Is massage therapy a luxury?
This is a perception that is rapidly changing as massage becomes increasingly accepted as a natural part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, according to one media characterization, “massage is to the human body what a tune-up is to a car. It provides a physical boost to the weary, sore and stressed.” An increasing body of clinical research confirms that massage reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, boosts the immune system, and increases endorphins (all may enhance medical treatment).
In many countries, massage therapy is an integral and important part of the healthcare system, with massage therapists working alongside doctors. While many physicians support the discipline to get a massage on a regular basis. America is the only developed country where massage therapy is not yet an official part of the healthcare system. However, as U.S. health insurance providers increasingly look to prevention, they are beginning to extend coverage on some plans to include complementary medicine and the practice of massage therapy.
