High amounts of stress, elevated blood pressure, and sugary caffeine drinks are elements of everyday life for 4 or 5 billion people worldwide. Most individuals don't even recognize, much less acknowledge, the stress that they are under at work is slowly affecting their life at home. Like a boiling teapot, pressure builds up to a sudden release. People and families hopefully take periodic vacations to let off steam and relax, but in this economy, vacations are quickly becoming a fleeting wish that never becomes realized.
The simplest and always overlooked solution is not a pill or shot, but massage therapy. Forget those fancy overpriced chairs with the rollers. Massage therapy has been relied upon for hundreds and thousands of years by Eastern and European cultures as a means to reduce muscle fatigue, overall stress, and improve circulation and health. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans have yet to experience the benefits of massage therapy to deal with the pressures of everyday life.
Some corporations recognize the benefits of massage therapy and make provisions for the executives to receive the benefits of massages. A little secret is that one doesn't need to be an "executive" to partake. Most individuals aren't executives, but suffer from the same kinds of stress day in and day out.
The idea of massage therapy never occurs to the majority of people. That's why gift certificates are always a shocking surprise. Treat friends and reward employees with a much needed visit to a professional massage. After a therapeutic massage experience, the appreciation from friends or employee will be visible. It's relaxation without an expensive flight ticket and hotel stay. Some people would never give a gift like a massage without first ensuring the quality of the gift. This is the perfect opportunity to justify a visit to a professional massage center. "Testing" out a massage is really the only way to ensure that you give a quality gift.
There are several types of therapeutic massage, ranging from Swedish massage, to sports massage, to chair massage, and more. Each kind of massage has distinct health benefits, and most can be adapted to busy lifestyle environments. There are many benefits to getting a "real" massage from a live person instead of a massage from massage gizmo purchased from a store. One benefit is that a legitimate massage from a licensed massage therapist provides focused, targeted treatment to soothe aches, pains, and stress, and the massage therapist can act upon your feedback to ensure that you receive the individualized attention your body needs.
by Daniel P. Elliot
