Research evidence exists that shows massage therapy may be helpful in effecting some of the symptoms and behaviours associated with autism spectrum disorder. (J Clin Psychiatry 2011;72(3):406-411).  Around 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and anecdotal reports and studies such as the one sited here, continue to suggest that massage therapy may benefit people with ADS. Nurturing touch and regular sensory integration appear to reduce the social, communication, behavioural and learning challenges associated with ADS.

Parkinson’s disease involves a depletion of dopamine-containing neurons in the substantia nigra of the basal ganglia in the brain. The classical features of Parkinson’s disease include resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness) and postural instability. This cluster of symptoms is referred to as Parkinsonism syndrome, which can be caused by other neurodegenerative disorders, cerebrovascular disease and certain drugs. The fourth characteristic is pain. That’s where massage therapy can help manage the condition.

This symposium was held in November 2021 throughout NSW and for the first-time massage therapy was represented as part of a major government initiative to inform therapy that is very beneficial for parents and infants. Over six hundred health care workers attended this e-symposium, and I am informed that many others have listened to the Symposium later.

Visceral massage is a massage therapy that focuses on the most complex and miraculous parts of our anatomy; the internal organs of our body or as it can be described, the Gut.

In his foreword to both Glenn M. Hymel’s book, ‘Research Methods for Massage and Holistic Therapies’ and Tiffany Field’s text, ‘Massage Therapy Research’, Leon Chaitow gives high praise to both books and outlines the two different imperatives  that are the driving forces behind both; the need for ever -improving competencies in the application of massage and bodywork and the need for evidence that validates and supports the methods and techniques used in therapeutic massage.

An interview with Greg Morling - founder of Emerald Balm. Learn about Greg’s life and experience and motivations.

Conditions that can benefit from Emerald Balm

Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

There are two forms of frozen shoulder; idiopathic (primary) and the other that occurs due to a known cause (secondary). Both can be debilitating, and both are defined by the’ painful restriction of shoulder movement.’ I have seen so many frozen shoulder sufferers in my clinical practice and while many people attend physio therapists for treatment, the condition tends to run its course of 30 months irrespective of treatment.