But
now, more than ever, the massage is kneading its way
into the mainstream with everyday people getting rubdowns
in record numbers. Adding credence to this ritual
of touch are the scores of health practitioners who
are creating an unprecedented level of legitimacy
in the medical field.
Some
health experts argue that the rhythmic touch of massage--at
the hands of a professional masseuse or masseur--has
physical and mental benefits, making it the cornerstone
of rehabilitative medicine and a major selling point
behind the multimillion-dollar holistic health industry.
According
to the American Massage Therapy Association, therapeutic
massage has been found to lessen the symptoms of insomnia,
arthritis, asthma, chronic and acute pain, sports
injuries and stress. And a recent American Hospital
Association survey found that among hospitals that
utilize complementary alternative therapy, a whopping
82 percent surveyed use massage therapy for pain management
and relief.
The
word must be getting out in the 'hood, too, as national
statistics indicate that nearly 20 percent of all
adults have had a massage within the last year, and
about one-third of them are African-Americans.
CNN
Headline News health anchor Kat Carney began getting
professional massages about two years ago, and today
she swears by her bi-monthly treatments. "I used to
be really tense, especially from working in the news
industry," Carney says. "Sometimes, I didn't realize
it when the tension was there, especially around my
neck and shoulders."
On
a whim, Carney received the Thai massage because she
heard that it relieved stress. Today she loves the
Thai massage technique so much that she vacationed
in Thailand to, in her words, "experience the most
authentic version available ... all day, every day.
They say that the Thai massage is the lazy man's yoga.
You lie on the floor mat and the masseuse is sometimes
standing on you, or walking on you. He is pulling
you into different positions and you just relax into
it," she says. "I received 4-5 hours of massage every
day for 12 days. I've never been so relaxed. All my
stress is gone."
Massage
moves: Rejuvenate, relax, renew
If
you're a novice, you may not want to begin with the
strenuous Thai massage treatment, advises licensed,
nationally certified therapist Amber Blevins, assistant
spa manager of the Relache Spa at the Gaylord Texan
Resort and Convention Center in Dallas.
"The
Swedish massage, a basic, all-over massage, is great
for first-time clients," Blevins says. "Time Swedish
technique is more therapeutic, and it allows you to
get comfortable with massaging. This technique improves
your circulation--which is the No. 1 benefit of massage--and
also assists with stress, sleeplessness or headaches."
Other
popular massage techniques include the therapeutic
deep-tissue massage that penetrates the deeper layers
of muscle to relieve past injuries or chronic pain;
the healing stone massage, which incorporates smooth,
warm river stones to caress the body in sequence with
your masseuse's moves; and the Shiatsu massage, a
fully-clothed massage that utilizes the Japanese pressure-point
technique to reduce tension.
Stop
making excuses--go pamper yourself!
So
what's holding you back from the throes of pure relaxation?
Here
are a few popular excuses:
NO
MONEY. You don't have to wait until payday to get
a massage--many salons offer affordable massage treatments
to suit your taste and budget.
In
Chicago, the Honey Child Salon and Spa offers the
"Twenty Minute Table Tune-Up" a 20-minute relaxing
massage (fully clad) for just $25. If you're going
to need a little more than that, you can also opt
for the $150 "Tandem" massage treatment, where two
therapists rejuvenate your body simultaneously.
NO
TIME. Time is money. And if you have even less time
than you do money, you can still get access to a set
of soothing hands.
In
California, the Health Spa Napa Valley offers several
"compressed" spa packages for clients on the go, such
as the 25-minute "De-Stress Massage" that concentrates
on tension-retaining areas such as the neck. Many
spas all across the country recognize that you shouldn't
have to spend hours at a time to get a little relaxation
unless you absolutely want to, and offer similar spa
indulges that you can experience during your lunch
hour.
NO
BABY-SITTER. Do you need a baby-sitter? Okay, many
salons offer big, playful romper rooms for your children--complete
with qualified attendants--so that busy morns and
doting dads can go and relax in peace.
NO
SPOUSE-SITTER. Need a baby-sitter for your grouchy
spouse? Okay, many newer spas offer spa treatment
rooms exclusively for couples so that the two of you
can unwind and relax together.
GUILTY
CONSCIENCE. Every working Sister may feel a pang of
guilt whenever she considers doing something for herself.
Blevins says that you need to get over it. "It's normal
to feel guilty because motherhood is a full-time job,"
she says. "But ... the more you receive, the more
you'll have to give to others.
You can't take yourself out of the equation."
And
Bettye Odom, owner of Bettye O. Day Spa in Chicago,
says it's essential to take that "me" time so that
you can rejuvenate and be ready to take on life's
next challenge or even enjoy life's next pleasure.
"Especially with African-Americans, there's always
someone else who we're concerned about. You have to
learn to be a bit selfish--treat yourself well, so
you can be good to somebody else," says Odom, who
opened her South Side spa in 1978. "You should try
to do it every day if you can afford it, every week
if you think you can afford it, but at least every
couple of weeks."
STRESSED
ABOUT GETTING UNDRESSED? You don't have to take your
clothes off to enjoy a good massage, says avid massage
recipient Kat Carney. "Call your spa ahead of time
and talk with your massage therapist," she says. "Let
him or her know your concerns about getting undressed.
Remember, you can always wear your undergarments or
even a bathing suit and still receive an effective
massage."
Blevins
agrees, adding that you can also choose the person
who will give you the massage. "Have a one-on-one
conversation with the therapist, and tell him or her
that you'd prefer to wear your undergarments. And
you can always request a male or female. You should
be totally relaxed about your experience."
How
to get the most from your spa experience
1
Make sure you are dealing with a certified, licensed
massage therapist operating out of a clean, reputable
salon.
2
Visit your doctor prior to scheduling a massage to
make certain that you do not have any pre-existing
health conditions that could be aggravated. Also,
give your massage therapist accurate information about
any injuries or health concerns that may be worsened
by stretching or rigorous, rhythmic touching.
3
Do not eat prior to your session.
4
Communicate with your therapist before (i.e., letting
him/ her know your needs), during (i.e., letting him/her
know if you feel any discomfort or if the room isn't
suitable to your taste) and after your massage. Let
your therapist know immediately if you feel there
is inappropriate action going on.
5
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment
so that you can unwind; if you're running late or
arrive in a rushed state of mind, it will be harder
for you to relax during your massage.
6
Relax your body. Take a deep breath and let your masseuse/masseur
do the job. Tightening your muscles during a massage
is counterproductive.
7
Drink hydrating fluids immediately after your massage,
Also, unwind in a quiet room or rest area to fully
absorb the benefits of your session.
COPYRIGHT
2004 Johnson Publishing Co.
Article
provided by with permission by www.massagelotion.net
