I was reading an email today from Massage Magazine, and it included this article. I listed "easing PMS symptoms" as one of the Total BodyWorks "Top 10 Reasons to get a Massage" and this explains why. Read away! :)
Women suffering from symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as irritability, headaches, anxiety and weight gain, felt relief from regular massage sessions, according to results from a recent research study.The study, "Premenstrual symptoms are relieved by massage therapy," was conducted by the Touch Research Institute in conjunction with the University of Miami Medical School. Twenty-four women, aged 19 to 45, with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of PMS) were selected from gynecological practices. The women were randomly assigned to a massage therapy group or a relaxation group. Those in the massage therapy group received twice-weekly, 30-minute massage sessions for five weeks. The sessions started during a premenstrual week to establish a baseline measure. At the end of the study, results indicated that the massage therapy group experienced a decrease in anxiety, a decrease in depression, a reduction in perceived pain, and an overall reduction in PMS symptoms including pain and water retention. Researchers wrote that future studies might focus on the effects of a longer-term massage therapy program.
"Overall, the present findings suggest that massage therapy may be an effective long-term aid for pain reduction and water retention, and short-term for decreasing anxiety and improving mood for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
"Source: Touch Research Institute. Originally reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, March 2000, Vol. 21, pp. 9-15.
Thanks for checking in. It really does make me so happy that I've got this blog now to share all of the great information I find!
Oh, and check out the Summer edition of Body Sense Magazine. I posted the link under "Body Sense Issues". It's got some good info in it. I'll be posting those as I receive them from now on! :)
Hope you all have a great week and take some time for yourselves amid the crazy, busy days we call "life"! :)
-Nicole
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