Stressed Americans turn to massage

A new national survey shows that Americans turn to massage to relieve heightened stress, and rate massage higher than exercise or alcohol as a means of relaxation.

The "New Year, New You" Study was conducted by a telephone survey of 1,000 U.S. adults. Results show that Americans' collective stress level rose in 2005 compared to 2004, with a majority (56 percent) saying their stress was higher in 2005 than in the preceding year.

Seventy-five percent of respondents said that in 2006 their goals would include taking better care of themselves and establishing a better work-life balance.

The study was conducted by a research company for Brookstone, a product-development and retail company that offers health-and-wellness products, including massage chairs, massage tools and foot massagers. The survey included questions on Americans' use of massage.

• Seventy-six percent of respondents said relaxation is very important to health and wellness
• Seventy-three percent of respondents rated getting a massage as either extremely relaxing or very relaxing, compared to 51 percent who said exercise was extremely relaxing and 29 percent opting for a glass of wine or a cocktail as extremely relaxing
• Sixty-nine percent of respondents agreed that regular massage therapy is an important part of overall physical health and well-being
• Fifty-one percent of respondents rated exercise as extremely relaxing, and 25 percent of respondents said they exercise to reduce their stress
• Fifty-two percent of respondents would like to receive a massage product or service as a gift.