Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/139509
stress. Many would argue that the best benefit of massage is its ability to reduce the stress in our lives. From the perspective of daily living, think about the stress you felt at today's meeting—now it's hiding in your neck. Tomorrow that can turn into stiffness and eventually begin to affect other parts of your body. If you see your massage therapist for your regular session this week, the chances are good you won't reach the tipping point. Think of massage and bodywork as a way to rebalance your body. Noted researcher Tiffany Field and her colleagues from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine report that massage causes positive biological changes when it comes to stress. Through the course of more than 20 studies, these scientists found that massage decreases cortisol (a stressderived hormone that negatively affects immune function and kills our immune cells) and increases dopamine and serotonin (the neurotransmitters most associated with emotional well-being). Add to this the research that shows massage can lower your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure, and you have a mighty effective, nonpharmacological, stress-fighting tool that's about as natural as natural can get. A ONE-HOUR VACATION AND SO MUCH MORE You may no longer need to rehab that knee or work the scar tissue from your surgery, but don't forget about everything else massage can do for you. Massage is the entire package, helping to heal body, mind, and spirit. Think of it as a one-hour vacation with amazing return on investment. Whether it be maintaining joint flexibility, managing blood pressure, or enhancing immunity, massage works. From repair to relief and from recovery to relaxation, massage is a magnificent piece of natural medicine you should always have as S part of your health-care routine. B Karrie Osborn is senior editor for Body Sense. Contact her at karrie@abmp.com. Massage as Preventive Care—The Benefits • mproves range of motion. I • nhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system. E • xercises and stretches weak, tight, or atrophied muscles. E • elps athletes of any level prepare for strenuous workouts. H • Increases joint flexibility. • Lowers blood pressure. • umps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation. P Body Sense 9