Massage therapy reduced pyschological and physical distress among children with cancer and blood diseases, thereby contributing to a general improvement in overal quality of life among subjects, according to recent research.

Healing Touch Helps Chronic Headaches

After three sessions of Healing Touch, 12 of 13 people with chronic headaches experienced an improvement in frequency, intensity or duration of pain, and 11 of these people reported transformative changes, according to recent research.

Research Published in 2009

Research Exclusive: Acupressure Decreases Pre-Operative Anxiety Among Children

Acupressure relieved pre-operative anxiety among children undergoing anesthesia, according to recent research.

Research Exclusive: Acupressure and Meridian Massage Boost Weight in Premature Infants

Acupressure and meridian massage applied three times per day for 10 days resulted in significant weight gain among premature infants, according to recent research.

Massage Reduces Hospital Stay for Preterm Infants

Maternal massage therapy reduced the number of days in the hospital as well as the occurrence of late-onset sepsis in infants with very low birth weight, according to recent research.

Massage Reduces Pain and Distress in Pediatric Chronic-Pain Patients

Massage therapy significantly reduced levels of pain and distress, while boosting mood in pediatric patients with chronic pain, according to recent research.

Massage Reduces Metastatic Bone Pain

Massage was found to reduce both short- and long-term pain and anxiety among cancer patients with metastatic bone pain, according to recent research.

Massage Reduces Anxiety in Children with Cancer

A series of four massages, provided weekly to children with cancer, as well as their parents, successfully reduced anxiety in both groups, according to recent research.

Research Exclusive: Facial Massage Reduces Anxiety and Boosts Mood

A 45-minute facial massage reduced anxiety and alleviated negative mood in healthy adult women, according to recent research.

Balneotherapy Improves Symptoms of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

People with advanced chronic venous insufficiency experienced significant and long-lasting improvements in their condition during and after intensive balneotherapy, or bathing therapy, according to recent research.

Massage and Kinesthetic Stimulation Boost Weight in Preterm Infants

Massage coupled with kinesthetic stimulation improved weight gain among preterm infants with a birth weight greater than 1,000 grams, according to recent research.

Research Exclusive: Healing Touch Relieves Fatigue, Nausea Among Adult Leukemia Inpatients

Healing Touch (HT) performed on adult acute leukemia patients led to significant short-term improvements in fatigue and nausea, as reported in a recent pilot study.

Massage Therapy Decreases Pain Among Care Workers

Increased job satisfaction and decreased severity of pain were the two main benefits of employer-funded massage therapy for a group of long-term care workers, according to a recent pilot study.

Energy Work Reduces Post-Surgical Pain

Noncontact therapeutic touch (NCTT) resulted in significantly less pain among elderly post-surgical patients, according to recent research.

Massage Aids in Exercise Recovery

A recent study found massage may aid in recovery, particularly among women, from the temporary state of immunosuppresion often induced by exercise.

Massage in Palliative Care Provides Meaning, Respite

Short sessions of soft-tissue massage provided a sense of meaning and inner respite among cancer patients in palliative care, according to recent research.

Research Exclusive: Aromatherapy Massage Eases Depressive Symptoms

Researchers recently took a look at six different studies about the effects of aromatherapy on people with depression or depressive symptoms. All six studies revealed aromatherapy intervention has a positive effect on depressed people.

Research Exclusive: Kinesiology Taping Reduced Edema

A recent study found Kinesiology Taping to be an effective method of reducing edema of the lower limbs among patients treated with the Ilizarov method, a procedure used to lengthen limbs.

Abdominal Massage Alleviates Constipation

Abdominal massage significantly decreased the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and increased bowel movements among people with constipation, according to recent research.

Touch Therapy Improves Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

Massage, in combination with musculoskeletal physiotherapy techniques, led to an immediate alleviation of pain and greater ease of breathing among adults with cystic fibrosis, according to recent research.

Research Exclusive: Endermologie Reduces Body Size

There was a significant decrease in average body circumference, as well as appearance of cellulite, among women who received LPG endermologie sessions, according to recently published research.

Trigger-Point Pressure Relieves Pain, Fatigue

In a recent study, heart rate was used to demonstrate increased parasympathetic nervous activity when trigger points in the leg muscles receive compression.

Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy and Connective Tissue Massage Ease Fibromyalgia Symptoms

A recent study compared manual lymph drainage therapy (MLDT) to connective tissue massage (CTM) for the alleviation of symptoms associated with primary fibromyalgia. Results revealed both techniques brought benefits, but MLDT was slightly more effective among this study's subjects.

Massage Therapy Benefits Hospice Patients, Caregivers

A study of end-of-life care suggests significant gains from massage therapy if it's preferred by the patient. Researchers also found the benefits may extend to the patient's primary caregiver.

Massage Therapy Reduces Agitation in Nursing-Home Residents

According to recent research, massage therapy was shown to reduce agitated behavior in nursing-home residents with cognitive impairment.

Research Exclusive: Aromatherapy Reduces Test-Taking Stress

The use of inhalers infused with lavender and rosemary essential oils was shown to reduce test-taking stress in graduate nursing students, according to a recent study.

Research Exclusive: Rolfing Improves Neck Pain, Range of Motion

Completing 10 sessions of Rolfing structural integration (RSI) was shown to decrease pain and improve range of motion among people who sought treatment for complaints of neck pain and limited neck motion.

Massage Speeds Visual Development in Preterm Infants

Massage therapy was found to speed brain development, particularly visual function, in preterm infants, according to recent research.

Craniosacral Therapy Eases Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as frequency and urgency of urination, found relief following craniosacral therapy (CST) and the majority reported improved quality of life, according to recent research.

Research Published in 2008

Research Exclusive: Massage Therapy Increases Body Temperature In Preterm Infants

Preterm infants in incubators who received 15 minutes of massage showed a significant increase in body temperature versus infants in a control group, who simply rested in their incubators, according to a recent study.

Research Exclusive: Aromatherapy Massage Reduces Symptoms of Menopause

Menopausal symptoms were significantly reduced among women who received aromatherapy massage once a week for eight weeks, a recent study showed.

Research Exclusive: Aromatherapy Massage with Music Reduces Anxiety in Emergency Nurses

The combination of aromatherapy, music and chair massage reduced anxiety levels of emergency department (ED) nurses in both the summer and winter seasons, according to a recent study.

Research Exclusive: Aromatherapy Massage and Massage with Carrier Oil Alone Shown to Reduce Psychological Stress and Fatigue More than Physical Rest

Aromatherapy massage and massage with carrier oil alone reduced psychological stress and fatigue more than a period of rest, according to recent research. In the study, “Differences Between the Physiologic and Psychologic Effects of Aromatherapy Body Treatment,” 13 healthy adults received one of three different interventions in random order on three separate days: aromatherapy massage, massage with a carrier oil alone and rest. The aim of the study was to examine the physiological and psychological effects of aromatherapy massage on healthy adults.

Research Exclusive: Massage Boosts Mood, Immune Function and Relaxation

From the MASSAGE Magazine department, Research Reports, in the December 2008 issue. Article summary: Massage on healthy adults provided significant improvements in mood, immune function and serum cholesterol levels, according to recent research.

Massage Decreases Pain and Improves Mood in Advanced Cancer Patients

Among patients with advanced cancer, 30 minutes of massage therapy resulted in immediate benefits to both pain and mood, according to recent research.

Massage Decreases Aggression in Preschool Children

One brief massage per day, provided during day care throughout a one-year period, significantly decreased aggressive and deviant behavior among preschool children, according to recent research.

Moderate-Pressure Massage Elicits Parasympathetic Response

Moderate-pressure masssage was shown to increase vagal activity and cause a shift toward greater parasympathetic nervous system activity, compared to light-pressure massage, which caused a decrease in vagal activity and greater sympathetic nervous system activity, according to a recent study.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Boosts Immune Function

Eucalyptus essential oil positively affected crucial immune-system cells in human blood samples, according to a recent study.

Aromatherapy Massage Decreases Anxiety Among Women with Breast Cancer

Aromatherapy massage reduced anxiety among women with breast cancer and increased type 1 and type 2 helper T cells in the blood, according to recent research.

Infant Massage Helps Decrease Postnatal Depression

Depressed new mothers who engaged in massage classes with their infants experienced significant reductions in depression and anxiety, compared to depressed mothers who attended a support group, according to recent research.

Massage Increases Range of Motion in Children with Burns

Massage therapy was shown to significantly increase range of motion among children with burn scars, according to recent research.

Drying Skin During Ice Massage Increases Rate of Cooling

Dabbing skin dry every 10 to 15 seconds during ice massage caused a quicker decline in skin temperature, compared to ice massage with no dabbing, according to recent research.

Lavender Aroma Shown to Reduce Stress and Crying and Enhance Sleep in Infants

Lavender aroma was found to reduce stress and crying and enhance sleep in very young infants, according to recent research.

Reflexology Reduces Symptoms of Low-Back Pain

Reflexology was found to reduce the physical and mental symptoms of low-back pain, according to recent research.

Deep-Tissue Massage Shown to Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Deep-tissue massage was found to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy May Improve Mobility and Reduce Incidence of Neuropathic Ulceration in Patients with Diabetes

Massage therapy was shown to increase the variability of plantar pressure and positively affect gait, in terms of velocity and fluidity, in a patient with diabetic neuropathy, according to recent research.

Rhythmical Massage Therapy Reduces Chronic Disease Symptoms

Rhythmical massage therapy provided a long-term reduction of chronic disease symptoms and improved quality of life in patients, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy Shown to Reduce Pain in Pregnant Women, Alleviate Prenatal Depression in Parents and Improve Couples' Relationships

Pregnancy massage by fathers was found to reduce pain in their pregnant partners, alleviate prenatal depression in both parents and improve their relationships, according to recent research.

Preterm Infant Massage Increases Vagal Activity and Gastric Motility

Preterm infant massage is consistently associated with increases in vagal activity and gastric motility, which may underlie the effects of massage therapy on preterm infant weight gain, according to recent research.

Massage Provides Relief for Acute Postoperative Pain

Massage is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for the relief of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing major operations, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy Reduces Stress Behaviors and Activity in Preterm Infants

Massage therapy was shown to reduce stress behaviors and activity in preterm infants after five days, according to recent research.

Reiki Useful in Treating Cancer-Related Fatigue

Reiki, a type of energy-based bodywork, was found to reduce fatigue, improve quality of life and decrease tiredness and anxiety in cancer patients, according to recent research.

Research Published in 2007

Massage Therapy Shown to Reduce Stress, Enhance Well-being

Massage therapy was found to greater enhance positive well-being and reduce stress among adults age 60 and older, according to recent research.

Level of Therapist Training Impacts Effectiveness of Massage

Levels of therapist training were shown to impact the effectiveness of massage as a postrace recovery tool, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy Influences Behavior and Development in Children with HIV

Massage therapy may improve self-help abilities and communication as well as enhance daily functioning for children with HIV/AIDS, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy Improves Self-Efficacy of MS Patients

Massage therapy may increase the self-efficacy of clients with multiple sclerosis (MS), resulting in a better psycho-emotional state as well as an improved adjustment to the disease, according to recent research.

Aromatherapy Massage an Effective Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms

Aromatherapy massage may be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, depression and pain in climacteric women, according to recent research.

Traditional Thai Massage Beneficial for Patients with Low-Back Pain

Traditional Thai massage was shown to reduce pain levels and pain perception in patients with nonspecific low-back pain more than a joint mobilization treatment, according to recent research.

Hydrotherapy Beneficial to Individuals with Osteoarthritis

Hydrotherapy classes appeared to provide relief of joint pain and improve physical performance measures in individuals with osteoarthritis, according to recent research.

Naprapathic Manual Therapy vs. Evidence-based Care for Back and Neck Pain

Naprapathic manual therapy showed a greater improvement in pain and disability among patients with back and neck pain compared to evidence-based care provided by a physician, according to recent research.

Massage Therapy Reduces Lower-Back Pain and Sleep Disturbance

Massage therapy reduced pain, anxiety and sleep disturbance and improved mood in individuals with lower-back pain, according to recent research.

Abdominal Massage Beneficial for Bowel Function in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Combining abdominal massage with a standard bowel program benefited patients with spinal cord injury, according to recent research.

CAM Usage Prevalent in People with Chronic Fatigue Illnesses

Previous clinical reports have addressed the utilization of health care provided to patients with chronic fatiguing illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), by a variety of practitioners, but never examined the spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used, according to researchers of the study "Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapy Utilization by People with Chronic Fatiguing Illnesses in the United States.”

Manual Therapy and Acupuncture Help Treat TMJ Disorder

Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), a disease that negatively affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or the surrounding masticatory musculature, consist of pain, limited mouth opening, crepitus and a clicking sound.

Massage Relieves Nausea in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Treatment options for women with breast cancer include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. While these treatments are intended to help defeat the overall battle against breast cancer, they can also produce side effects such as numbness, pain, nausea, fatigue and weakness.

Aromatherapy Massage Effects Short-Term Relief of Cancer Patients’ Anxiety, Depression

Researchers in the United Kingdom evaluated a course of aromatherapy massage that is currently available to cancer patients treated by the UK National Health Service. “Effectiveness of aromatherapy massage in the management of anxiety and depression in patients with cancer: a multicenter randomized controlled trial” was a two-group study. The subjects were 288 cancer patients in four cancer centers and a hospice. They were randomly assigned to a four-week course of weekly hour-long sessions of aromatherapy massage with usual care or usual supportive care alone.

Aromatherapy Helps Reduce Oxidative Stress

Researchers in Japan recently discovered evidence that lavender and rosemary essential oils may aid the body in defense against oxidative stress, or degenerative activity caused by free radicals. One system of defense the body uses is free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), for preventing biological phenomena such as inflammation, aging and carcinogenesis. The study, “Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva,” used salivary cortisol as an indicator of FRSA.

Back Massage Increases Cerebral Blood Flow

Massage is often applied to clients in the prone position, and this position is associated with relaxation. Previous research has shown that massage can generate a relaxation response from the autonomic nervous system. Researchers in Japan hypothesized that back massage in the prone position could alter brain activity in a part of the brain that relates to the relaxation response. “Changes in cerebral blood flow under the prone condition with and without massage” was conducted at the Hamamatsu Medical Center in Japan.

Neuromuscular Therapy Improves Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Sixty thousand new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the National Parkinson Foundation. This chronic, progressive neurological disease causes tremors, rigidity, impaired balance and a shuffling gait, and slows movement. A joint research study conducted by the Atlanta School of Massage and Emory University examined the effects of neuromuscular therapy (NMT) on symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Aromatherapy Massage Relieves Menstrual Cramps

As many as 93 percent of women experience menstrual cramps, and up to 26 percent of women experience severe pain, some studies suggest. Research from a South Korean school of nursing shows that massaging an aromatherapy blend of lavender, clary sage and rose essential oils onto the abdomen just before and during a woman's menstrual period provides relief from cramps.

Moderate-Pressure Massage is More Effective than Light-Pressure Massage for Preterm Infants

Past research has shown that moderate-pressure massage therapy is more effective than light-pressure massage therapy for both adults and infants, and for weight gain in preterm infants. This study, "Moderate versus light pressure massage therapy leads to greater weight gain in preterm infants," compared the behavioral states, heart rate and vagal activity in preterm infants receiving moderate-pressure massage with that of infants receiving light-pressure massage.

Massage Helps Knee Osteoarthritis

Musculoskeletal conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, respond well to massage therapy, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey set out to evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy specifically for osteoarthritis (OA). "Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial" tested the efficacy of massage as treatment for OA of the knee.

Weekly Massage Reduces Stress Symptoms in Nurses

Massage therapy decreased nurses' stress, in a study conducted to compare the stress levels of nurses who received a 15-minute back massage once a week with that of nurses who did not receive any treatment. "The effectiveness of a 15 minute weekly massage in reducing physical and psychological stress levels of 60 nurses at an acute-care hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Massage Reduces Hand Arthritis Pain and Increases Grip Strength

Massage therapy is effective in reducing hand pain and increasing grip strength, according to a study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Research Published in 2006

Body Therapy and Massage Aid in Childhood Sexual Abuse Recovery

Dissociation and lack of bodily self-awareness are common among women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, according to this study's researchers. "Body-Oriented Therapy in Recovery from Child Sexual Abuse: An Efficacy Study” compares therapeutic massage and body-oriented therapy as methods for eliminating these psychological states that inhibit recovery.

Acupressure Increases Alertness in the Classroom

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have found that acupressure may reduce sleepiness and help keep students awake during class.

Shiatsu Techniques Help Induce Labor in Post-Term Pregnancy

A study in England on 66 post-term women (those who attended a hospital clinic after 40 weeks gestation) showed that women who employed shiatsu techniques were significantly more likely to have spontaneous labor than the non-shiatsu group who more frequently required induced labor.

Massage May Enhance Motor Development in Children with Down Syndrome

A study conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine indicates that massage therapy may enhance motor functioning and increase muscle tone in children with Down syndrome.

Massage Has Positive Effects on Biochemistry

Areview of more than 30 studies on the biochemical effects of massage therapy shows that massage can produce beneficial levels of certain hormones and neurotransmitters in the human body.

Reflexology Reduces Anxiety in Chemotherapy Patients

A new study provides evidence that reflexology is effective in combination with traditional medical treatments to help chemotherapy patients feel better and cope better with their disease.

Shantala Massage Affects Cortisol Levels in Infants

Infants who receive Shantala massage, an ancient form of infant massage from India, experience diminished distress.

Spa Bathing Relieves Stress

Researchers at Osaka University in Japan have found that spa bathing has a moderate effect on stress relief.

Hand Massage Enhances Nursing Home Residents’ Comfort and Satisfaction with Care

A study of hand massage at two Midwestern nursing homes evaluated the effects of this touch protocol on patient comfort and satisfaction. Although no significant differences were observed at the end of the five-week study period, significant group differences were found for both comfort and satisfaction when measured at specific times.

Massage More Effective than Relaxation Alone for Reducing Low-Back Pain

New research out of the Touch Research Institutes supports a 2001 study that found massage therapy to be more effective than relaxation therapy for reducing pain, anxiety and sleep disturbances caused by low-back pain, and for increasing range of motion.

Multidisciplinary Integrative Care Benefits Patients with Low-Back Pain

Patients who receive integrative care for their low-back pain, using a multidisciplinary approach, may benefit more than patients who receive standard medical care only, a new study shows.

Aromatherapy for Anxiety Reduction

A study that was stopped before it reached its conclusion offered preliminary results supporting the use of aromatherapy massage for reducing anxiety among patients at the end of life.

Acupressure Reduces Low Back Pain

Acupressure was effective in reducing low-back pain, with effects lasting for six months, in a National Taiwan University study.

Stanger Bath Therapy Improves Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Stanger bath is a hydroelectric, whole-body bath in which currents flow through the body to boost circulation and stimulate the immune system. It is commonly used to treat acute and chronic pain and muscle spasms.

Leg Massage Lessens Infants’ Pain

Leg massage reduces pain associated with heel stick, a blood-drawing method for infants, according to research from the University of Calgary and Foothills Medical Center, both in Alberta, Canada.

Massage Lowers Rates of Diarrhea and Illness in Third-World Children

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death among infants and young children in the developing world, according to researchers at Utah State University.

Swedish Massage Lowers Blood Pressure

Researchers from Sweden's Karolinska Institute set out to examine the effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure. "Effects of Swedish Massage on Blood Pressure" compares massage on the torso with massage on the extremities.

Oil Massage Improves Weight Gain in Low Birth Weight Preterm Neonates

A study in India on the effect of massage with oil on preterm babies' growth showed that a four-week daily regimen resulted in significant weight gain.

Massage is Effective in Alleviating Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness Caused by Eccentric Exercise

Delayed-onset muscle soreness from exercise can be caused by eccentric (stretching combined with contractions) muscle actions, and massage can effectively reduce this soreness, according to researchers.

Mechanical Massage Improves Fibromyalgia Symptoms

Fibromyalgia patients responded positively to a deep-tissue mobilization provided by a motorized device at Memorial Hospital of Union County, in Marysville, Ohio. "Use of a Mechanical Massage Technique in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia: A Preliminary Study" investigated the effectiveness of this technique on the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome.

Too-Short Sports Massage Not Effective for Delayed-Onset Calf Muscle Soreness

A study at the University of Virginia on the effect of a five-minute sports massage on intramuscular swelling and pain showed limited benefits. "Effects of Sport [sic] Massage on Limb Girth and Discomfort Associated with Eccentric Exercise" focused on the triceps surae muscles after an eccentric exercise session designed to induce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

Use of Lumbar Massage Unit while Driving Reduces Muscle Fatigue

Researchers at the University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada, evaluated the effects of three different lumbar massage systems on low-back pain caused by prolonged periods of time spent driving an automobile. "The Effects of Lumbar Massage on Muscle Fatigue, Muscle Oxygenation, Low Back Discomfort, and Driver Performance during Prolonged Driving" tested roller, mechanical and pneumatic massage devices.

Research Published in 2005

Research Matters

In this column, researcher and massage therapist Janet Kahn, Ph.D., visits the major issues, organizations and people involved in research into complementary health care, especially massage, and updates readers on policies related to such research. In this issue: a report on integrative-medicine literature and a study on craniosacral therapy.

Foot-and-Hand Massage Eases Postoperative Pain

A 20-minute foot-and-hand massage significantly reduced subjects’ perception of pain intensity and distress the day after surgery, and also lowered their heart and respiratory rates, according to a recent study.

Regular Sauna Use Reduces Oxidative Stress

Repeated sauna therapy significantly reduces levels of urinary 8-Epi-Prostaglandin F2a, a marker of oxidative stress, or destruction caused by free radicals, which may lead to diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, according to recent research.

Massage for Long-Term Pain

Massage significantly improved self-rated health, mental energy and muscle pain in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, according to a recent study.

Balneotherapy Eases Osteoarthritis

Soaking in hot mineral pools once a week significantly improved the symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduced the amount of medication taken by people with the condition, according to a recent study.

Trager Work Reduces Headache Frequency

The Trager approach decreased the frequency of headaches and the use of medication for people with chronic headaches, and it improved their quality of life, according to recent research.

Massage for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Massage therapy eases the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and increases grip strength, according to a recent study.

Massage Benefits Stroke Patients

Seven days of bedtime back massage, for 10 minutes each evening, significantly reduced the anxiety, pain, blood pressure and heart rate of elderly stroke patients, according to a recent study.

Therapeutic Touch Eases Anxiety for Pregnant, Chemically Dependent Women

Therapeutic Touch significantly reduced the anxiety of pregnant inpatients with chemical dependencies, according to a recent study.

Massage Reduces Cancer Symptoms

Massage therapy significantly improved cancer patients’ symptoms, such as pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue and depression, according to a recent study.

Sauna Decreases Arrhythmias

People with chronic heart failure who underwent two weeks of repeated sauna use experienced decreased ventricular arrhythmias, according to recent research.

Massage Benefits Depressed Pregnant Women

Massage eases anxiety and depression, as well as leg and back pain, in depressed pregnant women, and their newborns seem to benefit as well, according to a recent study.

Reiki Reduces Heart Rate, Diastolic Blood Pressure

Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in people who received 30 minutes of reiki, as compared to a placebo intervention or 30 minutes of rest, according to a recent study.

Research Matters:The National Education Dialogue to Advance Integrated Health Care

You know the old joke that starts, “How do porcupines mate?” and answers, “Very carefully”? Well, integrating allopathic medicine and the various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can also get prickly at times, especially when you get past the fun visioning stage and have to ask, “How do you actually create integrated health care?” And there we are, back at the mating question, and there are two parts to the answer. The first is, “Very carefully,” and the second, equally important, answer is “Together.”

Spa Therapy for Fibromyalgia

A combination of thalassotherapy, exercise and education decreases the symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome and improves quality of life, according to a recent study.

Massage for HIV-Positive Children

Massage therapy helps preserve the immune systems of HIV-positive children who do not have access to antiretroviral medication, according to recent research.

Massage Eases Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome

In subjects undergoing alcohol detoxification, massage therapy decreased the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, reduced pulse rate and encouraged greater engagement in the treatment process, according to recent research.

Research Matters: A report on The Conference on the Biology of Manual Therapies

In this column, researcher and massage therapist Janet Kahn, Ph.D., visits the major issues, organizations and people involved in research into complementary health care, especially massage, and updates readers on policies related to such research. In this issue: A recap of the Conference on the Biology of Manual Therapies.

Aromatherapy Massage Confers Health Benefits

Massage that includes the application of fragrant essential oils reduces anxiety and stress and is beneficial to the immune system, according to recent research.

Thermal Therapy Benefits Depressed Patients

Repeated thermal therapy may be useful for mildly depressed patients with appetite loss and subjective complaints, according to a recent study.

Mechanism for Weight Gain Among Massaged Preterm Babies

Following up on a groundbreaking study showing that premature newborns who are massaged gain more weight than non-massaged preemies, the researchers at Touch Research Institutes (TRI) at the University of Miami Medical School now have a good idea why.

Research Matters: The Massage Therapy Foundation’s First Research Conference

In this column, researcher and massage therapist Janet Kahn, Ph.D., visits the major issues, organizations and people involved in research into complementary health care, especially massage, and updates readers on policies related to such research. In this issue: the Massage Therapy Foundation’s first research conference.

Research Published in 2004

Trager For Parkinson's Disease and Rigidity

Trager® therapy reduced the level of evoked stretch responses in Parkinson’s disease patients, indicating a reduction in rigidity, according to a research study.

Therapeutic Touch Eases Agitation in People with Alzheimer's

Therapeutic Touch® alleviated agitated behavior, such as mumbling and pacing, in people with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a research study.

Reflexology Relieves Symptoms of MS

Reflexology significantly improved paresthesia, urinary symptoms and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis, according to recent research.

Five Days of Massage Benefit Preterm Infants

Stable preterm infants gained more weight and slept less after five days of massage therapy than infants who did not receive massage, according to a recent study.

Massage and Healing Touch Ease Cancer Symptoms

Massage therapy and healing touch reduced pain, mood disturbance (anger, anxiety, depression, confusion) and fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, according to a recent study

Spa Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Two weeks of balneotherapy and mud-pack applications per year, two years in a row, significantly improved symptoms of osteoarthritis, and reduced the amount of hospital stays, missed workdays and necessary medication associated with this disease, according to recent research.

Massage Improves Mood, Reduces Stress in Spouses of Cancer Patients

A 20-minute back massage enhanced mood and reduced stress in the spouses of cancer patients, according to recent research.

Overall, Massage Is Effective

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.

Acupressure Eases Dyspnoea

Acupressure significantly improved dyspnoea - shortness of breath - in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a recent study.

Moderate-Pressure Massage Increases Relaxation

Moderate-pressure massage therapy significantly decreased stress and heart rate, and caused a shift toward left frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry, suggesting that the massage was perceived as pleasant and relaxing, according to a recent study involving 36 healthy adults.

Aromatherapy and Massage Improve Sleep in Advanced Cancer Patients

A study of the long-term effects of massage and aromatherapy on the physical and psychological symptoms of patients with advanced cancer showed that the intervention significantly improved subjects’ quality of sleep, but provided only short-term benefits for pain and anxiety.

Massage and Exercise Improve Bone Mineralization in Premature Infants

Daily physical activity and massage help increase bone mineralization in premature infants, according to recent research.

Acupressure for Fatigue and Depression in End-Stage Renal Disease

Acupressure and massage ease fatigue and depression in people with end-stage renal disease - kidney failure - who are undergoing hemodialysis, a recent study reported.

Healing Touch Augments Radiation Therapy

Healing Touch can decrease pain, improve vitality and increase physical functioning in women undergoing radiation for gynecological or breast cancer, according to recent research

Massage Benefits Women with Breast Cancer

Massage therapy reduced depression, anxiety and anger in women with breast cancer, and increased their levels of dopamine, serotonin, natural killer cells and lymphocytes, according to recent research.

Massage Versus Relaxation for Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer who received massage therapy showed a significant increase in both beneficial natural-killer cells and dopamine levels, and a significant decrease in long-term anxiety, as compared to women who received relaxation therapy, according to a recent study.

Massaging Kids Lowers Parents' Anxiety

A program that trained parents to massage their disabled children resulted in reduced parental anxiety and increased parental perceptions of self-efficacy.

Research Published in 2003

Tai Chi Benefits ADHD

During and after five weeks of tai chi lessons, adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) showed less anxiety, daydreaming, inappropriate emotions and hyperactivity, according to a study by the Touch Research Institute (TRI).

Spa Therapies Improve Chronic Back Pain

People with chronic back pain showed significant improvement in general pain, back pain, mood and health satisfaction after three weeks of varying therapies at a spa resort in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria.

Massage Reduces Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Massage improved daily functioning, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress-hormone levels in people with Parkinson's disease, according to a recent study.

Aromatherapy Eases Agitation in Severe Dementia

Aromatherapy reduced agitation and increased constructive activity in people with severe dementia, according to a recent study.

Massage Reduces Headache Frequency

Massage significantly reduced the number of headaches experienced by people with chronic tension headaches, and decreased the duration of the headaches, according to a recent study.

Pre-hospital Acupressure Relieves Pain

Acupressure reduced pain, anxiety and heart rate in victims of minor trauma before they reached the hospital, according to recent research.

Massage Decreases Lumbar Fatigue

Massage eased the feeling of lumbar fatigue in subjects who performed sustained back extensions, according to a recent study.

Touch Therapies Reduce Complications, Increase Comfort after Bone Marrow Transplant

Massage therapy reduced neurological complications and increased patients' perception of the benefits of therapy following a bone marrow transplant. Both massage therapy and Therapeutic Touch® significantly increased patients' comfort after the bone marrow transplant, according to a recent study.

Massage Therapy Benefits Aggressive Adolescents

Aggressive adolescents who received massage therapy had lower anxiety, reported feeling less hostile, and were perceived by their parents as less aggressive, according to a recent study.

Massage Favorably Adjusts Infants' Rest-Activity Cycle

Infants who were massaged before bedtime adjusted to a more favorable rest-activity cycle by the age of 8 weeks and produced more melatonin, a sleep regulator, during the night by the age of 12 weeks, according to a recent study.

Alexander Technique Benefits People with Parkinson's Disease

Lessons in the Alexander Technique led to sustained benefit for people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study.

Massage Prior to Cardiac Catheterization Lowers Blood Pressure

A 20-minute massage before cardiac catheterization lowers systolic blood pressure, according to a recent study.

Massage Decreases Intensity of Delayed Soreness

Massage significantly lowered the intensity of soreness experienced in delayed onset muscle soreness, according to recent research.

Reflexology Eases Encopresis and Chronic Constipation

After six weeks of reflexology sessions, children with chronic constipation and encopresis, or fecal incontinence, experienced a significant decrease in soiling and a significant increase in bowel movements, according to a recent study.

Massage for Postoperative Pain and Distress

Postoperative pain and distress may be eased by massage, according to recent research.

Acupressure Decreases Stress, Increases Sedation

Pressure on the extra 1 acupuncture point increases sedation and decreases stress, according to recent research.

Massage Benefits Hospitalized Cancer Patients

Massage therapy decreased pain, symptom distress and anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients, according to a recent study.

Soft-tissue Massage for Shoulder Pain

Soft-tissue massage improved range of motion, reduced pain and improved function in people with shoulder pain, according to a research study.

Spa Therapy Benefits Parkinson's Patients

Spa therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients is more cost-effective than conventional treatment alone, and results in improved quality of life, according to a recent study.

Research Published in 2002

Multi-Sensory Stimulation Helps Infants with Brain Injuries

A combination of tactile, visual, auditory and vestibular (rocking) interventions prove beneficial for pre-term infants diagnosed with prenatal brain injury, according to the study "Developmental Intervention for Preterm Infants Diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia."

Acupressure Relieves Symptoms of Motion Sickness

Subjects susceptible to motion sickness reported significantly fewer symptoms when wearing Acuband, a commercially available acupressure band, during a recent research study.

Massage Boosts Mood and Benefits Immune Function in Children with Leukemia

Following a month of daily massage therapy, administered by parents, the white blood cell and neutrophil counts of children with leukemia increased significantly, according to a recent study.

Perineal Massage May Reduce Third-Degree Tears, Labor Time

Perineal massage in the second stage of labor showed a trend toward fewer third-degree tears of the perineum, shorter length of labor and a general lack of harm, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Movement Therapy Benefits Senior Citizens

Senior citizens who participated in four movement-therapy sessions showed improved balance and gait, increased leg strength, and significantly decreased leg pain, according to a recent research study.

Massage Improves Function, Reduces Pain and Anxiety Associated with Subacute Low-Back Pain

Adults with subacute low-back pain reported improved function, less intense pain and a decrease in the quality of pain and anxiety after six sessions of massage therapy and remedial exercise, according to a research study.

Reiki Induces Relaxation, Liminal State of Awareness

Reiki reduces anxiety and blood pressure, and increases relaxation, according to recent research.

Massage for Spinal-Cord Injury

Massage benefits people with spinal-cord injuries by increasing their range of motion and muscle strength while decreasing anxiety and depression, according to a recent study.

Massage Improves Sleep, Decreases Pain and Substance P in Fibromyalgia Patients

After receiving massage twice weekly for five weeks, fibromyalgia patients experienced improved mood and sleep, and their levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter in the pain fiber system, decreased, along with the number of tender spots throughout their bodies, according to recent research.

Massage is Feasible in an Acute-Care Setting

At a New York cardiology center, massage therapists were able to incorporate a 10-minute massage in the time period between the patient's arrival at the hospital and cardiac catheterization, according to recent research.

Research Published in 2001

Massage Relieves Symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome

Women suffering from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as irritability, headaches, anxiety and weight gain, felt relief from regular massage sessions, according to results from a recent research study.

High Blood Pressure Reduced by Massage Therapy

Hypertensive adults who received regular biweekly massage sessions experienced less depression and hostility and showed a decrease in measured stress-hormone levels, according to a recent research study.

Massage Offers Respite for Primary Caregivers

Massage reduces physical and emotional stress, and reduces pain and insomnia among primary caregivers for terminally ill family members, according to a study, "Massage as a respite intervention for primary caregivers."

Massage Eases Lower Back Pain, Increases Range of Motion

Adults with chronic low-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.

Massage Improves Immune Function in HIV-Positive Adolescents

HIV-positive adolescents who received twice-weekly massage experienced decreased depression and an improvement in immune system function, according to a recent study.

Massage Improves Preschoolers' Cognitive Performance

Preschoolers showed enhanced cognitive performance after receiving massage therapy, as evidenced by greater accuracy on skills tests than those in a control group.

Chronic Low Back Pain Eased by Massage

Massage is an effective treatment for chronic low back pain, according to a research study conducted by the Center for Health Studies in Seattle, Washington. In a comparison of massage, acupuncture and self-care, a 10-week program of massage therapy was found to be most effective of the three.

Massage Reduces Post-Burn Pain and Itching

Burn patients reported less itching, pain and anxiety, and an improvement in mood after receiving massage, according to a research study.

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Reduced by Massage

Massage alleviates anxiety, depression, eating disorder symptoms, poor body image and biochemical abnormalities for women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, according to a recent research study.

Research Published in 2000

Infants Are Calmer When Massaged With Oil

Infants who receive massage with oil show fewer stress behaviors, have lower cortisol levels and are more relaxed than infants massage without oil, according to a research study.

Aromatherapy's Effect on Moods and Minds

Researchers have shown that lavender and rosemary administered through aromatherapy positively affect psychological and physiological functioning. In a study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, first published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, researchers assessed the effect of lavender and rosemary on alertness, mood and the brain's electrical activity, and on subjects' ability to perform math computations.

Acupressure, Breath Awareness Help Diabetes Patients

A combination of acupressure and breath awareness may help people with diabetes, according to a study originally published in the journal Health & Social Work. The study showed that a short stress-relief program including touch could lower blood sugar and improve health in diabetic patients.