Jinsei Journal
6 Reasons Why People are Getting Massage Therapy
During Jinsei Massage’s operation since 2016, we have talked to many clients, got a chance to know them quite a bit, gathered their medical history, and get their massage goals and reasons why they visit our spa. Some of them are looking for a great massage – you know, just to cut some slack from a heavy working week. Some people are seeking pain relief, while some are looking to de-stress. Some of them, well, are just ‘forced’ to accompany their wives or husbands – because massage is a form of their bonding (kind of funny, but sweet if you ask me). Whatever their reasons are, everyone is welcome to get a good massage from us, aside of course if you have a medical condition that could be worsened by a massage, or if you are looking for hanky-panky (that’s a big no-no in Jinsei Massage). Today, most people see massage therapy as a valuable health and wellness practice.
Below are our gathered data over the years of why a person is willing to pay an extra buck to get a massage.
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Reason 6: Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation
Though it is advisable to consult a physician first if a customer had an injury, many people will still visit a spa first because according to them A. a spa is less intimidating than a clinic, and B. people feel like if massage can fix their problem, they wouldn’t bother visiting a hospital. While this is highly discouraged by our establishment as we highly emphasize that people should seek first advice from their physical therapist or physician, we can’t also discredit the proven fact that massage therapy could address muscle injuries and speed up recovery times. Research into the potential of massage therapy to promote muscle healing has yielded some promising results.
Once a client got a go signal from their doctor, we offer them a combination of good stretch massage and gliding massage to hasten their recovery and to ease the pain. Surprisingly, our combination massages have produced auspicious results.
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Reason 5: Soreness, Stiffness, and Spasms
Yes, massage is a perfect way to combat muscular problems! Many of our clients, especially those who just finished a thorough gym workout or a Zumba class, have expressed that they experienced a significant reduction in muscular soreness.
Clients with a rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the spine and joints and can lead to stiffness have experienced improvements in their flexibility, reductions in their pain, and lower levels of fatigue. Massage is a perfect complementary treatment for their conditions.
Also, clients who experience cramping frequently due to dialysis, have reported a reduction in cramping via leg massages and continuous regular care.
Massage is magical if done right.
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Reason 4: Hanky-panky or Erotic Massages
I would like to preface that Jinsei Massage prohibits any kinds of activities that are sexual. Even if we strictly warn our guests that asking for sexual favors will halt their massage session immediately, it is a sad fact that there are still a significant number of customers, specifically men, who are willing to take a risk and ask that forbidden question: “Can you touch me there?”
Today, especially in the Philippines, prostitution or sex work has besmirched the profession of massage therapy. Some people even assume that if a person is getting a massage, they are just after sex, which is disappointing, because these massage therapists who are working clean, are certified massage therapists, and it is no joke to get a certification from the Department of Health. It’s not that we are invoking stigma towards sex work, however, we think that it should be unconnected from massage therapy.
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Reason 3: Pampering and Indulgence
Many people are getting massages for pleasure. For them, slow, gentle touch can strengthen someone’s sense of self. Massage not only created pleasurable sensations, but it also produced high levels of embodiment (body ownership). Being touched strengthened interoception signals (their inner senses of touch). These signals strengthen the body/mind relationship known as the “sense of self.” Those who receive massage therapy for pampering, indulgence, or just to feel good still gain essential health benefits. People who enjoy the pleasurable sensations of massage therapy, without intentionally addressing any physical or mental ailments, can benefit by taking time out to relax and enjoy physical touch. Whatever your reason for seeking a massage, your body is likely to enjoy the benefits!
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Reason 2: Pain Relief and Management
Most of our clients found massage had immediate positive effects on their musculoskeletal pain. After only one hour-long massage session, many clients, even first-time clients felt reduced physical pain. They also reported relief in negative emotions surrounding the pain. Also, advanced-stage cancer patients find pain relief in massage therapy. According to our clients, they found massage significantly reduced their pain.
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Reason 1: Stress Reduction, Relaxation
Let’s face it. When we are asked why are we getting a massage, the most cliche answer would be “I want to de-stress. I want to relax”. Many of our clients who get their daily massage therapy along with standard treatments for anxiety had more positive results than those who only received standard care. Massages reported lower levels of anxiety, hostility, and depression. Our clients also observed lower heart rates and cortisol levels.
Massage can help people relax, even during times of high stress. Customers showed many common signs of relaxation, such as lower blood pressure, slower heart rate, and higher skin temperature. Massage for hospice clients can be a cost-effective, complementary treatment to increase relaxation and quality of life.
To fully maximize the time of our clients when they visit our spa, we recommend them our best massage treatments which are both therapeutic and enjoyable.