Jim Fatz, licensed massage therapist in Sycamore, Illinois, said [his practice] sees more students around finals time looking for massages.
“Massage is shown to lower stress-causing hormones and reduce cortisone levels in the body,” Fatz said. “Cortisone is related to depression and anxiety.”
Studies show it can also help the immune system, sleep patterns, digestion, concentration and focus as well as increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Mark Snow, another Illionis-based massage therapist said studies where massage therapists are brought into businesses have found that on days when the therapist was in, workers showed they didn’t tire as easily, there was less tension among coworkers and less absenteeism.
–Northern Star Online; DeKalb, IL; April 23, 2009
www.northernstar.info