It is recommended that a massage once every 1-4 weeks is beneficial for good health. However your goal in health maintenance will determine the frequency of a massage. Medical massage is performed in shorter sessions regularly. Athletes receive massages according to their workout schedule. Depending on your goal and needs, “the accumulative effect of massage is greater than the benefit of any one treatment session” (I believe Dr. Yates said it first). Long term goals should be discussed with your therapist to establish a clear direction and protocol. It is noted that Bob Hope lived to be 100 and received a massage on a daily basis. Your therapist may recommend two to three times a week usually targeting a specific area. Those who have trouble falling asleep at night, feel stressed or depressed, or suffer from a chronic condition, then once a week is sufficient. For others, once a week works well to give them a feeling of complete balance.

Depending on the issues one is looking to release, stress reduction usually makes someone search for a massage treatment. A good relationship between the therapist and the client will assist in relaxation and measurable improvement depending on the individual. In regards to serious issues relating to soft tissue inflammation, chronic muscle spasm, or any other soft tissue injury, the therapist may incorporate suitable modalities to improve movement on the client. The bigger issue is whether or not a massage can actually assist with your unique condition. The therapist must know what unique condition one may have to make an accurate assessment. (It is important for one to evaluate your therapist before you book an appointment. Ask questions. By evaluating your therapist, one can make a determination as to how much your therapist is experienced in their field.)

In the US and abroad a massage is often performed in a dimly lit room. Most massages are European which expectations are to disrobe so that the therapist can use lotions, oils or cream to assist in releasing muscle tension and have a better flow on the body. Comfort, control and ease should always be your focal point. Usually your first massage, you may feel a bit awkward but you should never feel uneasy, judge or out of control. Some active or passive movement can be soft or strong in the massage. Good communication between you and your therapist will allow you to guide your treatment according to your requirements.

Physical and mental benefits of massage include but not limited to the following:

• Aids in mental relaxation
• Assists in recovery from injuries and illness
• Calms the nervous system
• Diminishes chronic pain
• Enhances skin tone
• Improves concentration
• Increases flexibility and range of motion
• Loosens tight muscles
• Lowers blood pressure
• Lowers heart rate
• Promotes restful sleep
• Reduces mental stress
• Reduces tension headaches
• Relaxes the whole body
• Relieves tired and aching muscles
• Strengthens the immune system

The result of pain is that of toxicity levels in the body. Poor circulation accumulates lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes in the body. It is important to restore optimal tissue health and in order for this to happen, the sore areas need to be cleansed with fresh lymph and blood. Many factors may be the cause of the pain problem.

Poor nutrition and posture habits, tissue toxicity, myofascial strain and nerve compression from the misalignment of bones are among the most common reasons.

Qualifications can vary from state to state. In Colorado, a massage therapist is required to have at least 700 hours of hands on clinical experience and extensive classroom studies of anatomy, physiology, clinic massage, business, integrative massage, massage I, II, III, palpation of anatomy, sports massage, body centered therapy, diet and nutrition.

Communication from both the therapist and the client. There is a trust, sensitivity and strength that flow between client and therapist, as well as, knowledge of the body’s systems. An added feature is the comfortable relaxing environment.

Spa massage has a general standard of movements, though not always. There are strict guidelines that therapist must follow which include tight schedules that keep them moving like a conveyor belt. On the other hand, Massage Therapy Centers, (though not always), have more control over their own schedule and usually can perform specific sessions. One usually receives a better massage because the therapist can focus on a specific need, as each person is unique.

Massage therapy is rooted for caring in each individual, unlike standardized medicine. This tells a person that there is not one “standard protocol.”

Massage increases circulation of blood and lymph while releasing cellular debris. Water gives the body the necessary hydration needed to sustain the cleansing process. Life is sustained by water, which is vital for all life forms. So drink plenty of water, but not too much, it is estimated that a person needs somewhere between 5-10 8oz glasses of water a day. Depending on the size of the person and how active they are will depend on the amount of water intake.

Depending on the disease or symptom you are suffering from, there are a few methods, i.e. pain, muscle aches, immune disorders, cellular debris, heart disease and some cancers, accumulation of cellular oxygen depletion, toxicity, lymphatic congestion, cellular malnutrition and chemical, general systemic hormonal and emotional imbalances may cause suppression of the normal healthy body. The major contributing factor to all of the above condition is stress. Massage cleanses the tissue at the cellular level while expelling toxic waste, circulating nutrition to healthy cells, and provide relaxation and a natural increase of endorphins that makes you feel fabulous. (Research proves that stress causes genetic breakdown which causes premature aging. On another level, research proves that genetic mutation brings to life certain cancer cells. So as noted, stress and tension are deadly as once previously thought.)