Tiffany Fields is the director of the University of Miami's Touch Research Institute (TRI). She and her colleagues-including experts from Duke and Harvard believe that massage does more than make you feel fabulous.  They cite evidence from scientific studies that show that massage can be helpful for a wide variety of problems.  Here are a few studies:

1)  Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who were give 10 consecutive days of massage therapy reported fewer fatigue-related symptoms, and less pain and difficulty sleeping.

2)  Patients with fibromyalgia (achy pain and stiffness is muscles, tendons and ligaments) who got regular massages experienced less pain, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia.

3)  Stressed-out hospital workers who received massage therapy showed enhanced alertness on the job and lower stress and anxiety levels.

4)  Children in Miami who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder following Hurricane Andrew had reduced levels of anxiety and depression after getting massage therapy.

5)  Pregnant women who got 20-minute massages twice a week reported less pain in their legs and back, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved mood.

6)  Premature infants who received 15 minute massages gained 47% more weight, became more socially responsive, and were discharged 6 days earlier than non-massaged preemies.  The savings to the hospital:  $10,000 per infant.

7)  Cocaine-exposed newborns and HIV-exposed newborns who received massage therapy gained more weight, experienced fewer postnatal complications, and scored better on newborn assessment tests.

8)  Autistic children who received massages were more responsive to their teachers and paid less attention to classroom distractions.

9)  Bulimic teens who received massage therapy had an improved body image and fewer symptoms and depression and anxiety.

10)  Asthmatic children who received regular massages from their parents breathed more easily and were less stressed.