herence to treatment.
Western massage, according to Emedicine (2005: 1) is the most frequently utilized form of massage in America. This type of massage involves (1) moving the focus of pressure by gliding the hands over the skin (ie, effleurage), (2) compressing soft tissue between the hands or fingers and thumb (ie, petrissage), (3) impacting the skin or muscle with repetitive compressive blows (ie, tapotement), and/or (4) shearing stresses that are created at tissue interfaces below the skin (e.g., deep friction massage).
Western massage has been found to be of assistance in the treatment of depression. For example, Hernandez-Reif and associates (2005: 495-510) found that when massage therapy was given in 30 minute sessions three times a week for five weeks,, both depression and anxiety significantly decreased for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Moreover, dopamine levels, natural killer cells and lymphocytes also increased with massage.
Similarly, in a study of depressed pregnant women, Field and associates (2004: 115-122) studied the effects of two 20 minute therapy sessions given each week for a period of 16 weeks. The authors found that not only did the massage therapy relieve depression in these women, it also increased their dopamine and serotonin levels, and lowered their levels of cortisol and norepinephrine. Further, their were significant more positive neonatal outcomes for these women.
While massage has a number of benefits for depressed people, Weil (2005: 1-2) points out that there are some contraindications. Specifically, massage is not recommended if a person has phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), any type of infectious disease, certain types of skin conditions, certain types of cardiac problems, or certain forms of cancer.
Contraindications for massage are also reported by WholeHealth MD (2000:1) which asks its online readers to avoid massage if:
1. They have a high fever, inflammation,...