Gone are the days when massage was only a luxury.  Long term studies have shown that massage therapy is beneficial in the following ways:

~Improved mood and mental clarity.  **This is especially helpful for those suffering with depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia.  Massage is proven to not only relieve harmful stress, but it induces emotional release as well.  Receiving massage is an opportunity to "let go" of harmful negative feelings/emotions that we sometimes hold on to for long periods of time.  Many times, these negative emotions (negative energy) manifest themselves into areas of the body, and are stored until eventually they create physical pain, emotional distress and sometimes illness.  Having regular massage is safer, healthier and more effective than some other alternatives. (i.e prescription drugs) with no harmful side affects.

MASSAGE, IT'S ROLE IN MANAGEMENT OF STRESS, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Massage is one of the oldest healing techniques used to help us overcome psychological and physical health problems. It has probably been used since the dawn of human evolution and has been found to have been used in countries all over the world and in the early part of this century was still used in orthodox medical hospitals and clinics, but fell out of favour when high tech. medicine began to dominate our health care system.

BENEFICIAL BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF REGULAR MASSAGE
Research indicates that massage can be of value in helping reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Massage causes the body to release many therapeutic mood and health enhancing chemicals, it increases dopamine and serotonin and reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. It increases the relaxation alpha brain waves and also increases pain relieving levels of endorphins. Massage lowers noradrenaline and lowers the stress hormone ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). Massage boosts the immune system, stabilizes blood sugar levels, improves lung function and peak air flow, it generally reduces the number of visits to the doctor whilst increasing work productivity.

MASSAGE AND ANXIETY
Regular massage can help to reduce our anxiety levels. Research by Tiffany Fields, at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine in the USA looked into the therapeutic value of massage in reducing anxiety and depression. The data from this study indicated that massage produced marked reductions in anxiety and depression in people who were massaged, but not in a control group who were not massaged. Mood and sleep patterns also improved they slept more soundly and for longer periods of time. The subjects massaged were found to have lower levels of cortisol stress hormone in their saliva and depressed people also had lower levels of urinary cortisol and noradrenaline which increase in times of stress.

Other studies have confirmed this research. Adults with chronic anxiety problems, people with muscle tension, aches and pains etc, who did not improve after being given anti-anxiety medication/antidepressants, muscle relaxants and relaxation training, were given a course of massage. Afterwards most reported less tension, pain and need for medication.

MASSAGE AND DEPRESSION
Andrew Vickers, a researcher formerly with the Research Council for Complementary Medicine who carried out research into the value of complementary medicine's in psychological health problems which was published in the journal "Psychiatry in Practice", said it's far too simplistic to say massage can cure depression or other diseases, but it can help us to cope better and improve the quality of life. For many illnesses, there is no "cure" but rather daily management.

HOW MASSAGE WORKS
Our skin is full of many millions of nerve receptors that are linked to our nervous system. When the skin is massaged it causes stimulation and release of chemicals in the brain like serotonin that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression.


~Anti-Aging!  Yes, massage will keep you looking & feeling younger.  With the reduction in stress and the stimulation/conditioning benefits that your skin, bones and muscles receive there is a definate improvement to your outer appearance.  You will also carry yourself differently as you notice many of your postural flaws begin to improve.  Also, the simple pleasure that is experienced with each session does amazing things for our overall attitude!
Recent Report regarding Stress! http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/25/60II/main796002.shtml

~Stress is responsible for 80 - 90 percent of disease, experts say.  Massage and bodywork are there to combat those frighteneing percentages by helping us to remember what it means to relax and let go.  
ensure that the experience is safe and enjoyable.

• Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
• Pain. Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required.
• Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles and reduce pain.
• Infant growth. Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
• Children with diabetes. Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
• Sports-related soreness. Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
• Alcohol withdrawal. Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.
• Immune system. People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
• Cancer treatment. People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.
• Self-esteem. Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities
  
  What to expect when you come for a Massage:
  I will first have you complete a short intake form and discuss any health issues you may have. 
  
  Most massage and bodywork techniques are traditionally performed with the client unclothed. The practitioner will leave the room while you undress; you then climb under the sheets on the warmed, padded massage table and prepare yourself for the road to well-being.
  
  Throughout the session you will be draped and only the area being worked on will be exposed.  Some styles of massage require minimal draping (Esalen & Lomi Lomi) but your modesty & comfort level are always discussed and respected.  Minimal draping does not mean that the session is of a sensual nature so please do not book sessions with me with this assumption.  Using minimal draping simply allows me to transition to different areas of the body in a flowing fashion, this way there are less interruptions that are needed to adjust draping and the techniques are less "choppy".  I use only high quality professional massage lotion and remove any excess with dry as well as moist towels.  BIOFREEZE ointment may be applied to any sore  or sensitive areas.