The famous bedroom cliché - "Not tonight, I have a headache." - could be coming to an end as researchers are showing that regular massages can reduce certain types of headaches. In some cases, such as tension headaches, they may even be eliminated.

Headaches are pain caused by a number sources, such as chemical imbalances, vascular spasm and dilation and muscular tension. What has been observed in tension and vascular headaches, the two most common types, is the activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in sleep, depression, memory and other neurological processes.

New findings suggest that when serotonin levels drop, headaches can develop. Because massage has been shown to increase serotonin levels, no wonder so many people are finding relief in it.

Tania Schwarz, a licensed massage therapist and medical massage practitioner in Palm City, has been having a great outcome with her headache treatment series.

"Clients can choose one or two sessions a week for one month to try out," says Schwarz. "My sessions last 30 minutes and focus on the deep muscles and trigger points of the neck. I also go an extra mile providing soothing music, hot and cold packs and aromatherapy to activate the rest and repair, or parasympathetic mechanism of the body. I also provide them with home care instructions for relaxation and a list of local physicians in case my clients need to see a doctor for diagnosis and insurance filling."

Schwarz has been in the health field for 10 years, is also a migraine and cluster headache sufferer herself.

"I have researched for a long time alternative therapies for my own headaches because I prefer not to take medication," says Schwarz. "Now when I see the tension building up I get a massage for immediate relief. Going through this myself has helped me to be a better massage therapist to my patients."

Tania Schwarz, a licensed medical massage practitioner, is located at 4243 SW High Meadows in Palm City where she also provides body treatments and relaxation massage.To contact her, call 954- 804 2580 or email Tania@massagebylmt.com. For more information and discounted services, visit www.massagebylmt.com