Massage Therapy 101

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) sixty-five to eighty-five percent of people have back pain at some point in life. Based on recent findings of the American Alliance of Cancer Pain Initiatives (AACPI) a staggering 1 in 3 Americans lose more than 20 hours of sleep each month due to pain. These overwhelming numbers have forced many people to develop their own regimen of pain prevention and well-being.

More and more people are leaning towards Massage Therapy as a form of preventative care. Massage therapy seeks to rebalance the body and focus special attention to problem areas or concerns. A skilled massage practitioner will customize a treatment plan to suit the needs of the individual client. There are over 250 massage techniques used today. With its origins rooted in ancient China to the ever popular American adapted Swedish Massage, clients can enjoy a wide range of modalities from Acupressure to Zone therapy.

A basic Swedish or Classic massage will do more than just alleviate tired, aching muscles. The benefits of massage are both physical and mechanical in nature. Massage helps to reduce stress, relieve insomnia, stimulate sluggish lymph flow, increase muscle tone, promote positive self awareness, increase joint flexibility, decrease anxiety, and promote an overall sense of well being.

From infants to geriatrics, and all ages in between, the demand for massage is growing. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage proves to be popular among all age groups. The reason for this can be attributed to the rise of spa chains, which offers a wide range of massage treatments at a discounted rate. This allows people from every socio-economic background to enjoy the countless benefits of massage.

Massage is more than just a trend; its rich history is rooted in understanding the complexities of the human body, and helping the public understand ways to deal with common stressors and chronic pain. The future of massage is BRIGHT, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics credits the rise of massage to the growing number of people learning of its true benefits. This leads me to ask one important question. When was your last massage?

Article provided by Shawnqna "Che" Chinn, L.M.T., Massage Therapy Instructor, International School of Skin and Nailcare, Atlanta, GA.