| Massage and bodywork techniques have been in | | | | the body, speed the recovery time of illness, and |
| use for over 3,000 years for easing muscle | | | | provide for a wider range of mobility and flexibility |
| tension, diagnosing illness and calming the mind. In | | | | in the muscle and joints of even the sedentary. |
| many countries today,Japan, Egypt, Africa, and | | | | " The New England Journal of Medicine" notes the |
| The United Kingdom, massage and bodywork hold | | | | health effects of massage and bodywork. A |
| a prestigious place in the study of disease and | | | | renowned Doctor in the field of massage |
| healing. Although in use as an alternative healing | | | | research, Dr. tiffany Fields indicates the usefulness |
| tool in the United States, the manipulation of the | | | | of massage for maintaining health and preventing |
| soft tissues of the body and the application of | | | | disease. The journal also cites the beneficial |
| stretch, and acupressure to the soft tissues of | | | | effects of the healing tools for low back pain; the |
| the body, or massage and bodywork are valuable | | | | use of acupressure, yoga, massage, and |
| preventative and healing tools. These techniques | | | | bodywork for fibromyalgia, and chronic |
| cause positive and measurable physical reactions | | | | headaches; as well as the support of ice, heat, |
| to the body. Receptors in our muscles respond by | | | | massage and stretching for plantar fasciitis. |
| toning, easing pain, and increasing healing time. | | | | Many other indications for massage therapy and |
| Fascia, such as skin and body tissue soften and | | | | bodywork are improved skin tone and elasticity, |
| tone, organs and glands release chemicals that | | | | decreased appearance of cellulite, and greater skin |
| enhance the body's immune system, allowing it to | | | | hydration. Additional pluses include a boost to the |
| realign, heal and release tension and toxins. | | | | body's metabolism, greater joint range of motion, |
| Massage is widely utilized for relaxation but also | | | | less aches and pains after a work out, prolonged |
| has the potential to decrease pain signals within | | | | yard work or sports activities. |