genetics.

I most definitely recommend this play. If you missed it at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, PA. I am sure your chances of seeing RENT are still very good in New York.

Ask the average person what they think of when you say massage  therapy and they most likely will say, getting sore or tight muscles rubbed, getting relaxed or reducing tension.  These are probably the main reasons most people seek out massage treatments.  Massage addresses many different issues every day.  Many of these conditions may not directly apply to you, but you man know someone, friend, family member who is affected.  At the very least, you should find it interesting to learn just how beneficial massage therapy is to all of us in our quest to lead a happy and healthy life.

The medical conditions that people find therapeutic massage can help include:

allergies

anxiety

arthritis

asthma and bronchitis

carpal tunnel syndrome

chronic and temporary pain

circulatory problems

depression

digestive disorders

headache, especially when due to tension

insomnia

myofascial pain, a condition of the tissue connecting the muscles

reduced range of motion

sinusitis

sports injuries

stress

TMJ, jaw dysfunction

As interest in massage therapy grow, more studies are being conducted to verify the results clients have reported for years.  In a recent study supports the evidence that immune funciton is strenghtened by massage therapy, in both healthy people as well as those who are fighting disease.  An increase in white blood cells and natural killer-cell activity better prepares the body to fight off possible invading cells.  The cellular changes suggest that immune system benefited from the massages.  The University of Miami did a study on women who were diagnosed with breast cancer.  The women who received regular massage therapy (three times a week, for five weeks) showed 80 percent improved immune function.  These studies show how massage effects the immune funtion in the body.  Studies also show how massage alleviates stress, relax muscles and now possibly serve as an alternative medical practice.  Another study done at Miama University addressed fibromyalgia (chronic condition, causing muscular pain, aching, and stiffness afflicting three to six million Americans).  The study revealed that, people who were massaged twice a week for five weeks, experienced decreased pain and fatigue. Stiffness and improvements in sleep were also noted by the study.  If you are fortunate enough to have excellent health, consider what benefits massage can provide for you.  What is becoming evident from the growing number of studies on massage benefits is that massage is helping people to enjoy more optimal physical functioning.  And this in turn can lead to a better mental outlook. 

The next time you hear someone say that massage is only a luxury, you’ll know that massage is really a tool that can help improve a body’s ability to regain and maintain proper function.  Making you feel terrific is just a wonderful BONUS!