Massage Therapy Schools - Why and for Whom

''If I'd known I was going to live this long. I'd have taken better care of myself'' -- Eubie Blake at the age of 100

Such a work driven society we live in today, it's very easy to be led into a monotonous routine. Bed to desk, desk to dinner table then back to bed! The few luxuries that we afford ourselves are the few minutes of conversation during breaks, the cigarette and the occasional outing. Rarely do any of these contribute constructively to our ever degenerating bodies. Even athletic individuals concentrate more on the wear and tear (jogging, exercising), relying on the regenerative functions of the body to reign supreme. That just might work for us till a certain age, but what then?

Incremental bulge of the belly, stiffness of both body and mind, pressure on joints and the ever imposing ''age-factor'' make us all the more prone to physical and (the correlated or otherwise) mental stress vis-a-vis back pains, headaches, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, insomnia, injuries, reduced blood flow to the muscles (including erectile dysfunction), PMS pains and what not! Blue collar or white collar, athletes or stay at home parents; we all are dependent on our bodies to keep us in action. Society has come to that junction where primary medical facilities are just not keeping pace anymore! Where do we turn to then?

Massage therapy just might be the answer to our prayers. Being a naturally sensual treatment, it is most definitely enjoyable. More important is the fact that its various forms are able to treat the majority of the body. Imagine having the skill to offer relief from pain and discomfort in muscles and joints, which in turn results in a feeling of well being, not just physical but mental as well. Now imagine being at the receiving end of such a skill!

''The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and

do what you'd rather not.''- Mark Twain

Not anymore Mr. Twain, not anymore.

For Athletes

An athlete's body takes quite a beating at times, requiring even more intensive rehabilitative treatment. Almost all types of massage therapies work wonders by reducing tension in the muscles, lactic acid build up (that may cause pain and inflammation) and enhancing blood flow (for better muscle growth=power, stamina and speed!)1. Therapeutic massage is sometimes preferred over pain medications!2 It is especially useful for individuals recovering from an injury of sorts.

Interesting Fact: Massage was offered as a ''core medical service'' for the first time in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta!3

For Men
Certain forms of massage therapy are very effective for increasing the sexual drive and performance of men. The focus is on enhancing the blood flow to specific parts of the body; which in turn speeds up the healing and recovery process of the desired muscles.4 Prostate Massage among other varieties of massage therapy works wonders for men with cavernous dysfunction or who are looking to improve their persona and built.5

For Women
Women have reported relief from pelvic pain after some massage therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure (a needleless alternative). Of particular interest is reflexology; a technique that uses manual pressure on strategic points on the ears, hands, and feet; which has been successful in reducing PMS symptoms for most women!6

Interesting Fact: 77% of the companies identified as the ''100 Best for Working Mothers'' offer massage therapy to employees - ''American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)''7

For Couples

The daily grind, pressure and worries have a significant impact on the intimacy and passion between couples. It is now easy to prolong that essential string of companionship and keep the fire alive by giving your partner a sensual massage. It serves not only to create intensity, but reaffirms mutual love and care…letting your body and hands speak to each other. Often couples also avail the facility of receiving a dual massage, or learning it hands on from a professional masseur or masseuse in quick easy ways.8

The Conclusion:

''The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing''. - Hippocrates 460 B.C

Interesting Fact: In 1990, one third of the US population used some form of complimentary approach to health care, and by the year 2010 at least two thirds will!9

A refreshing experience combined with fruits for marital and personal issues; massage therapy is fast becoming an essential tool for physicians, sports therapists and trainers. With its ever increasing popularity amongst sports professionals, the young as well as the old; massage therapy colleges are becoming alternative hotbeds for budding medical professionals and part time specialists.

Interesting Fact: According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for massage therapists is expected to increase 20 percent annually from 2006 to 2016, faster than average for all occupations!9 The silver lining in the dark cloud that is the ongoing recession, more and more professionals and prospective students are lining up for massage therapy programs for either a promising career as a specialist, an edge in today's competitive medicine industry or for a better lifestyle for themselves.

Interesting Fact: In 2005, massage therapy was projected to be a $6 to $11 billion a year industry!9
As for the recipients, hang in there...masseuses and masseurs are on their way!

References:

1) Elizabeth Quinn. Does therapeutic sports massage improve performance or recovery
sportsmedicine [dot] about [dot] com/od/injuryprevention/a/Sports_Massage.htm

2) Tim Gorman. Massage Therapies for Arthritis Have Been Proven To Be Effective In Providing Arthritis Pain Relief

ezinearticles [dot] com/?Massage-Therapies-for-Arthritis-Have-Been-Proven-To-Be-Effective-In-Providing-Arthritis-Pain-Relief n id=437411

3) National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
www [dot] ncbtmb [dot] org/consumers_massage_facts.php

4) Massotherapy www [dot] massagetoday [dot] com/aboutmt/
5) www [dot] prostate-massage-and-health [dot] com/

6) Premenstrual Syndrome - Other Treatments
www [dot] healthcentral [dot] com/ency/408/guides/000079_10.html

7) www [dot] amtamassage [dot] org/pdf/2005MTIndustryFactSheet.pdf

8) Francis Murphy. Tips on Sensual ezinearticles [dot] com/?Tips-on-Sensual-Massagenid=2789430

9) 2009 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet www [dot] amtamassage [dot] org/news/MTIndustryFactSheet.html

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