Massage Provides Respite During the Busy Holiday Season

(ARA) - As Americans get into the full swing of the holiday season, massage therapy can be a winning addition to holiday planning and shopping lists. Massage therapy gift certificates are surefire holiday gifts; consumers love giving and receiving gift cards and certificates and first-time massage clients rate their massage experience as highly positive, according to consumer research sponsored by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) and others.

What’s more, massage is a “green gift” -- one that fits the increasing consumer preference for experiential gifts instead of more “stuff.” Massage therapy is right in step with what consumers say they want and these trends show no sign of slowing. Massage leaves only a small carbon footprint and prices have remained stable in recent years. It’s exactly the kind of gift Americans of all ages are looking for: One that fits their values and budgets.

Respite From the Rush
As well as making a great gift, massage is ideal for stressed-out shoppers, holiday travelers, party-givers and people hosting family gatherings. A bonus for these folks is that shopping malls and airports are increasingly offering chair massage -- a quick and inexpensive remedy for shoulders and necks burdened by shopping bags and luggage. Chair massage is performed in a private or semi-private setting in a special, ergonomic chair and usually costs $1 a minute.

What You Need to Know
For best results, ABMP recommends finding qualified massage therapists from the thousands of practitioners listed at www.massagetherapy.com. A zip-code finder and search tool for different kinds of massage makes finding the right therapist a snap. Some massage therapists offer gift packages for a series of massage sessions. Most can sell gift certificates over the phone and mail them, and some Web sites even allow consumers to print the certificates themselves. ABMP is the nation’s largest massage membership association and has licensing and educational requirements for its 65,000 members.

Parties with Plus
Another holiday trend is the spa party, including massage and other services for those hard-working employees, family members in town or friends who want a new way to celebrate. This is a wonderful alternative to overindulgence in food and drink, or stress-filled activities that are unoriginal and time-consuming. Spa parties also strengthen bonds and create memories, while traditional events may soon be forgotten.

Thoughtful gift-givers can also create their own special days by scheduling appointments with independent massage therapists and adding excursions to favorite lunch spots, movie theaters or museums.

A Gift of Lasting Value
Massage will be the gift that keeps on giving as clients enjoy not only relaxation, but the health benefits of massage. In addition to providing relief from anxiety, pain and stress, research shows massage provides beneficial effects to the immune system and lessens the frequency of headaches. While massage may be perceived as a luxury by some, these health benefits are becoming more widely understood as medical professionals increasingly recommend massage for various conditions, especially back pain and sports injuries. More information on the health benefits of massage and how to get the most from a massage session (or a series of sessions) is available at www.massagetherapy.com.

A longer-term health and relaxation benefit will provide lingering memories of the experience and the gift-giver. The gift of massage therapy is something that can start people down the path to less stressful lives; that’s a very nice way to honor a friend or loved one. At an average $60 an hour, this makes massage an excellent value.

There are 250 types of massage therapy currently being practiced in the United States. ABMP encourages consumers to consult the glossary at www.massagetherapy.com to find just the right match.

Courtesy of ARAcontent