Sharon Salzberg: Connect with Kindness. 
Feeling disconnected? Try this loving-kindness practice.  By Sharon Salzberg | November 3, 2015

 

Read this great article on why it's important to maintain strong and healthy legs! 
 

Scientific study shows that massage therapy can influence our immunity!  Read this abstract of a study conducted by Fulvio D`Acquisto and colleagues from Queen Mary University of London, UK.

 

Read about the many benefits of massage therapy beyond simple relaxation.  Each organ system affected is described with great detail in this overview at Cerebralpalsey.org, where massage therapy is a recommended complimentary therapy. http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/treatment/therapy/massage-therapy/massage-organ-systems/

 

Loneliness May Warp Our Genes, And Our Immune Systems
Read this important article about loneliness and immunity by Angus Chen for NPR http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots

 

Check out this lovely post written by Sonia Osorio for Massagetherapy.com about the mind-body connection and learn a little history of some pioneers in the field.

 

 

For information and treatment options for Ankylosing Spondylitis including massage and acupuncture.

 

See this link for important research on managing and reducing pain in those diagnosed with AS:
"Massage shows promise as a treatment for symptoms associated with AS." http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088527/

 

Check this article out from the Wall Street Journal about teaching mindfulness meditation to your children: The Family Meditation Session - Stress relief for all; children are taught to imitate a frog  http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-family-meditation-session-1447785641

 

Ever wonder what oxytocin is and why it's so important for your health?  Read this: What is oxytocin, and what does it do?  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795.php

 

Link to a scientific journal article on study of massage.  Results show an increase in oxytocin (see above) and decrease in adrenocorticotropic hormone (stress-response hormone).  Important research for massage therapy field!: Massage increases oxytocin and reduces adrenocorticotropin hormone in humans.  Altern Ther Health Med. 2012 Nov-Dec;18(6):11-8.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23251939

Ever wonder how a belly-rub could increase immune response in mice?!  Read this: Massage-like stroking boosts the immune system in mice.  http://www.nature.com/articles/srep10913