Evidence for Benefits of Spa Massage
Does massage have “real” physical benefits? While those of us in the spa industry would of course say yes (there have been many studies)…how nice when the New York Times said it for us this time!
The article that was in last Tuesday’s paper titled “Massage Benefits Are More Than Skin Deep” talks about a new study that showed a single session of massage (45 minutes in this case) caused positive biological changes.
Here is the scoop. Researchers, from a division of the National Institute of Health, conducted a study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in which one group of adults was given a deep-tissue massage and another group was given a light massage. Blood samples were taken before and after these 45 minutes massages.
The participants who received the deep-tissue massage displayed (among other favorable results) decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol and an increase in white blood cells, an essential part of the immune system. Those who received the lighter massage had an even greater decrease in cortisol and increase in white blood cells, as well as an increase in oxytocin, a hormone associated with contentment. The study was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
I found it amusing that the article mentioned the researchers’ reaction to the results of the study as “a surprise.” Well… it’s certainly not a surprise to any of us in the industry – nor to people who have had massages regularly. Massage reduces stress – plain and simple.
My twitter address: @susieellis
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AMEN!
I was so excited to read about this research. I have included the findings in my educational presentations, and recommended that spa marketers incorporate correlation between wellness and happiness in their marketing messages.
I bet that any treatment, even a facial or pedicure has a similar biological effect in different degrees. I am so glad you are spreading the word.
If people that ran spas took a real interest in their professional staff (massage therapists) they would already know this information. Too often the therapists in spas are only seen as a resource to be used, and not a resource to take care of and respect. Too many spas try to fit therapists into a cookie cutter mold, making them all do the same massage…LOL…like that will ever come to be. Their knowledge of muscle anatomy and physiology is quite extensive, yet this knowledge is overlooked. If you want to know more, follow my blog at Spa Blister.
Hi Susie,
Thanks for sharing this research. After reading your post, I got a copy of the study from the lead researcher and on my blog today I wrote about why I think this study is so important. http://psychologyofwellbeing.com/201010/get-thee-to-a-spa.html Let’s hope this opens the door to more research like this!
[...] may be concerned about the effect of the drugs on the baby. Following on from the news that massages reduce stress, this is another example of spa staples such as yoga, meditation and reiki positively contributing to [...]
[...] may be concerned about the effect of the drugs on the baby. Following on from the news that massages reduce stress, this is another example of spa staples such as yoga, meditation and reiki positively contributing to [...]
I have included this research in my thesis report. I am grateful that you shared this in your blog. Now I can have additional information to support my report.