Miscellaneous
Up to 90% of adolescent girls and women during their physically fertile period suffer from cramp-like abdominal pain (primary dysmenorrhea) shortly before and or during their menstrual period. The severity of the complaints ranges from a slight discomfort in the abdominal region to severe pain, which often force the women affected to stay away from work or school. For this reason, scientists examined the effects of a weekly rhythmic massage in comparison with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback therapy or standard treatment. The specialised massage developed in the 1920s by the anthroposophist doctor Ita Wegman is derived from the classic Swedish massage, but in comparison with this it is more characterized by specific rhythms and circular massage movements. This special form of massage should not only address physical complaints, it should also have positive effects on the mood and the self-healing powers of the person being treated.