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but also increases the absorption of nutrients. Massage also encourages the release of antioxidants, which neutralize acids in the stomach. Finally, it increases peristalsis, the involuntary contraction of the muscles that moves food through the intestines, reducing the chance of constipation. If you're prone to indigestion or abdominal discomfort, tell your massage therapist. He or she may know specific massage techniques that can be especially beneficial to you. MASSAGE CAN LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE Massage cannot magically unclog narrowed arteries or reverse cardiovascular disease, but it can help relieve stress, and managing stress is an important step in controlling blood pressure. A number of studies point to the ability of gentle, relaxing Swedish massage to lower blood pressure. For instance, a 2011 Iranian study looked at 75 prehypertensive women. Some of the women received 10–15 minutes of Swedish massage three times a week for 10 sessions, while those in the control group did not. Based on the results, investigators concluded "massage therapy was a safe, effective, applicable, and cost-effective intervention." In 2010, researchers from Dillard University in Louisiana wondered whether therapeutic chair massage and instruction in diaphragmatic breathing might help lower blood pressure in African-American women. This is an especially at-risk group, with an estimated 44 percent suffering from hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. The study found decreased systolic blood pressure levels in these women for a week following a massage. Warning: not all massage is likely to lower blood pressure. Some types, such as trigger point or sports massage, may actually increase blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about how massage can fit into your overall wellness strategy. MASSAGE CAN MAKE YOU SMILE You probably leave each massage session with a smile on your face, but you may be surprised to learn just how long it can last. Evidence suggests that massage therapy can relieve symptoms of depression, and, in turn, perhaps coax a grin during tough times. In 2010, Taiwanese researchers investigated randomized controlled trials of massage therapy in depressed patients. Based on the results, they concluded that massage therapy has "potentially significant effects" in alleviating depression. The findings, reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, indicate that the improved emotional mood brought on by massage might be due to stress reduction and relaxation, by bonding between therapist and client, or possibly by promoting the release of oxytocin, a hormone noted for its ability to induce feelings of optimism and increased self-esteem. More study is needed to determine just why massage seems to be such an effective antidepressant, but this much is clear: massage can put a smile on your face, and that's better than a frown any day. B S Rebecca Jones is a Denver-area freelancer and frequent Body Sense contributor. Contact her at killarneyrose@comcast.net.