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Massage & Science
Prenatal Massage
Weight & Body Image
Massage and Work
Prenatal Study
A five-week study among pregnant women, performed
by the Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at the University of Miami, showed that
massage resulted in reduced anxiety, improved mood, better sleep and less back
pain. In addition, urinary stress hormone levels (norepinephrine)
decreased, women had fewer complications during labor, and their infants had
fewer post-natal complications (less pre-maturity) as opposed to those in
control groups.*
Anecdotally, my own clients report that massage
brings them relief from sciatic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and leg cramps; and
increases their ease in breathing and sleeping.
*Field T., Hernandez-Reif M., Hart S., Theakston
H., Schanberg S., Kuhn C., & Burman I. (1999) Pregnant women benefit from
massage therapy, Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 20, 31-38.
Weight & Body Image
A five-week study among anorexic and bulimic
patients, performed by the Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at the University of
Miami, showed that individuals receiving massage reported lower stress and
anxiety levels and increased body image satisfaction.
No studies are available regarding the effects of
massage on overweight and obese individuals. Anecdotally, my clients
report similar results to those noted above, as well as a feeling of
connectedness to the body. One client noted "I never used to be able to
look at myself naked in the mirror. I can now."
*Hart S., Field T., Hernandez-Reif M., Nearing G.,
Shaw S., Schanberg S., & Kuhn C., (2001) Anorexia nervosa symptoms are
reduced by massage therapy. Eating Disorders, 9, 289-299/ Field, T.
Schanberg S., Kuhn C., Fierro K., Henteleff T, Mueller C., Yando R., Shaw S., &
Burman I. (1988) Bulimic adolescents benefit from massage therapy.
Adolescence, 33, 555-563.
Massage and Work
A five-week
study among working adults, performed by the Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at
the University of Miami, showed that individuals receiving 15-minute chair
massage, 2 times a week exhibited 1) enhanced alertness; 2) ease in completing
math problems in significantly less time and with significantly fewer errors;
and 3) lowered anxiety, cortisol (stress hormone) and job stress levels.*
Anecdotally, my clients report
10-20 minute on-site massage increases their productivity and morale, while
decreasing work-related stress and anxiety. After treatment they note feeling
"relaxed but energized."
In the corporate or at-work
setting I treat clients in a massage chair rather than on a table. All work is
done over the clothing, without lotion or oil.
Many businesses include this
service as part of a monthly or quarterly wellness program. In other offices a
group of people will get together and commit to 2 hours or more between them (15
minutes for one client, 20 minutes for the next, and so on). The goals remain
the same: stress reduction, increased mobility and productivity, a decrease in
sick time and an improvement in morale.
*Field, T., Ironson, G., Scafidi F., Nawrocki T., Goncalves, A., Burman I.,
Pidkens J., Fox N., Schanberg S., & Kuhn C. (1996) Massage therapy reduces
anxiety and enhances EEG pattern of alertness and math computations.
International Journal of Neuroscience, 86. 197-205.
Celebrating
the Body at All Stages in Life
233 E. Erie Street, Suite 414
Chicago, IL 60611
www.lesleypearl.com 312.637.9202 lesley@lesleypearl.com
© 2007
Lesley Pearl
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