For everyone who thinks getting a massage is only for ladies of leisure, think again! Massages are now for overworked Moms, stressed out executives, and even anxious college students. And, with daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social, as well as the abundance of inexpensive day spas, it doesn't have to be expensive.
According to the staff at the Mayo Clinic, in an article on their website, "massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure techniques."
Massage is part of the larger practice of relaxation therapy which can help everything from headaches to sore muscles to blood pressure control. Robert Ballett is CEO and creator of Just 1 Touch Mobile Spa Services and has massaged more then 10,000 women in his career. In an interview for this article he wanted to emphasize that "everyone should partake of some form of stress relief. Massage therapy has in the past been viewed as only for the elites of society but our health conscience society has pushed massage therapy to the forefront of relaxation. It has become an affordable form of stress relief. In today's day and age stress does not discriminate. We all have to deal with stress on some level."
Mr. Ballett, also dubbed the Massage Mogul, believes there are five main benefits one can receive from a massage. He says massage therapy can:
1.Relax tight muscles
2. Relax the mind
3. Assist in lowering blood pressure
4. Help detox the body
5. Promote proper blood circulation
When asked what a perfect massage should give the client, Mr. Ballet answered, "Satisfaction!" He continued, "A good massage should comprise perfect pressure, and send the body and mind into a state of relaxational bliss. I also believe the environment is essential to a good massage. Music, candle, lighting are all equally important and should be a part of any therapist technique."
Massages can provide some great benefits but only if they are done well. "Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day," reads an article from the Mayo Clinic staff on their website. "But massage shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn't feel right or is painful, speak up right away. Most serious problems come from too much pressure during massage."
Massages can be done almost anywhere from a beach-side cabana to a private spa and with the growing popularity of mobile spas, such as Just 1 Touch, they can even be done in a hotel room or one's own home. Massages are not only for the rich and famous or those who have the time and money to lounge in a spa all day. They are for everyone everywhere and can provide some positive (and relaxing) results.
Source: Article from the Mayo Clinic staff, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/massage/SA00082
Personal Interview of Robert Ballett, CEO and creator of Just 1 Touch Mobile Spa Services
Edited by Jody Smith