It's Finally Here! International Massage Therapy Week
Massages, once considered a luxury of the rich and famous, have broken their way into alternative healing circles, and now, are even being touted in more traditional medical fields.
National studies show the increasing popularity and high regard for massage therapy as a valid form of alternative and complementary medicine. And the timing couldn’t be more perfect, considering that International Massage Week is fast approaching, taking place from July 15 – 21.
The intent of International Massage Week is to increase attention and encourage the world’s population to consider massage therapy as vital component in individual health regimens.
Proven health benefits in massage therapy include a decrease in pain, stress, depression and anxiety. A qualified expert can manipulate tissue to better flexibility, posture, circulation and athletic performance.
Les Sweeney, the president of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and nationally certified massage therapist recently stated that, "[i]t's pretty impressive that fully one in six American adults sought out massage therapy during 2006.” An estimated 75 million visits to massage therapists and bodywork practitioners take place each year, with approximately $2 to $4 billion spent annually.