NATIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY WEEK

NATIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY WEEK

Every year during the last week in October, National Massage Therapy Week celebrates the massage therapy profession. Also known as National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, the week promotes the many benefits of therapeutic massage.

#NationalMassageTherapyAwarenessWeek

If you have never gotten a massage, you are missing out. Massage promotes many health benefits including relieving stress and tension.

10 Benefits of Massage Therapy

1. Relieves pain

2. Reduces anxiety

3. Improves sleep

4. Promotes relaxation

5. Increases range of motion

6. Reduces chemotherapy-related nausea

7. Eases symptoms of depression

8. Improves cardiovascular health

9. Lowers blood pressure

10. Reduces headache pain and also the frequency of migraines

Those who trained in massage therapy and are educated about its benefits provide the best massages. These specially-trained professionals are called massage therapists. Massage therapists attend a special school where they attain a certificate of massage therapy. They must also take an approved national exam in massage therapy. After passing the exam, a massage therapist applies for a license in the state they are practicing. Throughout their career, they must continue to meet education requirements. Most massage therapists are self-employed.

Massage therapists perform several kinds of massages. Each type of massage is used for a specific purpose. For example, a Swedish massage helps to remove knots in the muscles and relieves tension. An aromatherapy massage boosts the mood and alleviates symptoms of depression. Other types of massages include deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, trigger point massage, reflexology, chair massage, and prenatal massage.

6 MASSAGE THERAPY ACTIVITIES

Members and chapters of the AMTA celebrate this week in fun and unique ways. They hold public massage demonstrations and educational sessions on the benefits of massage therapy. Members of the AMTA also provide massage therapy for charitable events.

1. If you have never had a massage, this is the perfect week to get one.

2. Thank your massage therapist for helping you feel your best.

3. Learn more about the different types of massage.

4. Buy a friend or loved one a gift certificate for a massage.

5. Share your story of how massage therapy has benefited you.

6. Spread awareness for this week on social media with #NationalMassageTherapyAwarenessWeek.

NATIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY AWARENESS WEEK HISTORY

The AMTA started National Massage Therapy Awareness Week in 1997 to raise awareness about the benefits of massage.