Massage...how often do you indulge?

A nurse's work can be hard on the back and feet. I get a massage once a month and it really helps. Anyone else?

If you have never had a massage I highly recommend you get one!

i just started, but i plan on getting one every 3 weeks, would get one every week if i could afford it. it is a matter of enhancing my health.

I can relate to Stephs too shy comment. I am currently learning massage, and as much as I love to massage other people, I have had a lot of difficulty exposing my body for other students to practice on. I know it doesn't make sense intellectually , but by the time I trust the person and start to relax the massage is over.... However, it's been 6 months now that I've been learning and I am getting better, so if you do want a massage Steph, there is hope, or you could just get face, hands and feet done.

Just curious...those of you who like me suffer from migrane headaches and PMS related complaints... do you get relief from acupuncture?. Anyone have studies/stats on how effective acupuncture is or any other alternative therapy?.

Thanks.

I can relate to Stephs too shy comment. I am currently learning massage, and as much as I love to massage other people, I have had a lot of difficulty exposing my body for other students to practice on. I know it doesn't make sense intellectually , but by the time I trust the person and start to relax the massage is over.... However, it's been 6 months now that I've been learning and I am getting better, so if you do want a massage Steph, there is hope, or you could just get face, hands and feet done.

I know how you both feel. I've been a massage therapist for about 8 years now and when I was in school I was so excited to learn massage, but I wasn't too keen on having anyone else touch my plus-sized body and my squishy abdomen. I just learned to get over it after the 4th or 5th massage. After I became comfortable, I really enjoyed it...also my classmates and I were taught to drape properly so we wouldn't see anything we weren't supposed to be seeing. Also, if there's a certain part of your body you don't want touched (such as your feet or belly) a respectful massage therapist will comply. If you're still squimish about it, you can always try accupressure or shiatsu, most of the time treatments are given fully clothed...just be sure to ask ahead of time! Good luck!

Then you'd love the modalities where you keep your clothes on like shiatsu, Thai Massage and the one I do...that rules...Zen Shiatsu! :chuckle

Hey Zenman! Yes, Zen Shiatsu rules...are you familiar with the Desert Institute of Healing Arts in Tucson, AZ? They've got a great Zen Shiatsu program. I didn't do their entire shiatsu program, but some of my friends did. I did the first semester to get some continuing ed. credits. Where did you go to school (if you don't mind me asking)?

I have nursed for 27 years an two months ago started back to school to learn massage therapy. I am really enjoying it(except for learning how to study again). It was a little awkward having strangers massage me but all the class is very respectful and it is working out okay.:)

You've been in nursing for 27 years? You need a massage! I'm happy that you're going back to learn it. I know it's a little strange to be kneaded and rubbed by strangers, but you'll get used to it. The best part about becoming a massage therapist is that you can exchange your new talent with another therapist! ...so you won't have to pay for them! Good deal, huh? :wink2: