During my 7 years of kneading in the massage field, I have observed a pattern of chronic pain resulting from what I call our most common postures, i.e. sitting and reaching forward. Long periods of sitting lead to chronically tight hips and chest, and can eventually cause damage to joints as well as soft tissue. Essentially, I saw a need for therapy to reverse or prevent this strain. Bodywork can serve as preventative medicine by relieving pain and serving as a safeguard against joint damage that can require surgery to repair. Massage also effectively down regulates the sympathetic nervous system and restores a state of harmony to the body. Whether you are busy in the office or managing a family, most of our nervous systems spend less time than optimal in the parasympathetic state. This state serves the body best as this is when our body can focus on repairing itself, including the reduction of inflammation, tissue repair, and hormone production. This state is marked by slower and deeper breathing and an overall sense of well being.