Massage is not a Luxury

I haven't blogged in a while, and this topic has been on my heart for weeks, so I am putting it out here for you to chew on.

Massage is not a luxury, it is a means of healthy living. I am not saying I know a whole heck of a lot about healthy living, look at my photo and you can probably tell that I am an overweight young woman. I am vehemently working on that as I have all my life. But I do know a heck of a lot about massage and I continue learning all the time. I say massage is not a luxury becuase that is how most people see it. For the wealthy and the affluent massage may look like a way to lose yourself for an hour a week or every other week, but it is so much more than that. For the middle class and working class massage looks like something only the rich and priviliged are allowed. THIS IS NOT SO!

Massage as a means of healthy living and rejuvination can be available to everyone and should be. I agree that it is expensive right now, but there are ways around that. You should see massage as a way of helping with medical treatments. It is like your favorite necklace with all your outfits: it goes with all your health care regimens.

Massage can help with almost any medical problem, stress problem, emotional disorder, chronic disease, etc. I AM NOT SAYING MASSAGE CURES THESE THINGS OR TAKES THE PLACE OF MEDICAL CARE! I am saying massage helps with the medical care and can help with some of the areas medical care can't.

Massage can help you relax which helps your breathing, in turn getting more oxygen to your entire body to function better: think of this as a tune up for your car to get the oil, air, and gas moving properly.

Massage can boost circulation, carrying more oxygen and nutrients to your entire body and carrying toxins away to expel them: think of this as having your ducts cleaned and flooding your house with clean fresh air now that the toxic junk has been removed.

Massage can release more good hormones and chemical in your body to help your body deal with depression and mood disorders and some hormonal imbalances: think of this as a huge gulp of air when you surface from a deep dive in the pool.

Massage is not for the wealthy or something you only do when you're on a nice vacation. Massage is a way to feel good and if you can't afford $60 for an hour consider these alternatives:
1) Ask for a half hour session at $30 an hour
2) Ask if you are eligible for any discounts, you'd be surprised
3) Ask if you can trade a service you provide for massage
4) Get massage less often, but still get it (monthly or every other week)
5) Go to a school's clinic and get an hour for the price of a half hour
6) See if your insurance will cover your massages, many do now
7) Ask your doctor or chiropractor if they offer massage as part of thier office sessions
8) Your gym may offer massage as a side feature for very low cost to you as part of membership
9) Your office may offer massage at a discount right in the office, take your legal 15 minute break and get a massage
10) When you take a cruise or exotic vacation get a massage instead of a bar package, your body will thank you.
11) Ask for massage as gifts intead of things you don't need
12) Budget for massage as part of your health care budget expenses
13) Get massage instead of one of your mani/pedi appointments each month, you don't have to breath the harsh chemicals and its more comfortable than sitting in an uncomfortable chair trying to talk to someone that doesn't speak the same language as you
14) Talk to your massage therapist, many of us will offer you a discount or figure out a way to get you in without the highest price
15) If you can afford massage please continue to get them at regular price so your therapist can help people not as fortunate in life as you.