Research Demonstrates Massage Therapy’s Positive Role in Aiding Brain Health
Jan 2024Research on Massage and Neurological Health:
Excerpts:
Cognitive Function
• In Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, researcher Jeong-Hwan Lim concludes positive results with the usage of mechanical massage within a mechanized chair coupled with binaural beats (two different frequency sounds played in each ear through headphones) has a positive impact on cognitive function and reducing mental fatigue.
• Participants received massage in the mechanical chair while listening to the binaural beats. Measures of EEG (Electroencephalogram) readings and results of five cognitive tests were examined. (1)
Balance and Stability:
• The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork published research showing short-term improvements in balance, neurological, and cardiovascular measures with the usage of massage therapy. Participants were elderly individuals.
• The study concluded that a single 60-minute massage therapy session was shown to have stabilizing effects on measures of static and dynamic balance and physiological factors related to stability in older adults. This may lead to improved balance, thereby decreasing the risk of falls in elderly individuals. (3)
Parkinson’s Patients:
• The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published a case-series study in 2012 highlighting Japanese massage therapy, commonly referred to as Shiatsu, aids Parkinson’s patients with their symptoms.
The three main results shown in the study were:
• patients with challenges walking witnessed improved gait speed
• patients with frozen shoulder displayed greater shoulder range of motion
• and improved VAS (visual analogue scale) scores regarding patient pain.
Shiatsu massage was shown to be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s patients. (5)
The same journal published similar findings in 2018 indicating that “Acupoint massage,” massage that involves stimulating traditional Chinese meridian points, is an effective intervention for maintaining cognitive health in elderly adults. Improvements were witnessed with measures of the Wechsler Memory Scale, Visual reproduction, Logical memory and Associative Learning markers. (6)
References:
• “The Effects on Mental Fatigue and the Cognitive Function of Mechanical Massage and Binaural Beats (Brain Massage) provided by Massage Chairs”, Lim, Jeong-Hwan, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, August 2018
• “Multiple Sclerosis Patients Benefit from Massage Therapy”, Field Tiffany, et al, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, July 1998
• “Massage Therapy Produces Short-term Improvements in Balance, Neurological and Cardiovascular Measures in Older Persons”, Sefton, JoEllen, International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, 2012
• The Handbook of Wellness Medicine, Ishak, William, Cambridge University Press, copyright 2020, first edition
• “Effects of Traditional Japanese Massage Therapy on Various Symptoms in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Series Study”, Donoyama, Nozomi, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2012
• “Acupoint Massage for Managing Cognitive Alterations in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analaysis”, Liu, Fang, et al, Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, 2018
• “Effect of Massage on Sleep Quality and Motor Development”, Kusumastuti, et al, Universitats Sebelas Maret, 2013
"Shiatsu massage was shown to be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s patients. (5)"
Wikipedia says: In the Japanese language, shiatsu means "finger pressure". Shiatsu techniques include massages with fingers, thumbs, elbow, knuckle, feet and palms; acupressure, assisted stretching; and joint manipulation and mobilization.[4]
I sure like my massage chair thingy: COMFIER Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat -Deep Tissue Kneading Massage Seat Cushion, Massage Chair Pad for Full Back, Electric Body Massager for Home or Office Chair use. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M699ZHV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I did not realize it might be therapeutic.
The one I bought seems to not be available, but there are plenty like it. It has the hard balls going up and down your back.
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