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Massage Therapy
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The
Touch That Heals
by Marianne Scharbo-DeHaan & Ali P. Crown
Massage Therapy at Emory Women's Center
Therapeutic massage is one of the oldest of the healing arts. It's been
around for at least 5,000 years. Artifacts show that the Chinese, Japanese,
Greeks, Romans and Egyptians practiced some form of body manipulation
to ease pain and prevent or cure illnesses.
In the nineteenth century Peter Hendrik, a Swede, began to develop what
is now the most widely known and studied form of massage in the Western
world, Swedish massage. Although the massage he advocated is still popular,
today there are many more options available, but all have these benefits
in common:
• reduced muscle tension
• stimulated or soothed nervous system
• enhanced skin condition
• improved blood circulation
• better digestion and intestinal function
• increased mobility in joints
• relief of chronic pain
• reduced swelling and inflammation.
It is no surprise that the ancient healing art of massage therapy has
been rediscovered for its benefits in today's stressed-out world. Today,
stress is simply a fact of life. The effects of stress, which have been
found to be cumulative, can lead to:
• headaches, backaches, eyestrain, neck pain
• repetitive use injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome
• listlessness, poor concentration, anxiety, irritablity
• lowered resistance to colds and infection
• high blood pressure and heart disease
• physical and emotional exhaustion, also known as burn-out
In addition stress -- on or off the job -- costs US. workplaces an estimated
$200 billion a year in reduced productivity, accidents, compensation claims,
absenteeism, turnover, and other related medical expenses.
A revival of research into the ancient art has begun to unravel the mystery
of how massage works. It's thought that massage may slow the body's release
of the stress hormone cortisol, while at the same time increasing the
body's production of serontonin, which can improve mood and boost the
immune system.
Fifteen or twenty years ago, finding a legitimate massage therapist could
be a little risky. But things are quite different now. These days to find
a reputable massage therapist all you need are a phone and a couple of
minutes to ask questions. The American Massage Therapy Association can
provide a list of qualified therapists. Different states have different
licensing and registration practices. As you inquire about one's training,
look for the initials CMT, which signify a certified massage therapist,
or LMT, which is licensed massage therapist.
Because of the health benefits of massage many institutions are providing
this service on site for their employees as part of a wellness program.
The seated massage at the workplace is a new approach to health, relaxation
and well-being. Using a portable chair designed for comfort and support,
the seated massage lasts from 5 to 30 minutes, uses no oil and takes place
with the client fully clothed. The focus of this massage is on the head,
neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands. Clients leave feeling relaxed,
refreshed and ready to return to work.
Marianne Scharbo-DeHaan, CNM, PhD, is Medical Education and Evaluation
Section Chief at the CDC.
Ali P. Crown is director of the Center for Women.
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