Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage is not only for relaxation. Research has shown massage can effectively:

• Boost energy and increase concentration
• Enhance well-being and increase awareness
• Over prolong periods can improve posture, and lower blood pressure

Overall, I've found massage to be an effective tool in healing and an added plus to conventional medicine.

Chair massage at the workplace provides proven benefits such as:

• Reduced muscle tension with immediate and cumulative results
• Improved blood flow and circulation
• Increased energy, alertness and productivity
• Decreased absenteeism due to stress related illnesses
• Decreased anxiety and improved mental acuity

These benefits automatically create a more healthy work environment but they also have a positive effect on the bottom line.

Based on results of previous studies relating to cancer:

• The positive effects of massage therapy on the immune system have been reported in several studies
• Massage therapy had been noted to increase natural killer cells and lymphocytes in women with breast cancer
• Those in the study reported reduced anxiety, depression and/or anger
• Increased dopamine may explain the improved moods and greater vigor
• Increased serotonin may also explain the reduced pain perception

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.