WELLNESS TIPS FOR AUGUST

Because massage makes you feel better and take more pride in your body, you are more likely to stick to a diet. Knowing that the person giving you a massage is going to notice any weight loss is another incentive. Added to this are other benefits to your appearance. By stimulating the circulation, massage tones the skin and smoothes the body This improvement builds a positive self­image, which produces more energy, making exercising easier. This is the beginning of the upward spiral, and weight will come off more easily.

Any massage is helpful for dieters, so follow the basic sequences outlined throughout this book. However, you should spend more time on the fleshiest areas, particularly the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks; use plenty of deep stimulating movements, such as kneading and pummeling. You can easily massage your abdomen and thighs yourself and should try a few minutes of vigorous massage every day.

Regular massage Massage

Once people discover the many joys and benefits of massage, a common question arises — "How often should I schedule my massage sessions?" Of course, there is no set answer, but studies indicate that massage at regular intervals is most beneficial to your overall health.

In a Newsweek article entitled "The Magic of Touch," the advantages of frequent massage are considered. The following excerpts help to answer the question, "How often?"

"A weekly massage may seem an indulgence, but new research suggests it can have major health benefits....

"Since instituting a program of massage, job-specific exercises and ergonomics in 1990, the Virginia-based company [Wampler Foods] has cut repetitive-stress injuries by 75 percent."