A recent analysis of 37 massage-therapy studies showed that massage has a significant overall effect on people, specifically in the reduction of state anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, trait anxiety, depression and pain.

Researchers looked at nine dependent outcome variables among the studies, to see if the results would show consistent improvement with massage therapy. The single-dose (short-term) outcomes analyzed were state anxiety (temporary and situation-specific), negative mood, pain assessed immediately after massage, heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels. The multiple-dose (long-term) effects analyzed were trait anxiety (the innate tendency to be anxious), depression and delayed assessment of pain.

The mean results of the 37 studies showed significant reductions in state anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate, trait anxiety, depression and delayed assessment of pain.

The research, “A meta-analysis of massage therapy research” was conducted by staff at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Educational Psychology, using 37 studies with a total of 1,802 participants. Of these, 795 received massage therapy and 1,007 received a comparison treatment. Studies that were included in the analysis had to meet a number of criteria, such as the use of a bodywork modality consistent with the definition of massage as “the manual manipulation of soft tissue to promote health and well-being.” Each study also had to compare a massage-therapy group with one or more non-massage control groups, use random group assignment, and report enough data for “a between-groups effect size to be generated on at least one dependent variable of interest,” state the study's authors.

“This meta-analysis supports the general conclusion that [massage therapy] is effective. Thirty-seven studies yielded a statistically significant overall effect as well as six specific effects out of nine that were examined,” state the study’s authors.

Massage therapy’s most powerful effects, according to the combined results of the studies, were the reduction of trait anxiety and depression. “The average [massage therapy] participant experienced a reduction in trait anxiety that was greater than 77 percent of comparison group participants, and a reduction of depression that was greater than 73 percent of comparison group participants,” state the study’s authors. “Considered together, these results indicate that [massage therapy] may have an effect similar to that of psychotherapy.”

The authors suggest further research into whether massage therapy is as effective as psychotherapy, and whether a combination of the two is more effective than either one alone. Mean results for negative mood, immediate assessment of pain and cortisol were not significant.

Source: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Educational Psychology. Authors: Christopher A. Moyer, James Rounds and James W. Hannum. Originally published in Psychological Bulletin 2004, Vol. 130, No. 1, pp. 3-18.

Adults with chronic lower-back pain found relief from massage therapy, according to a research study. Massage eased pain, reduced depression and anxiety, and improved sleep and range of motion.

The study, "Lower Back Pain is Reduced and Range of Motion Increased After Massage Therapy," was completed in January 2000 by the Touch Research Institute in conjunction with the University of Miami School of Medicine and Iris Burman of Educating Hands, and was first published in the International Journal of Neuroscience.

Twenty-four adults who had experienced low-back pain for at least six months were randomly assigned to either a massage therapy group or a relaxation therapy group.

The massage therapy group received twice-weekly, 30-minute massages for five weeks. Starting in the prone position, the following techniques were used: kneading and pressing the back muscles, stroking both sides of the spine and hips, gliding strokes to the legs, and kneading and pressing the thighs. Continuing in the supine position, participants received gliding strokes to the neck and abdomen, kneading of the rectus and oblique muscles that help bend the trunk of the body forward, stroking of the legs, kneading of the anterior thighs, flexing of the thighs and knees, and gentle pulling on both legs.

Those in the relaxation group were instructed in progressive muscle relaxation techniques to tense and relax muscles in the feet, calves, thighs, hands, arms, back and face. Participants performed these exercises at home twice weekly for 30 minutes.

Results showed that both groups experienced a decrease in stress and long-term pain, but only the massage group experienced less pain directly after the session, fewer depressive symptoms, better sleep, improved range of motion and an increase in serotonin and the catecholamine dopamine biochemical levels.

“The findings from the present study are compelling and if the effects can be replicated and persist, these data suggest that massage therapy effectively reduces pain, positively impacts on the biochemical system, and attenuates psychological symptoms associated with lower back pain,” the study’s authors wrote.

Assessments taken before and after the first and last sessions included: the Profile of Mood States Depression Scale to rate depression; the State Anxiety Inventory to rate feelings at the present moment; the McGill Pain Questionnaire to measure pain; the Visual Analogue Scale to measure present level of pain; the Range of Motion Measures test to rate the level of ability to bend; a Symptom Checklist-90 Revised to measure moods; a sleep scale to measure quality of sleep; and urine samples to measure levels of the stress hormone cortisol, serotonin and catecholamines (amino acid derivatives that affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system, metabolic rate, temperature and muscles).

The authors also wrote that future studies might “examine the impact of massage therapy on job productivity and absenteeism for individuals with chronic low back problems.”

Source: Touch Research Institute. Originally reported in International Journal of Neuroscience, 2001, Vol. 106, pp. 131-145.

The Facelift Massage with Acupressure is a time-tested, proven technique that offers anti-aging benefits. The Facelift Massage is not a facial, but rather a massage-oriented treatment for the face, combining cleansing, moisturizing and energizing steps.

Health and longevity has long been considered a reflection of an optimal balance of physical, psychological, and spiritual health brought into harmony. Significantly different from other facial massage methods, the Facelift Massage technique addresses well-being on all these levels and is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

How does it work? The face has a complex muscular structure. Each facial muscle is constantly busy performing a multitude of movements. Consider the full range of movements and expressions your face makes every day. Even as you dream your facial muscles are working. When facial muscles are massaged and exercised regularly, all the metabolic processes are stimulated, which means facial circulation is improved, capillaries are strengthened, the facial lymph system is cleansed and the skin becomes blemish-free. Whatever your skin type, it will respond to facial massage positively. And with each facelift massage, the toning benefits increase because muscles have memory.

The specific facial-massage techniques of skin rolling, tapotement, and whipping (a brisk upward stroke around the jawline), increase the production of collagen and elastin. While activating the acupressure points on the face increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the facial area, thus promoting a release of tension, softening of lines, and toning and tightening of sagging skin, the Facelift Massage has the added health benefits of relieving TMJ, sinusitis, headache, fatigue, eye strain, and more!

Researchers have shown that lavender and rosemary administered through aromatherapy positively affect psychological and physiological functioning. The effect of lavender and rosemary on alertness, mood and the brain’s electrical activity, and on subjects’ ability to perform math computations were assessed.

In a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, first published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, 40 adult faculty and staff members of the University of Miami Medical School were randomly placed into one of two groups, and were asked to inhale the scent of either lavender or rosemary essential oil for three minutes. Those in the lavender group were expected to show an increase in alpha and beta band activity, suggesting relaxation. Those in the rosemary group were expected to have a decrease in alpha and beta band activity, suggesting greater alertness.

Results showed that study expectations were correct: Participants in the lavender group experienced an increase in beta band activity, suggesting drowsiness; an improvement in mood; a feeling of greater relaxation; and better performance on math computations. The rosemary group showed a decrease in alpha and beta power, suggesting alertness and lower levels of anxiety; and were faster but not more accurate at performing math computations.

Subjects first took three assessment tests: an anxiety-inventory questionnaire, a profile-of-mood-states questionnaire and a series of timed math computations. While seated in a massage chair, each subject was then given a vial containing a dental swab soaked in a grapeseed-oil base with three drops of either lavender or rosemary essential oil. The subjects were instructed to sit quietly and breathe normally through the nose with their eyes closed. After three minutes of aromatherapy, the subjects again took the two self-report tests and did the math computations. For three minutes before, during and after the aromatherapy, EEG readings were taken through a cap worn on participants’ heads to measure the electrical activity of their brains.

Results of the self-assessment test data indicated that both the lavender and rosemary groups experienced lower levels of anxiety and felt more relaxed after the aromatherapy. Only the lavender group reported a significantly better mood. The rosemary group reported feeling more alert.

Math test results showed that the lavender group experienced an increase in drowsiness, while the rosemary group showed EEG patterns that reflected a greater state of alertness.

Source: Touch Research Institute, Originally reported in the International Journal of Neuroscience, 1998, Vol. 96, pp. 217-224.

Job stress and related problems cost companies an estimated $200 billion or more annually, based on information from the American Institute of Stress and the American Psychological Association. A chair massage program demonstrates an employer’s proactive commitment to the health and well being of employees. By measurably lowering day-to-day stress in the competitive workplace, chair massage creates relaxed workers who are more likely to cooperate with each other, experience less stress, anxiety and hostility—thus improving the work environment for everyone.

In addition to lowering stress and increasing productivity, massage can significantly improve employee problem-solving abilities. A recent study in American Psychologist gave one group of workers a 15-minute rest, and another, a 15-minute massage. The group that received the massage performed significantly better on complicated tasks like math problems. Massage also improves creative thinking and relieves fatigue.

Many organizations face the stiff challenge of attracting and retaining good employees, as the most valuable employees can often take their pick of excellent jobs due to their high qualifications. Whether your company uses chair massage through a regular employee wellness or benefits package, or as part of an incentive program, a chair massage program can be an asset to your human resource department and your company. The number of organizations that offer massage therapy to lower stress and improve productivity is growing every year. Workplace massage therapy programs help to increase job satisfaction and create a caring environment that employees really appreciate, and can even help attract skilled workers in the first place!

Corporate chair massage has quickly become one of the most popular and requested benefits in the workplace today. The physical demands of long hours at the computer and the high stress of the new marketplace have made all forms of work stress reduction increasingly necessary. A good chair massage reduces fatigue and tension for greater productivity and safety.

So what is chair massage? By focusing on the upper body areas that often cause problems for people who sit at a desk or use a computer keyboard, chair massage helps prevent or relieve carpal tunnel syndrome, tension headaches, neck pain and back problems. This massage technique is performed in your normal work attire and requires no oils. Instead of using a table, the massage takes place in a specially designed portable massage chair provided by the massage therapist. Leaning forward in the chair, head resting comfortably in a face cradle lined with a soft, disposable cloth cover, allows for complete relaxation. Our therapists supply everything, including massage equipment, supplies and music. All you need is a quiet space and eager participants. Chair massage typically takes from 15 to 30 minutes, no longer than a coffee break, but far more effective!

Take a look below and ask yourself if any of these benefits could help you or your company:

• Reduces physical as well as mental stress.
• Increases morale by showing employees that your company cares about their mental and physical health.
• Increases resistance to illness by boosting the immune system, thus lowering absenteeism.
• Decreases repetitive stress symptoms such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis—injuries associated with repetitive actions that lead to chronic tightness and physical injury. Chair massage helps reduce chronic muscle tightness, as our therapists educate clients on correcting posture, stretching, and self-help.
• Increases flexibility by reducing muscle tension and chronic tightness.
• Increases range-of-motion by decreasing by chronic tension.
• Reduces muscle soreness caused by poor posture and chronic tension.
• Reduces anxiety—chair massage offer an effective way to relieve the anxiety that comes with high-stress jobs.

After offering corporate message services as part of an incentive program, Dave Joy, of Hannaford Brothers in Standish, Maine states, "We had very good associate response with [chair massage]. The associates enjoyed it and it made them feel good at work. It really made them aware of their health at work, too, so it was about more than feeling good for one day. Overall [chair massage] has been a really good experience for us."

Massage can help keep employees healthy as well as happy and that is a great way to retain employees in your company.