Many view massage as a perk of a pampered lifestyle, but it can actually be an important tool for maintaining your overall health and beauty. But don't just look to your local day spa for massage therapy _ doctors' offices, chiropractic practices and fitness centers offer massage as well.

Pain relief

Next time you think about popping a pain pill, make an appointment with your massage therapist instead. Soreness and stiffness result when overworked muscles produce waste products like lactic acid, and massage can help by improving the circulation to the muscles to flush these out.

Tense muscles can also compress blood vessels and nerves, and massage leads to a gradual release that eases the pain. Just be sure to let your massage therapist know if your pain is caused by stress, an injury or surgery.

Improved lymph movement

Lymph is the milky-white fluid that drains waste from the cells. The pumping effect of muscle contraction moves lymph through the body, and massage (as well as exercise) can facilitate the process. The pressure associated with gentle massage also increases blood flow that can help reduce swelling after surgery.

Increased circulation

The manual pressure of massage increases blood flow to the treated areas. The increased volume of blood brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles to help repair and revitalize the body.

Better skin

Massage helps the skin by stimulating the sebaceous and sweat glands. Increased blood flow also has a positive effect on the skin by supplying the cells with nutrients and oxygen. More blood at the skin's surface also lends a rosy, healthy glow.

Positive attitude

Massage has been shown to increase the body's production of "feel-good" endorphins and the mood-regulating hormone serotonin while decreasing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Balance the nervous system

Stress revs up the nervous system, leading to restlessness, hyperactivity, anxiety, muscle tension, cardiovascular stress and even digestion problems. Massage helps reduce stress and your body's reaction to it, bringing your nervous system back into harmony.

More perfect posture

Muscles that are too tight or too slack can throw off your posture. To compensate, your body will use other muscles, which can eventually become accepted by your body and lead to permanent imbalance and chronic muscle pain.

. What to look for in a massage provider

1. Every massage therapist should be associated with a state or national professional organization, such as the American Massage Therapy Association (amtamassage.org). Licensed massage therapists are required to take 24 hours of continuing education every two years, so finding a licensed therapist ensures they are up on the latest information necessary to ensure your safety.

2. The spa or massage therapy center should have a philosophy that combines healing and knowledge. Don't be swayed by a plush locker room or retail space.

3. Your treatment should be customized. Your body is always changing, and your treatment should be tailored to your body's needs at the time of your appointment. Before starting any treatment, your therapist should ask if anything in particular is bothering you.

4. You should get individual attention and service, and not feel like part of an assembly line.

 

(Paige Herman and Marie Kuechel are editors of New Beauty, a semi-annual magazine about cosmetic enhancement. Reach them at editors (at)newbeauty.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)