NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2002

For More Information Contact: Rebecca Wilkowski, Phone: (800) 729-0941

Massage Boosts Mood and Benefits Children with Leukemia

According to a study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, daily massage administered by parents has shown to significantly increase the white blood cell and neutrophil counts of children with leukemia while also decreasing levels of anxiety and depression in both children and their parents.

According to the authors of the study, "The increased white blood cell and neutrophil count following massage therapy suggests the usefulness of this therapy for maintaining optimal immune function over the course of cancer treatment."

Popular among all age groups, massage is effective for relaxation and stress reduction, as well as medical reasons, including muscle soreness/stiffness/spasms, injury, headaches, pain reduction, blood and lymph circulation and improved immune system function. Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate and increase endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. More than one in four Americans report having had a massage from a massage therapist in the past five years, spending a total of between $4 and $6 billion on 114 million visits each year.

For more information on massage, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941.