Scientific research regarding Massage Therapy
Given that the benefits of massage and bodywork are well-documented and studied, it amazes me that it hasn't fully integrated into everyone's health maintenance plan. I am sure, with time, massage and energy work will become an ally in everyone's health care regimen.
Massage benefits all systems of the body, so it's hard to narrow the benefits down to a list that will be a good brief summary.
According to many studies, massage can:
(on a physical level)
~ alleviate low-back pain (read abstract here) (and here)
~ improve range of motion (ROM) and increase joint flexibility,
~ reducing the incidence of chronic tension headache (read abstract here)
~ enhance immunity (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ stretch weak or tight muscles,
~ improve the condition of the skin, which is the body’s largest organ,
~ improving circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs,
~ PMS sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping (read abstract here)
~ lower high blood pressure (read abstracts here) and (here)
~ reduce pain and increase mobility in those who suffer from arthritis (read abstract here)
~ enhance the course of treatment for oncology patients (read abstract here), positively affecting pain and mood (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ reduce migraines (read abstracts here, here)
~ decreased body dissatisfaction of patients with anorexia nervosa (read abstract here)
Massage benefits all systems of the body, so it's hard to narrow the benefits down to a list that will be a good brief summary.
According to many studies, massage can:
(on a physical level)
~ alleviate low-back pain (read abstract here) (and here)
~ improve range of motion (ROM) and increase joint flexibility,
~ reducing the incidence of chronic tension headache (read abstract here)
~ enhance immunity (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ stretch weak or tight muscles,
~ improve the condition of the skin, which is the body’s largest organ,
~ improving circulation by pumping oxygen and nutrients into tissues and organs,
~ PMS sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping (read abstract here)
~ lower high blood pressure (read abstracts here) and (here)
~ reduce pain and increase mobility in those who suffer from arthritis (read abstract here)
~ enhance the course of treatment for oncology patients (read abstract here), positively affecting pain and mood (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ reduce migraines (read abstracts here, here)
~ decreased body dissatisfaction of patients with anorexia nervosa (read abstract here)
"I've been great and my blood pressure is lower too, you're great, Natalie".
~D.G., self-employed
~D.G., self-employed
(on the psychological level)
~ decreased depression (read here)(here) and anxiety (read abstracts here)(here)(here)
~ release endorphins (body’s natural painkiller),
~ enhanced quality of sleep (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ improve concentration (read abstract here) and energy levels,
~ reduced fatigue,
~ fosters peace of mind,
~ satisfy needs for caring nurturing touch,
~ lower effects of sexual abuse (read abstract here)
~ create body awareness and increase body image (read abstract here).
~ decreased depression (read here)(here) and anxiety (read abstracts here)(here)(here)
~ release endorphins (body’s natural painkiller),
~ enhanced quality of sleep (read abstracts here) (here) (here)
~ improve concentration (read abstract here) and energy levels,
~ reduced fatigue,
~ fosters peace of mind,
~ satisfy needs for caring nurturing touch,
~ lower effects of sexual abuse (read abstract here)
~ create body awareness and increase body image (read abstract here).
Scientific research regarding energy work
Reiki is one of the hundreds of various energy healing modalities. It is the most popular healing technique in the US, and, therefore, the most studied. Please note that Reiki is not the only healing modality, and links provided are just a small sample of studies published in peer-reviewed journals:
- Reiki for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial
- The effect of complementary healing therapy on postoperative pain after surgical removal of impacted third molar teeth
- Effect of Reiki treatments on functional recovery in patients in poststroke rehabilitation: a pilot study
- Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Impact of an alternative approach
- Using Reiki to Decrease Memory and Behavior Problems in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease
- The effect of Reiki on pain and anxiety in women with abdominal hysterectomies
- Long-term effects of energetic healing on symptoms of psychological depression and self-perceived stress.
Courage is contagious.
~wikileaks.org
~wikileaks.org