Newspaper Page Text
, .;y : -Slf ;
Health
Photo Media Bakery
by BETH ANNE Bl Ac k
The Benefits of Massage
Many people think of a massage as
an expensive, indulgent luxury. However, enjoying a
massage has become more commonplace, and stud
ies show that it provides many health benefits.
"Research has suggested that massage is an
excellent technique for relaxation that improves the
body's response to stress," says Dr. Lee Litvinas, who
integrates alternative therapies with conventional
health care in Charlottesville, Va. (pop. 45,049).
The power of massage lies in its ability to improve
immune function, stimulate muscle tissue, and encour
age blood flow through key areas of the body. Proper
blood flow revives sore muscles and relieves pain, espe
cially in the neck, shoulders and lower back.
People have discovered that massage can help a
wide range of medical conditions, including anxiety,
circulatory problems, depression, headache, insomnia,
sports injuries and all types of stress, Litvinas says.
Massage returns the body to its normal state
(homeostasis) and repairs the chemical imbalanc
es caused by stress. "Studies show that massage
decreases certain stress hormones," he explains.
While it's easy to see why massage can be relax
ing, some people feel uneasy about disrobing in
front of a complete stranger. Fortunately, there are
simple steps to help you make the most of your mas
sage experience.
Denise Logsdon, a certified massage therapist
based in Louisville, Ky., provides these tips:
• Be honest when completing the health form prior
to the appointment. Some medical conditions
such as pregnancy and varicose veins require cer
tain considerations.
• The office or clinic should be clean at all times; fresh
sheets and blankets should always be available.
• Expect the massage therapist to treat you with
respect at all times. You should have privacy when
disrobing and while positioning yourself on the mas
sage table.
• If you are uncomfortable about disrobing completely,
wear gym shorts or keep your underclothes on during
the massage.
• Do not expect the massage therapist to judge you
about your body, cellulite or unshaven legs. The
goal is to relax, so don't worry about those few extra
pounds.
• Select a qualified massage therapist. Thirty-seven
states require licensing for massage therapists. Cre
dentials may originate from massage school cer
tificates, national certification or membership in the
American Massage Therapy Association.
• If an hour-long massage is too expensive, some mas
sage centers offer 30-minute massages at a lower cost.
• Let your massage therapist know about any pain
you're experiencing so he or she can properly treat
these areas. Always speak up about what you need,
particularly if the pressure of the massage is too light
or too deep.
• Check your health insurance policy to see if it covers
massage therapy. Some insurance plans maintain a
list of massage therapists who give their policyholders
a discount.
If you’re looking for a local massage ther
apist, the American Massage Therapy
Association maintains a list of therapists
who have met certain standards. Call
(847) 864-0123 or visit www.amtamassage.org
for more information
Betbanne Black is a freelance writer in Dacula. Ga.
Nurturing the
Nurturer
by KATHY PEEL
Today s moms are extremely
busy, with laundry, food preparation,
house cleaning and keeping track of
their family’s schedule. Many even hold
down a full- or part-time job, or work
as a volunteer in the community. So the
real challenge for women is carving out
time each day for self-care.
But taking time daily to nurture your
self pays off in many ways. You have more
energy. Your body bounces back quicker
from minor illnesses. You feel better
about yourself and have more emotional
strength to weather life's storms.
Finding time for self-care is not as hard
as you might think. There are plenty of
nurturing things you can do for yourself,
even if you only have a few minutes.
You can . . .
• Give yourself a mini-facial.
• Read a chapter in an inspirational book.
• Slice some raw veggies and store them
front and center in your fridge so they’re
easy to grab.
• Walk around the block.
• Take your vitamins.
• Do some crunches while you're watching
the news.
• Climb the stairs instead of riding the
elevator.
• Make an appointment for a mammogram.
• Sign up for the kick-boxing class your
friend has been raving about.
• Make a list of things you are thankful for.
• Fill a pitcher with water and float some
lemon slices in it. Every time you walk into
your kitchen, drink an 8-ounce glass.
• Do online research to learn about adult
education classes offered at a local college.
• Play soothing music and give yourself per
mission to close your eyes and rest for a few
minutes.
Kathy Peel is founder of Family Manager Coaches,
lasam more at wtcw.familymanager.com
Rate This Story
How did you like this story? Log on
to www.americanprofile.com/rate
Page 4
•American Profile