Why Should I Get a Massage?
A Brief History Of Massage
Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man. Records dating back as far as 3,000 years were made by the Chinese documenting its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians used forms a massage for some ailments and Hippocrates wrote papers recommentding the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulartory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven a benefit to many chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis and bursitis. Massage helps relieve stress and tension of everyday living.
Can Massage, Bodywork, Or Somatic Therapies Benefit Me?
Massage provides relief to people from all walks of life -- the weekend or competitive athlete, the home gardener, the over-stressed executive struggling to keep pace in today economy. Secretaries, laborers, waitresses-anyone can feel a need for massage at some point in time. The older population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances the flexibility and circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard.
There are some conditions where massage is not recommended, however. Your practitioner should ask for information regarding any specific health conditions from which you may be suffering in order to determine if massage or bodywork therapies are contraindicated. In some cases, the practitioner may need your doctor's permission before providing services.
Will My Insurance Cover Massage Or Bodywork Services?
If you are in a car accident or have a job related injury covered by workers compensation, insurance may cover massage or bodywork therapies when prescribed by a physician. If your insurance covers chiropractic or osteopathic services, the services of a bodywork professional may be covered when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. The best thing to do is check with your insurance company to see exactly what is covered under what circumstances. Also ask your therapist if they are able to file insurance. You can take the fees off your tax return, as other professional services, under medical deductions.
Finding A Qualified Practitioner
Your massage or bodywork therapy service should be provided by a professional who has received proper training and is licensed. Don't hesitate to ask practitioners about their background, training and experience. Referrals from friends can usually be relied upon. Members of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals have met stringent requirements regarding training and must adhere to a strict code of ethics in order to remain members. ABMP offers a referral service to the public and will provide you with a list of practitioners in your area. For information call 800-458-2267 or visit their website at www.abmp.com
Types of Massage And Bodywork Therapies
There are a variety of bodywork techniques. Here are brief descriptions of just a few.
- Swedish Massage: The most common form of massage, Swedish mainly relaxes the muscles and eases aches and pains.
- Sports Massage: For the athlete, sports massage techniques are utilized at all stages, pre-event, post-event, during training and to expedite rehabilitation after injury.
- Polarity: Balances the energetic systems of the body
- Reflexology: Massage of the feet, hands and/or ears. Stimulates correspoinding areas on the body.
- Seated Massage: Utilizes a specialized chair, and can be carried into offices. A seated massage id oven over your clothes. Your head, neck and back are worked on in a 10 minute session. Arms and hands can be added in a 15 minute session.
There are more than 150 variations of massage and bodywork therapy tecniques. Many practitioners utilize an intergration of techniques.
Taking Care Of Yourself
Care of your body should be at the top of your priority list. You will feel and look better if your take the necessary steops regarding health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage and bodywork therapies could play an important role in your life.
Massage For Pain & Emotional Problems
With many chronic ailments, massage can releive the pain and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate the need to take harmful chemical drugs which will unnecessarily burden the liver, kidneys and other vital organs.
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