Dear e-touch reader,

You may have noticed that e-touch is now a quarterly newsletter. This change is part a phasing out of the member edition of the newsletter and a redesign of the consumer edition. We have been gathering feedback from you through surveys on how we can make this a more valuable consumer newsletter. We hope to have a new design and improved content for the Fall issue. We look forward to rolling out the new e-touch soon!

This month in e-touch, learn about new research on massage for osteoarthritis, the benefits of eating organic, and more!

Enjoy the issue!
-The Editors

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Harvesting Healthy Returns

When it comes to food, is organic really better for you? Are there more nutrients, in say, organic spinach than there are in conventional spinach?

According to a 2001 report in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which reviewed 41 different studies that compared the nutritional values between organic and conventional crops, the short answer is yes.

In general the report found that organic fruits, vegetables and grains have 27 percent more vitamin C, 21 percent more iron, 29 percent more magnesium and 13 percent more phosphorus. The report also stated that five servings of organic vegetables (lettuce, spinach, carrots, potatoes and cabbage) provided the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, but conventional crops did not.

More recently, in March 2005, Environmental Nutrition, an advertising-free newsletter whose contributors include registered dietitians, agreed with these findings. It also reported that organic produce can have higher levels of phytonutrients, which have been linked to reducing diseases like cancer. The newsletter cautions that while critics debate the validity of some studies, organics do seem to have a nutritional advantage when compared to conventional produce. Conventional farming methods include the use of pesticides and herbicides while organic farming does not.

Organics are more than just trendy health products; they are big business. According to the Organic Trade Association, the demand for organic foods rose 20 percent in 2003 accounting for $10.3 billion in consumer sales. In fact, consumer sales of organic products have grown steadily at about 20 percent since 1997, while overall U.S. food sales have inched along at only 2 to 4 percent per year.

According to Holly Givens, communications director for the Organic Trade Association, meats—especially chicken—are the fastest growing sector of organic foods. She’s quick to point out that labeling of meats as organic hasn’t been around as long as it has for other food products, and that probably contributes to the skyrocketing growth. But the main reason for consumer interest in organics keeps circling back to health.

For more organic news, resources, recipes and product reviews visit the Organic Trade Association website at www.organic.org.

Source: Massage Therapy Journal (mtj), Spring 2006.

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Reseach Shows Massage Improves Arthritis

A study conducted by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey finds that massage can provide effective relief for people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritisis a form of arthritis characterized by the chronic degeneration of the cartilage of the joints.

Study Method

The study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy for adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. Sixty-eight randomly selected adults who had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis were divided into two groups. One group received Swedish massage twice weekly for the first four weeks and then once a week for an additional four weeks. The other group did not receive massage during the same period of time.

Study Results

After eight weeks, the group who received massage reported less pain and stiffness as well as better range of motion than the group that did not receive massage therapy. The massage group also experienced improved walking speed.

Good News for Arthritis Sufferers

The research showed massage therapy to be effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, a condition that affects so many lives. According to the Arthritis Foundation, forty-six million (1 in 5) Americans live with arthritis. It is estimated by 2030, 67 million Americans age 18 and older will be diagnosed with the condition. To learn more about arthritis including symptoms, research and treatments, visit www.arthritis.org.

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Make Massage a Part of Your Life

Like most Americans, you probably know that a professional massage feels good and can help you relax from a hectic day or ongoing life stresses. But did you know that massage can help with a wide range of conditions including arthritis, a pulled muscle or lower back pain? Did you know massage therapy is more accessible than ever before and available in a wide variety of settings? And did you know that there are different types of massage therapy for different health conditions and situations?

The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) offers information to help you learn more about massage therapy, how it can improve the quality of life and fit your lifestyle:

Massage therapy can be effective for a variety of conditions such as recovery from a sports injury or prevention of an injury. Massage has also been shown to be helpful in soothing chronic back pain by reducing muscle tension and spasms. Massage can be useful in easing headache pain by targeting and releasing pressure points. Research shows that massage can also reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, relax muscles and improve range of motion.

Massage therapy is more accessible than ever before with massage therapists at work in healthcare settings, fitness clubs, shopping malls, chiropractic offices and even at airports. Some companies are also offering massage to their employees at work to help reduce absenteeism and stress and improve productivity.

There are different types of massage therapy and a massage therapist may use several massage techniques during one session to address different conditions. You don't have to be an expert on massage or even know what type of massage you want when you make your appointment. A professional massage therapist can help determine the type of massage that would best for your particular needs.

To find a professional massage therapist near your home , work or vacation destination, use AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist ^® national locator service. The locator service is free and allows you to search for a massage therapist by city, state, zip code and type of massage. Visit the website at www.findamassagetherapist.org or call toll-free at 888-THE-AMTA (843-2682).

AMTA members listed in AMTA’s locator service must meet any and all local or state licensing requirements for massage therapists. All information included in the locator service is provided by individual members, and AMTA presumes all information to be true and correct. AMTA assumes no liability for incorrect information provided to AMTA for inclusion in this locator service, nor does AMTA represent these practitioners as competent.

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Did You Know?

Since the human body is 65 percent water, keeping hydrated is very important. It is recommended that women drink 8 cups of fluids per day and men drink 12 cups. In hot and humid weather, it is recommended that adults drink 1/2 - 1 cup of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes. Drinking plenty of water is also recommended after receiving a massage. So bring a bottle of water to your next appointment so you can keep hydrated!

Source: University of Michigan Integrative Medicine.

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Click 'n' Pick

How often do you get a massage?

Let us know by taking this month's survey. See the results in the next issue of e-touch!

Take the survey now.

Here are the results of last month's survey!

Total responses: 35

Why do you subscribe to e-touch?

For my own use—71%
To share with clients—0%
Both of the above—29%
Other—0%

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Legal Notice

Articles submitted by individual authors are copyrighted by those authors and reprinted with their permission. Views expressed in these articles are not necessarily the views of the American Massage Therapy Association^®, and should in no way be construed as an endorsement. They are for informational purposes only.

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AMTA Mission

To serve AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy.