June 2025

Hello, and welcome to this month's article! Summer is on the way... Have you set your sites on any summertime fun for the coming weeks? Whatever your plans, do your best to set aside some time to relax and rest both your body and your mind.

Investing in regular “me time” can pay you dividends in your future health and happiness, so make your selfcare a priority.

This month’s lead article is another reminder of the many ways that your regular massage sessions are the ideal investment in a healthy future. Can you think of anything else that offers you so many broad benefits?

The second article confirms that motion contributes to improved health. Picking up your pace can reward you with better health going forward.

And, of course massage contributes to improving motion throughout your body, down to the cellular level, enhancing your body’s overall functioning.

Have an enjoyable and healthy summer; see you soon!

Understanding the Mental and Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and physical fatigue have become constants in our daily lives. As people search for ways to unwind, one method stands out as both ancient and effective: massage therapy. Whether it’s a deep tissue massage or a more gentle Swedish style, massages offer a range of benefits that go beyond mere relaxation. They not only soothe the muscles but also contribute significantly to emotional balance and overall well-being.

The Historical Roots of Massage as Healing— Massage therapy is by no means a modern invention. It has been practiced for thousands of years across various cultures, from the traditional Chinese tui na to the Indian Ayurvedic massages and ancient Egyptian bodywork. Historically, massage was used to treat injuries, relieve pain, and restore the body’s balance. The concept of healing touch has always been closely linked to natural medicine and holistic treatment approaches. In recent decades, modern science has begun to catch up, providing concrete evidence of its physiological and psychological benefits. ...

The Psychological Impact of Regular Massages— Massages do more than relax the muscles—they also relax the mind. Studies have shown that regular massage therapy can lead to decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. This is partly due to the decrease in stress hormones and the increase in dopamine and serotonin—the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Many clients report a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional resilience following sessions, making massage therapy a valuable tool for mental health management.

Massage in the Context of Modern Wellness Culture— In recent years, massage has moved from being a luxury experience to a staple of holistic wellness. ... This shift shows that society is beginning to understand the importance of preventive health care and the role massage plays in achieving that balance.

Medical and Therapeutic Applications of Massage— Beyond wellness, massage therapy is increasingly used in medical and rehabilitative settings. Hospitals and clinics offer massage as a complementary therapy for patients recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or undergoing cancer treatment. ... The non-invasive nature of massage makes it especially suitable for those looking for gentle, supportive care alongside traditional medical treatment. ...

Incorporating Massage into Your Lifestyle— To reap the full benefits of massage therapy, consistency is key. Consider setting up a monthly or biweekly schedule depending on your needs. Regular massages can prevent the buildup of stress, improve posture, boost immunity, and enhance sleep quality. As with any wellness routine, the effects are cumulative. Just as exercise and nutrition require discipline, so does maintaining your body’s balance through therapeutic touch.

Conclusion: Touch as a Gateway to Healing— Massage therapy is far more than a luxury; it’s a necessity in today’s high-stress world. It provides a rare opportunity to disconnect, realign, and nourish both body and mind. Whether through traditional techniques or modern wellness innovations, the power of human touch remains one of the most effective tools for healing. As massage becomes an integral part of everyday health routines, its value continues to rise—not just in terms of physical health, but emotional equilibrium and inner peace.

Source: gisuser.com

Secret to longer life may be the pep in your step, study finds

Want to live a longer, healthier life? Pick up your pace. A new study finds that people who walk at a brisk pace are much less likely to develop heart disease or suffer an early death than those who walk at slow speeds, especially when it comes to older adults.

Researchers from the University of Sydney examined data from 50,225 people over 30 who participated in major population-based studies from the United Kingdom — the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Survey — between 1994 and 2008. Participants used for the study had reported walking for at least 10 to 30 minutes on a given day within the previous month and had no prior diagnoses of heart disease, angina or stroke, or cancer.

After examining follow-up reports on the participants, the authors found that those who self-reported that they typically walked at a fast pace were shown to be 24 percent less likely to die of any cause than people who walk slowly. That said, moving along at an average speed was also associated with a 20 percent risk of death compared to the slowest walkers. Conversely, average walkers were 24 percent less likely to die from heart disease, while the fastest walkers had a 21 percent risk reduction.

“Walking pace is associated with all-cause mortality risk, but its specific role—independent from the total physical activity a person undertakes—has received little attention until now,” says lead author Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor with the university’s school of public health, in a release. ...

So what exactly constitutes a fast pace versus an average one? The authors considered a fast pace to fall generally between 3.1 to 3.7 miles per hour (five to six kilometers per hour), depending on one’s fitness levels. “An alternative indicator is to walk at a pace that makes you slightly out of breath or sweaty when sustained,” says Stamatakis. ...

Source:studyfinds.org

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because
they never found it, but because they didn't stop to enjoy it.
— William Feather