Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
news notes COMPILED BY SEAN EADS ESSENTIAL OILS TESTED AGAINST SUPERBUGS Superbugs, those drug-resistant microbes that plague hospital patients, may be defeated with essential oils, say researchers at the Society for General Microbiology in Reading, England. Researchers presented findings of experiments that studied the antimicrobial properties of eight essential oils. Thyme essential oil was found to be the most effective, almost completely eliminating bacteria in an hour. Essential oils of thyme and cinnamon used in combination were particularly lethal to a variety of Staph bacteria, among the most dangerous class of superbugs. Researchers are now looking at how best to apply the oils' antimicrobial properties. Massage Envy announced it now holds the world record for "Most People Being Massaged Simultaneously in One Location." Hand and Foot Massage for Bereavement A study in the April 2010 issue of Journal of Clinical Nursing finds a 25-minute hand or foot massage given once a week for eight weeks provides effective consolation following the loss of a loved one. The small study involved 18 participants, 34–78 years old, who had recently lost a close relative to cancer and had almost no experience receiving soft-tissue massage. Nine participants chose foot massage, eight chose hand massage, and one asked for both types. The participants reported the massages allowed them to better focus their thoughts and come to terms with the loss, while improving their energy levels. The researchers recommend massage as a palliative measure for its positive biological response, as well as the psychological support it provides through gentle physical contact. Massage Envy Sets World Record Massage Envy announced it now holds the world record for "Most People Being Massaged Simultaneously in One Location." The record was set on October 25, 2009, in Rosslyn, Virginia, as part of the annual Marine Corps Marathon; 167 runners were massaged simultaneously, breaking the previous record of 154 simultaneous massages conducted in 2007 in London, England. Massage Envy reports that more than 5,000 total massages were given during the event. 16 massage & bodywork july/august 2010