Hello, and welcome to the September 2026 newsletter. Next stop: Autumn... It’s time to make your plans for the shift into fall. Many consider this to be one of the most stressful times of year.
According to an online search: Why Fall Causes Stress
Less Sunlight: Shorter days reduce your natural sunlight exposure. This drop can lower serotonin levels and disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to low energy and mood shifts.
Busy Schedules: Returning to demanding work routines and back-to-school life after summer ends creates sudden friction and fatigue.
Upcoming Holidays: The approach of major holidays introduces financial strain, packed social calendars, and high expectations.
Year-End Goals: Professionals often face a frantic push to meet annual performance targets before December ends.
Fortunately, massage is one of the best ways to handle stress in your life and ensure you are best prepared to move forward in your life feeling your best.
Enjoy this month’s issue and be sure to ask at your next appointment if you have any specific questions on how massage can help you reach your health goals.
Have a great month; see you soon for your next massage!
Say “I really care about you!” with the gift
of health—a massage gift certificate!
The healing power of touch: The benefits of massage therapy
by Jill S. Cole
Massage therapy isn’t always just a luxury or indulgence, it’s a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being. From easing chronic pain to supporting emotional balance, massage therapy offers a wide range of benefits for the body and mind.
Massage therapy is part of a holistic approach to care that supports whole person health. Whether you’re recovering from illness or injury, managing stress or looking to improve quality of life, massage therapy can play a meaningful role in your journey.
Relieving pain and muscle tension— One of the most well-known evidence-based benefits of massage therapy is its ability to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain. Therapeutic massage increases blood flow to affected areas, which promotes healing and helps reduce inflammation. It’s particularly helpful for people with chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis or lower back pain. ...
Reducing stress and enhancing mental health— Massage therapy is also a powerful stress reliever and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, the body’s physiological way of relaxing. The calming effects of massage can lower levels of cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone) while increasing feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This can result in improved mood, better sleep and reduced anxiety.
For patients dealing with cancer, chronic illness, or emotional stress, regular massage sessions can provide not only physical relief but also emotional support. It’s an opportunity to pause, reconnect with the body, and experience a sense of peace.
Supporting immune function and circulation— Massage therapy can boost the immune system by increasing activity of white blood cells, which play a key role in defending the body from illness. Improved circulation from massage can also help reduce swelling and promote lymphatic drainage.
These effects can be particularly beneficial for patients recovering from surgery, chemotherapy or other medical treatments. By supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, massage therapy can enhance recovery and reduce complications.
Improving mobility and flexibility— As we age or deal with injury, it’s common to experience stiffness and reduced range of motion. Massage therapy can help by stretching connective tissues and improving joint mobility. When integrated into a wellness or rehabilitation plan, massage can aid in restoring function and improving daily quality of life. ...
Source:chs.uky.edu
Massage Therapy’s Effect on Sleep
by David Malone
It is no secret that sleep is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. However, quality sleep is not always easy to come by.
“Sleep is one of the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Nitun Verma, American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) spokesperson. “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults obtain seven or more hours of sleep regularly for optimal health.”
Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, chronic pain and stress and anxiety are common reasons people have trouble getting the recommended seven hours of sleep, but initial research shows massage therapy may be a strong non-pharmacological option for improving sleep.
“Massage is an excellent holistic tool for improving sleep quality because it helps resolve three major sleep disruptors: pain, stress and anxiety,” says Rebekah S. Delling, LMBT and sleep coach/educator. ...
Massage has also shown to impact hormone levels. “During a massage, the stress hormone cortisol decreases and the happy hormones serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine increase,” says Delling.
Source: amtamassage.org
Managing Autumn Stress
Prioritize Daylight: Step outside during lunch or morning breaks to get natural light exposure.
Set Boundaries: Protect your personal time and budget by saying no to non-essential social obligations.
Keep Routines Steady: Maintain consistent sleep and meal times to support your physical energy.
Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings,
turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
— William Arthur Ward
The content of this article is not designed to replace professional medical advice. If you’re ill, consult a physician.
© 2026 Massage Marketing. Used with permission; all rights reserved.