Research specific to the benefits of infant massage has been ongoing since the mid 1970's. This research has been conducted at various institutes and with infants who were premature, exposed to drugs in utero, and infants that had motor problems. All these categories of babies benefited from the nurturing touch of infant massage. These benefits included weight gain, neurological development, decreased hospitalization, and improved digestion.

Benefits of infant massage include:

Relaxes Infant

Loving touch lessens tension, fussiness and irritability. Digestion is aided and this can provide relief of gas and colic. Massage is also a wonderful way to lessen stress for parent and baby.

Enhances Bonding

Touch conveys nurturing and love, the essential ingredients for emotional and physical growth and well-being.

Aids Growth and Development

Studies have shown increased weight gain, and immune function. Myelination of nerves is also increased. These things are needed for brain and muscle development.

Promotes Communication

Parents become more aware of baby's nonverbal cues. One-on-one communication instills a message of love and security.

Improves Baby's Sleep

As your infant learns to relax and release stress, sounder and longer sleep is often the end result.

An Introduction to Therapeutic Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissue by applying pressure to the body with the intention of positively affecting the health and well being of the client or patient.

Benefits of Massage Therapy Include:

• Massage is very effective in the relief of pain and discomfort, whether due to a particular health disorder or to chronic stress.

• Massage increases blood circulation and lymphatic circulation, which helps remove waste and toxins from muscles.

• Massage seems to cause a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate due to reflex effects through the sympathetic nervous system. Reflex effects include muscle relaxation, relief of spasms and cramps and increased range of motion.

• A decrease in anxiety, tension and fatigue, along with the enhancement of a general sense of well-being is also a benefit of receiving a massage.

According to a 1998 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, massage therapy is estimated to be the third most prevalent type of alternative medical treatment sought by Americans---following Chiropractic and relaxation techniques.

In many countries massage therapy is an integral and important part of the health care system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors. In China, medical doctors perform massage therapy on their patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is Massage?

• Benefits Of Massage

• How Does Massage Help?

• Does Massage Help Stress?

• Why Does Massage Make People Feel So Wonderful?

• What Training Is Required Of A Massage Therapist?

• What Conditions Does Massage Therapy Help?

• Can Massage Help Sports Performance?