The relationship between stress and illness is of interest to many of us. Most of us have stress in our daily lives related to work, family, environment and society. Stress causes the release of hormones that cause shrinking of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction) and impedes blood circulation. As a result, the heart works harder, breathing becomes rapid and shallow and digestion slows. Stress effects almost every human body process. Research shows that stress can cause migraines, hypertension, depression, peptic ulcers, and other ailments. Medical researchers have estimated that 80% of all diseases are related to stress. Soothing and relaxing Massage Therapy treatments can therefore help us counteract the negative effects of stress.

Massage has a proven positive psychological effect. Since massage feels good, it allows us to release tension and relax our minds. Massage Therapy helps release emotional stress and promotes a sense of balance and peace.

Many people who receive Massage Therapy discover that they have found a form of "drugless therapy". Headaches, arthritis, insomnia, asthma, digestive disorders, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and minor aches and pains are some of the problems that respond positively to Massage Therapy. Massage can have an excellent effect on people who have been dependent on their pharmacy for rest and relaxation. The basic therapeutic effect of massage is that it assists the natural recuperative powers of the body and promotes overall health.

The theories of Therapeutic Massage are scientific in character, but the physical application is an art involving the therapist's sensitivity of touch, insight, and intuition. Massage is a unique way of communicating without words and has effects similar to those of meditation.

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