The Natural Standard, an Authority on Integrative Medicine, reports a new study of how massage therapy may improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

“Massage is a broad term encompassing a variety of approaches to the manipulation of soft tissue to achieve health benefits. Massage techniques have been practiced for thousands of years in many cultures. Practitioners primarily use their hands but may also use their forearms, elbows or even their feet in some methods. Lubricants are often added to reduce friction and discomfort during the application of massage techniques. Early scientific evidence suggests that people with Parkinson’s disease might have reduced symptoms after massage…

“The researchers found that walking speed, shoulder stiffness and the severity of other symptoms all improved after massage therapy. The authors concluded that massage therapy in combination with conventional medications may benefit Parkinson’s disease patients.”

Read this interesting article in naturalstandard.com.

Much research has been done on massage therapy.  We all know how good massage feels, and how much better our bodies feel after a treatment.  The benefits of massage go a long way, from stress reduction and decreasing pain to increasing the range of motion in the body.

Now, documented in the Wall Street Journal, is a great article about the benefits of Massage Therapy.  According to the Wall Street Journal:

“Research over the past couple of years has found that massage therapy boosts immune function in women with breast cancer, improves symptoms in children with asthma, and increases grip strength in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Giving massages to the littlest patients, premature babies, helped in the crucial task of gaining weight.

“The benefits go beyond feelings of relaxation and wellness that people may recognize after a massage. The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society now include massage as one of their recommendations for treating low back pain, according to guidelines published in 2007.”

Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal on Massage Therapy for more important information.