| More and more Americans are turning to | | | | Lymph fluid bolsters the body's immune system, |
| massage to relieve the stresses of everyday life. | | | | leading to increased resistance to disease. |
| It is pleasant and relaxing to receive an | | | | Shiatsu massage, which uses some of the same |
| aromatherapy massage in a quiet spa. However, | | | | principles as acupuncture, tai chi and other types |
| massage actually can have significant health | | | | of Chinese medicine can be used to treat more |
| benefits beyond the simple relaxation of a basic | | | | specific illnesses. Unlike a regular massage session |
| spa massage. | | | | at a spa, a shiatsu practitioner will take your |
| Massage therapy has been proven to reduce the | | | | medical history and ask you questions about |
| amounts of the stress hormone cortisol in the | | | | specific symptoms, diet and exercise. Some of |
| body. Cortisol is the hormone that causes the | | | | the conditions treated by shiatsu massage include |
| symptoms of stress including muscle pain, | | | | asthma, menstrual cramps, arthritis, insomnia and |
| irritability, headaches and other physical | | | | constipation. |
| symptoms. Digestion, which is often directly | | | | Ayurvedic massage is a 5,000 tradition of holistic |
| affected by stress, can be improved by | | | | healing including massage. Ayurvedic massage |
| application of regular massages. | | | | places emphasis on using scented oils and healing |
| Additionally, some scientists suspect that massage | | | | herbs to heal and relax the body. People can learn |
| may release endorphins which produce a "high" or | | | | how to give themselves an Ayurvedic massage |
| a sense of well-being similar to that which is | | | | which, if performed in the morning, can increase |
| achieved by exercise. Because of this effect, | | | | vitality, circulation and stamina throughout the day. |
| massage therapy has been particularly useful in | | | | Certain people should avoid all types of massage. |
| helping arthritis patients who may not be able to | | | | These include people with open wounds or rashes, |
| exercise regularly. Massage can also help arthritis | | | | people with circulatory disorders, people who have |
| patients improve the range of motion in their | | | | had recent surgery and people with a history of |
| joints. | | | | blood clots. People with cancer should avoid |
| Massage may also help improve circulation. It is | | | | massage following radiation or chemotherapy |
| theorized that the stroking motion of massage | | | | treatment and should avoid direct massage of |
| encourages healthy blood flow and assists in | | | | any area with a tumor. Pregnant women are |
| clearing toxins from the blood. The stroking | | | | advised to avoid abdominal massage during the |
| motion may also assist the flow of lymph fluid. | | | | first three months of pregnancy. |