CHOOSING A MASSAGE THERAPIST

Written by Denise Darcey of Mahaska Healing Arts Institute

When I first began receiving massage therapy, I was an innocent babe.  All I knew was that my Doctor had suggested that I needed massage.  Although many years have since passed, I will never forget my initial nervousness.  I can only assume that others may feel this way too.  In case you are one of those people who know they want to receive massage but don't have a clue as to where to begin, this article is especially for you!

You may wish to begin your research in finding a massage therapist by
reviewing the yellow pages or your internet provider.  Feel free to drop by your local natural health food store or organic food co-op to pick up some business cards or brochures.  Put the word out with friends and associates.  More than likely they will have heard of someone who is currently under the care of a massage therapist.  I don't suggest asking your physician unless you have one well versed in alternative health care.  The American Massage Therapy Association may be contacted for a referral at 847-864-0123.  E-mail: infor@inet.amtamassage.org.  Web site: http://www.amtamassage.org/.

When phoning a massage therapist, feel free to ask questions.  The massage therapist will readily provide you with information.  They may even ask you some questions in order to find out if they will be able to meet your needs.  Worthwhile questions may be focused on their training, background and experience, their prices, length of treatment, type of treatment, how far in advance you need to book an appointment and their hours of operation.  It is important to feel good with your decision in choosing your therapist.  This initial phone session should be an informative one.

Massage therapy is a growing practice in today's world. And you need to know how it varies from state to state.  Some states have required as little as 100 hours of training in massage, whereas others require 1,000.  Almost all N.C. schools offer a 500-hr. curriculum. Someone graduating from an accredited massage school usually has the basic background needed to begin a massage practice.  Most importantly, they know when not to do massage.  I'd like to add here, that just because someone graduated from a massage school does not mean that they are better than those that have not gone to school.  I have met a few wonderful healers that have an innate gift and refuse to conform to any licensing law. However, I usually will not choose someone from this background unless they come with wonderful recommendations and I have inquired into their experience and training.  Again, your inquires will enable you to feel out the person.  Then let your gut feeling lead you.

I recommend giving your massage therapist at least two sessions before deciding if you wish to continue with them. Trust and communication does take time to develop.  Know that at all times you are in control of your session.  If it is too deep, say so.  If you want it deeper, say so.  If it doesn't feel right, say something.  If you want to keep your clothes on, you need to let them know so that you can be refereed to someone that is trained in that type of massage.  About every massage therapist I have met is caring and concerned for your well being and want it to be a fulfilling experience for everyone involved.

Massage comes in many different forms, name, intentions and philosophies. The most common name which most people will be familiar with is "Swedish Massage".  This is the basic massage form that each massage therapist learns.  Most of the better massage schools offer comprehensive training in at least two other modalities of massage, including Shiatsu Oriental Massage or Reichian Massage.  Another well-known massage form is Ayurveda.
If you've read any of Dr. Deepak Chopra's books, you may be aware of this new and very popular natural health system.  A good reference book you may be interested in researching is put together by the editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books, entitled, Hands-on Healing, ISBN 0-87857-808-0.  It describes many different hands-on healing modalities in detail.  The more you know about massage, the better able you are to choose a therapist who will meet your needs.

Some massage therapists offer more than one type of treatment.  I encourage you to try the different varieties that are offered.  Always feel free to try different massage therapists.  Even two people graduating from the same school will offer their own unique style, form and personality.  Sometimes I feel like receiving a detailed and thoroughly deep treatment as found in Rolfing.  Yet there are other times I feel like a soothing, flowing massage with tons of warm herbalized oils as offered in Ayurveda.  Sometimes I want to keep my clothes on and receive a dry treatment which Shiatsu, Primordial, or Cranial sacral provides.  The massage world offers a full variety of forms.

I encourage everyone to be as regular as possible in his or her treatments.  Massage therapy healing is a natural process, therefore, be patient with your healing process.  Most client complaints can be traced back to a childhood injury, a high school football accident, the birth of a child, etc.  These complaints often go untreated for years until we can no longer ignore them.  Natural healing takes time but is very effective. When we decide to begin with natural massage, we have made a great step into realizing that massage is a necessity of life, not a luxury!  Do enjoy your discovery of natural healing through massage!

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