12/18/2019
Massage therapy is often thought of as purely physical in benefits. This is FAR from the case. It isn't important to just our sense of physical well-being, but is also essential to our emotional and psychological health.
In the 1950's, researchers conducted experiments with Rhesus monkeys who were separated from their mothers at birth. Two surrogate 'mothers' were introduced to the young primates: one made of metal wire, and the other of soft padding, with both providing milk to suckle. The monkeys showed an overwhelming preference for the padded 'mother', hugging it, clinging to it, etc. When the researchers frightened the baby monkeys, they ran exclusively to the padded 'mother', ignoring the wire one. When the 'mothers' were placed behind visual obstructions, the babies would even attempt to move the obstruction, simply to stare at the padded surrogate. This difference in preferences became even more apparent when some of the monkeys were given exclusive exposure to the padded 'mother', while others only had access to the wire surrogate. The ones who had only the wire surrogate became depressed, neurotic, and confused. Unlike those who had padded surrogates, who explored and played with reckless abandonment, the wire-mother group sat huddled in a corner, morosely rocking.
A number of studies have concluded that massage eases anxiety, as well. Researchers have shown positive results specifically for reducing anxiety in cancer patients, depressed children and teens, for people with eating disorders, and for fibromyalgia patients. Several studies have found reported anxiety levels significantly reduced in subjects who received 30 minutes of massage daily, compared to a baseline of watching a relaxation video.
Massage therapy, and in general the need for human contact, is a highly neglected aspect of our modern hustle and bustle. This holiday sea*on, with all of the running around, interacting with family and friends, and finishing off of year-end responsibilities, don't forget to take care of You. Whether you need some deep tissue massage, or just want a nice, relaxing Swedish session, come on in to Allen County Family and Sports Chiropractic and see me. You'll be glad you did!
