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Different Strokes for Different Folks

By Rani Yovetich

Massage: A body rub given to improve circulation and relax muscles. We all know a massage feels good, but may not realize all the benefits a massage has to offer.

Massage Therapy is a fabulous preventive medicine practice. You only need to have a massage bi-weekly or even monthly to reap the benefits and rewards. Massage Therapy not only relieves stress and lowers blood pressure, but boosts your immune system as well. As the definition out of Webster's Dictionary states, massage increases circulation. Increased circulation improves the function of your cardiovascular system, digestive system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, and every other system in your body. Yes, it can even improve your breathing and reduce the time your sick when suffering from a cold. There are specific strokes for different ailments.

PLUS, regular Massage Therapy can reduce the sight of cellulite. Don't believe me? Have you ever tried one of those ?miracle creams? that reduce unsightly cellulite? They are very thick and it takes about five minutes to rub them in. Well, you do that twice a day and your skin will become more elastic from the ingredients in the cream and the frequent massage gets the blood flowing to the problem area. Cardiovascular exercise is truly the only way to rid your body of cellulite, but frequent massages will decrease the sight of it.

I worked as a Body Wrap Specialist before getting certified as a Personal Trainer. I witnessed obese women with little to NO visible cellulite. They would come in two to three times per week. The herbs in the body wraps would improve skin tone and the heat would increase circulation. I kid you not, they looked incredible! Personally, I would prefer a massage to laying around in a Gordon's Fisherman suit while wrapped up like a mummy.

Massage Therapy relaxes muscles. Many people self-diagnose themselves with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome when the numbness they are experiencing is actually a result of tight muscles pinching nerves. The same goes for sciatica, shoulder and elbow pain. I am not saying Massage Therapy is an alternative to seeing a doctor, but you know my theory on unnecessary surgeries - try everything else first!

I had a client that every time she did shrugs, she would get dizzy. I started sending her to a massage therapist at the end of each session, after the shrugs. Within a month, she could do shrugs without any pain or dizziness. Her recurring headaches went away and she began to feel better. Many people wake up daily with aches and pains. Massage Therapy can temporarily relieve that pain. As you get older, or become more inactive, certain muscles become tighter, while their antagonist muscles become weaker, causing pinched nerves and aches and pains. I have personal experience with a knowledgeable Massage Therapist alleviating pains that would not go away otherwise, and I tried everything.

If you do not feel quite comfortable taking your clothes off for a complete stranger, try a Craniosacral massage. Craniosacral massage therapy focuses on the spine and head only. You may stay totally dressed, giving you the opportunity to get acquainted with your Massage Therapist. The basis for Craniosacral massage therapy is to use light touch to create a rhythm within the fluid that flows up and down your spine and manipulate the bones of your head. This is a very relaxing massage used to alleviate stress, neck and back pain, eye problems, depression, chronic fatigue, and is particularly helpful with head trauma.

There are many different kinds of massage therapy. All work their magic in their own special way. I suggest finding a Massage Therapist knowledgeable in numerous forms of massage. That way, he/she can choose the right massage for your individual body based on your preference and health assessment. However, many states do not have a licensing law, so please look for a Massage Therapist with a National Certification. Of course, it is important that you feel comfortable with your Massage Therapist so you can relax fully and truly enjoy the moment.

Many insurance companies will cover Massage Therapy if referred by a doctor. My goal is to have all insurance companies cover one massage a month as preventive medicine. It would be a healthier, more relaxed world if they did!

About the Author:

Rani Yovetich is a personal trainer, certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She had her own health and fitness column in a local newspaper and her work has been published in Next Step Magazine. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached via