Massage is more than just a luxury

More Than A Luxury
The Lifelong Value of Massage Therapy
By Lee Picciuto
Originally published in
Body Sense, Autumn/Winter 2009. Copyright 2009. Associated Bodywork and Massage
Professionals. All rights reserved.
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding massage therapy is if it's
worth the expense? Massage is not just a simple back rub, nor is it just a
"luxury" or occasional "treat." Research tells us that massage therapy is a
valuable component of a well-rounded healthcare regimen, combating everything
from chronic pain to the negative effects of stress.
Not Just a Back Rub
Some people are unaware of the great skill and knowledge that comprises a massage therapy
education. I have had friends of mine express great surprise upon learning that
I had to take anatomy, physiology, and other science-based classes during the
course of my massage therapy education. When I explain my massage school
curriculum to them, these friends usually utter variations of "Wow! I had no
idea your studies were so involved!"If you are trying to educate
others about massage, have them consider the profession's educational and
regulatory requirements.
Education
Ask your massage therapist to tell you about the extent of his or her massage school curriculum and completed courses.
Regulation
Most states regulate the practice of massage therapy with licenses,
certificates, etc. Usually, the completion of a comprehensive examination is
also required for state or national certification.
Continuing Education.
Many states and professional organizations require massage therapists to complete continuing
education courses each year. This ensures that therapists learn about emerging
modalities and current issues pertinent to the field.
Professional Standards.
Many massage therapists belong to professional organizations and commit to upholding
rigorous standards of practice and codes of ethics.Through stringent educational standards, state and national regulation, continuing education requirements, and professional affiliations,
the massage therapy profession has evolved beyond the "basic back rub"
stereotype into a well-respected healthcare modality.
More Than a Luxury
The misconception that massage therapy is just a luxury is also prevalent. Some people believe
that massage therapy is either an indulgence for the wealthy or a "treat" for
special occasions. Most therapists have some clients who only come in once a
year, usually for a birthday or special holiday. I have also encountered clients who have been influenced by others and made to feel guilty for spending money on a monthly massage session.These clients seem to think of massage therapy as a frivolity they don't deserve. They
will say: "I try to explain the benefits I get from massage therapy to my spouse
[friend, family member, etc.], but all they can focus on is the money being
spent on a 'luxury.'" Admittedly, massage
therapy has a monetary cost, but that should be weighed against the benefits of
the treatment--diminished stress, decreased pain, improved moods, etc. There is
usually a way to budget for a monthly massage with a bit of reprioritizing.
Insurance Recognition and Employee Benefits
With the healthcare benefits of massage therapy
increasingly being touted, many health insurance companies are choosing to
include coverage for massage in their plans. Massage therapy is also included as
a healthcare option in personal health savings accounts being offered to some
employees, while many employers are providing coverage for various alternative
health benefits, including massage. With this expanded recognition in the
medical realm, massage therapy is definitely shedding its former perception as a
luxury and embracing its new role: necessity!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line I share with my clients is you do not need to be in pain or discomfort to benefit
from massage therapy. In addition to being effective for pain relief, massage is
also beneficial as a stress-reducing and wellness measure. In reality, massage
therapy is an integral component of an overall health maintenance plan.

Can massage really boost your immune system? A way to keep healthy and not get sick

A simple massage could keep you from getting sick

Saturday, September 11, 2010 by: Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) Massages are a great way to release tension and stress and promote relaxation. But a new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has revealed for the first time that massages also provide a measurable, therapeutic benefit to the immune system as well.

Dr. Mark Rapaport and his team of researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., evaluated 53 people, 29 of which received 45-minute Swedish massages--one of the most common forms of massage used in the U.S.--and 24 who received gentler, light touch massages. Researchers took blood samples at intervals before and after the massages and found that those who received even just one Swedish massage experienced significant, positive changes in blood composition.

"This research indicates that massage doesn't only feel good, it also may be good for you," explained Dr. Rapaport in a press release. "People often seek out massage as part of a healthy lifestyle but there hasn't been much physiological proof of the body's heightened immune response following massage until now."

Besides experiencing a significant increase in lymphocytes, the white cells in the body that help fight and prevent disease, the Swedish massage group experienced lower cortisol levels as well. Cortisol is the hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

The Swedish massage group also experienced a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone linked with aggressive behavior.

"European-style massage is often used to treat back pain, sleep disorders, and other stress-related disorders," explain Bradley J. Willcox, D. Craig Willcox and Makoto Suzuki in their book The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/029713_massage_immune_system.html#ixzz1mVBc65un

Strengthen Bonds with a Couples Massage at Origins Massage and Bodyworks

Strengthen your Bonds with Couples Massage
Article Submitted by: Victor James Friday, 09 December 2011
The tiring work schedules and gruesome workout sessions can leave you wanting for some pampering to ease off the stress levels. It is seen that the married couples always look up to their partner to massage them back so that they can regain the vigor but the fact is, it works the other way round. Getting massages from someone without any professional understanding of the pressure points or the required techniques that are used to reduce stress can lead to serious muscle spasms.
Instead of providing massages to each other, a couple can search for a professional couples massage service or spa. Nothing can be as intimating and indulging as getting a massage together and listening to the moaning sounds of your partner when a professional massager is giving them a relaxing massage. More and more massage parlors and spas are offering professionals massages for couples these days because of its growing popularity.
It is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the fun. Usually couple massage is taken by married or otherwise in a romantic relationship couples, but it can be a great idea for sisters, best friends, mother and daughter pair or anyone you would like to be with. Apart from that, a couple's massage can also prove to be an amazing wedding gift for your partner. Popular all over the world, this form of massage is most favorite of the people residing in Orange County, California. There are a lot of professional massagers present that provide great massage Orange Country services at reasonable prices. If you are someone who reside in Orange Country and looking for a spa or massage service, the web can be an answer to all your questions. The globalization of the internet has changed the way people think, search and browse and it has made the life of people much easy and quick. The web can be the best medium to find out a great spa or massage service center in your locality. You can also check for ratings of the spas along with the prices in order to get the best possible service within your budget. Make sure that the spa that you have chosen is reputed enough. Go to the testimonial column of the website and check what customers have to say about the services of the massage center or spa. Make a right decision and give your partner an amazing surprise.
Article source: www.articleblast.com

There are so many types of massage, find some modalities that could be best for you!

10 Most Popular Types Of Massage

Which Massage Is Right For You?

By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide

Updated September 26, 2011

Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you.

1) Swedish Massage Therapy

This is the most common type of massage therapy in the United States. It is also known as Swedish massage or simply massage therapy.

Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first. To learn more, read the full article on Swedish massage.

2) Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy massage is massage therapy with the addition of one or more scented plant oils called essential oils to address specific needs.

The massage therapist can select oils that are relaxing, energizing, stress-reducing, balancing, etc. One of the most common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage is lavender.

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to stress-related conditions or conditions with an emotional component. To learn more, read the full article on aromatherapy massage.

3) Hot Stone Massage

Heated, smooth stones are placed on certain points on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body.

The massage therapist may also hold stones and apply gentle pressure with them. The warmth is comforting. Hot stone massage is good for people who have muscle tension but prefer lighter massage. To learn more, read the full article on hot stone massage.

4) Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. The massage therapist uses slower strokes or friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

Deep tissue massage is used for chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems, or recovery from injury. People often feel sore for one to two days after deep tissue massage. To learn more, read the full article on deep tissue massage.

5) Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that uses localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians.

Each point is held for for two to eight seconds to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance.

People are normally pleasantly surprised when they try shiatsu for the first time. It is relaxing yet the pressure is firm, and there is usually no soreness afterwards. To learn more, read the full article on shiatsu.

6) Thai Massage

Like shiatsu, Thai massage aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Thai massage also includes compressions and stretches.

You don't just lie there--the therapist moves and stretches you into a sequence of postures. It's like yoga without doing any work. Thai massage is more energizing than other forms of massage. It is also reduces stress and improves flexibility and range of motion. To learn more, read the full article on thai massage. Also, see photos of a Thai massage session.

7) Pregnancy Massage

Also called prenatal massage, pregnancy massage is becoming increasingly popular with expectant mothers. Massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage know the proper way to position and support the woman's body during the massage, and how to modify techniques.

Pregnancy massage is used to reduce stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pains, and reduce anxiety and depression. The massage is customized to a woman's individual needs. To learn more, read the full article on pregnancy massage.

8) Reflexology

Although reflexology is sometimes called foot massage, it is more than simple foot massage. Reflexology involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot that correspond to organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is very relaxing, especially for people who stand on their feet all day or just have tired, achy feet. To learn more, read the full article on reflexology.

9) Sports Massage

Sports massage is specifically designed for people who are involved in physical activity. But you don't have to be a professional athlete to have one-it's also used by people who are active and work out often. The focus isn't on relaxation but on preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance.

A combination of techniques are used. The strokes are generally faster than Swedish massage. Facilitated stretching is a common technique. It helps to loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

10) Back Massage

Some massage clinics and spas offer 30-minute back massages. If a back massage is not expressly advertised, you can also book a 30- or 40-minute massage and ask that the massage therapist to focus on your back. Massage for Neck and Back Pain?

These are just 10 of the more popular types of massage. There are many more. Learn about more alternative therapies.