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Is it worth it?
With school
massage you are entering a situation where you are usually getting
a massage at a reduced rate by a student. If saving money is paramount
in your search for massage then this is one way to do it.
Similar to
hair styling at a beauty college, where you could save money by
having a student do your hair, you may be helping a student, but
are cheating yourself? The therapists who have developed their
skill and professionalism usually don't stick around schools earning
a small cut of a small fee. When they are good they usually interview
and get hired by Day Spas or Wellness Centers.
Massage is
one of the most relaxing, healthful ways to get the sparkle back.
What environment/therapist
is right for you? This is a question you should consider. If you
take the time to look over some of the information provided on
this site, it will provide you with valuable insight in choosing
where and when to go for massage.
Learn about:
- School therapy
- Membership clubs
- Day Spa Massage
- Laws and Etiquette
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The
Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork
treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and
more, massage can:
- Alleviate
low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist
with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease medication
dependence.
- Enhance
immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s
natural defense system.
- Exercise
and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes
of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve
the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase
joint flexibility.
- Lessen
depression and anxiety.
- Promote
tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch
marks.
- Pump oxygen
and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce
postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce
spasms and cramping.
- Relax and
soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release
endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve
migraine pain.
A Powerful
Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives
we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons
we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management),
massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress
related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally,
than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether
in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without
a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
- Decreased
anxiety.
- Enhanced
sleep quality.
- Greater
energy.
- Improved
concentration.
- Increased
circulation.
- Reduced
fatigue.
Furthermore,
clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving
a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be
just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes
cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows
that with massage:
- Arthritis
sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic
children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air
flow.
- Burn injury
patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High blood
pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure,
anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual
syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
- Preterm
infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues
to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating
chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating
the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community
is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral
part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals
are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas
to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage
frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking
part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge
part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with
each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent
intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just
because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is
any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary
piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner
to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs. |
