Is our concept of yoga and meditation in the western world tainted?  If you are one among us who thinks that you cannot meditate "effectively", watch on. 

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This video is well worth the watch.  Can we control our destiny?  Yes, we can.  Find the secret to YOUR destiny by being aware of your thoughts and concentrating on the things for which you wish that DO happen, instead of those things that do not.  Watch this awesome video to find out more (just click on the picture):

#DESTINY #SPIRITUAL #CONTROLYOURLIFE #MINDFULNESS

Adults Demonstrate Modified Immune Response After Receiving Massage, Cedars-Sinai Researchers Show

Published by the American Massage Therapy Association
Los Angeles - Sept. 7, 2010

Researchers in Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences have reported people who undergo massage experience measurable changes in their body’s immune and endocrine response.
Although there have been previous, smaller studies about the health benefits of massage, the Cedars-Sinai study is widely believed to be the first systematic study of a larger group of healthy adults.
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The study is published online at http://www.liebertonline.com/loi/acm.  It also will be published in the October printed edition of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.  

“Massage is popular in America, with almost 9 percent of adults receiving at least one massage within the past year,” said Mark Rapaport, MD, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences.  “People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn’t been much physiological proof of the body’s heightened immune response following massage until now.”
In the study, 29 subjects received 45 minutes of Swedish massage and 24 received 45 minutes of light touch massage.  Each participant underwent informed consent, a physical and mental evaluation and was deemed to be physically healthy and free of any mental disorder.  Massage therapists were trained in how to deliver both Swedish and light touch using specific and identical protocols.
Prior to the massage, study participants were fitted with intravenous catheters in order to take blood samples during the study session.  Then participants were asked to rest quietly for 30 minutes. Following the rest period, blood samples were collected from each person five minutes and one minute before the massage began.  At the end of the 45-minute massage session, blood samples were collected at one, five, 10, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after the massage.
“This research indicates that massage doesn’t only feel good, it also may be good for you,” said Rapaport, the principal investigator of the study and the Polier Family Chair in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders.  “More research is ahead of us but it appears that a single massage may deliver a measurable benefit.”  
Among the study’s results:

• People in the Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes ,(lymphocyte numbers and percentages white blood cells that play a large role in defending the body from disease.
• Swedish massage caused a large decrease (effect size -.74) in Arginine Vasopressin (AVP) a hormone believed to play a role in aggressive behavior and linked to helping cause increases in the stress hormone cortisol.
• Swedish massage caused a decrease in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Swedish massage caused a notable decrease in most cytokines produced by stimulated white blood cells.

There are many good reasons why everybody should seek the services of a qualified massage therapist.  When injured, massage can help speed the healing process.  It can also help to prevent the injury in the first place by keeping your muscles supple.  Massage therapy should never be sought in place of medical intervention.  But as a combined service?  There is much value to be explored.  Below are just a few good reasons why.

1. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.  Are you feeling anxious or stressed out?  Are you going through a particularly momentous period in your life when everything seems just a little too much?  Qualified massage therapists can help.  Massage targets your body's nervous system to promote a sense of well-being, relaxation and a state of calm.  In a world where "fight or flight" reactions happen in our bodies every couple of seconds, an hour on our table can bring things back to a normal balance.  You'll sleep better, we promise!
2. Massage alleviates pain, promotes healing and speeds injury recovery.​  How long has your back been bothering you?  How's that knee sprain coming along?  Did you take another "hit" at your last hockey game?  Massage, adapted to the type of pain, condition or injury you are experiencing at any given time, can be one of the most beneficial treatments you ever receive.  Massage therapists often work in conjunction with acupuncturists, osteopaths, physiotherapists and physicians (among other specialists) to provide complementary treatments that will aid you in your journey to chronic pain reduction or healing.  Many of us work successfully with clients experiencing fibromyalgia, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, joint, muscle and nervous system disease, to name a few.
3. Massage Strengthens Your Immune System.  A growing body of research indicates massage therapy can benefit the immune system, especially important during winter months.  Massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that work to combat viruses. According to research from Cedars-Sinai, participants in a Swedish massage group experienced significant changes in lymphocytes, which play a large role in defending the body from disease.[1]

With all of these great reasons why you should get a massage, why wait?  Seek a certified massage therapist in your area and speak to him or her today.   It might be worth your time and money.  Be well, and stay that way.

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[1] https://www.amtamassage.org/research/Massage-Therapy-Research-Roundup/Research-Roundup0.htm