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The history of the massage dates back over 4000 years, to traditional Chinese medicine.
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Benefits of Massage
Massage Advantage Benefits Massage Advantage Benefits During tough economic times, you may be tempted to cut back on massage. But more than a luxury, massage is a vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple effect on us as we work, play, and care for others. Massage can boost immunity, helping fend off illness--meaning fewer medical bills and days off work. Better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a sense of emotional balance are just a few additional benefits of bodywork during tough times.
A recent national consumer survey showed most massage-minded Americans are committed to maintaining the health benefits they experience with massage. It only makes sense. The better you feel, the better job you can do of caring for yourself and your loved ones.

Now, more than ever, massage should play a role in reducing stress and strengthening the health of Americans. When people feel their best, they are more likely to be able to face the challenges difficult times present. With greater health and peace of mind, consumers can face difficulties with poise, clarity of purpose, and strengthened emotional reserves.

Truly, massage is more than a luxury--it's a vital part of self-care that has a positive ripple effect on us as we work, play, and care for others.

Invest In Yourself and Those You Love
If you think about it, massage is an excellent value. The price of massage has remained stable in recent years, as the cost of movies, meals out, and sports events has risen. And Massage Advantage offers very competitive rates for your massages. Our staff does not want to see consumers eliminating massage from their health care knowing that it is so beneficial for overall health, especailly in stressful times. So, we provide you and consumers around the United States with an advantage.
Which of these has the power to improve your health and your outlook on life?

Following are health reasons why all American adults should be including massage in their family budgets and schedules. Massage:

soothingmassagePhysical Benefits of Therapeutic Massage:
* Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
* Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
* Alleviates discomfort during pregnancy
* Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
* Reduces muscle spasms
* Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
* Enhances athletic performance
* Treats injuries caused during sports or work
* Promotes deeper and easier breathing
* Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
* Reduces blood pressure
* Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
* Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
* Improves Posture
* Strengthens the immune system
* Treats musculoskeletal problems
* Rehabilitation post operative
* Rehabilitation after injury

Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy

Home. Massage therapy will also help families under stress create healthier households with clearer-thinking and more relaxed moms and dads. Children are very sensitive and often pick up on tension in the household. Parents who are taking care of themselves are more likely to be better caregivers and provide a sense of security to their kids. This goes for caregivers of aging parents and other family members as well.

Work. The health benefits of massage can help forestall illnesses and lost work time, especially when you may be asked to produce more with fewer resources. Decision-making skills will be better and your performance is likely to be improved with a clearer focus and more energy. A hint for the boss: Research shows employees exhibit less stress and improved performance when given twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office! Experience also shows that a 1-hour massage has the same relaxing and stress-relieving benefits as a 2-day vacation. When you don't have time or your boss would like to send you on a vacation to relax, let your body take a healthy and relaxing vacation with a 1-hour massage.

Health Conditions. Those with already existing health conditions can continue to reap benefits in the following ways. And proactively caring for health through massage may help reduce costly doctor visits and use of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Research shows:

* Massage can reduce sports-related soreness and improve circulation--good to know when you may be exercising more to reduce stress.
* Deep-tissue massage is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients receiving massage also have less pain, depression, anxiety, stiffness, fatigue, and sleep problems.
* Massage reduces symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
* Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy.
* Stroke patients show less anxiety and lower blood pressure with massage therapy.
* Massage therapy is effective in reducing postsurgical pain.
* Alzheimer's patients exhibit reduced pacing, irritability and restlessness after neck and shoulder massage.
* Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles and help block pain. Some medical professionals believe massage also reduces tearing, shortens labor, reduces the need for medication and shortens hospital stays.
* Preterm babies receiving massage therapy gain more weight and have shorter hospital stays than infants not receiving massage.

* Massage is beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma burns, high blood pressure, and premenstrual syndrome.
* Autistic children showed less erratic behavior after massage therapy.
* Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
* Burn patients experience a decrease in itching
(Source: American Massage Therapy Association)