Path of Harmony Massage Therapy

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For family members of SOLDIERS CURRENTLY DEPLOYED in war zones

Article from Northfield News - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Massage ... the ‘feel good’ health care option     by Joel Ward, N.C.T.M.B., A.M.T.A.

“Scalpels and needles and tubes, oh my!”

When you think of health care, do surgery, injections and IV’s come to mind? Hard examination tables and cold stethoscopes? Let’s paint a different picture: Imagine yourself relaxing on a comfy heated table in a cozy, softly lit room with quiet music and a soothing scent in the air. It’s MASSAGE THERAPY, the other health care; health care that can help you with countless medical conditions and ... actually feels GOOD!

Everyone knows that massage is great for relaxation, stress-relief, and sore or strained muscles. But did you know that many people diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica can get help for the ongoing pain through massage therapy? Research studies have also shown that massage can decrease depression and anxiety, reduce headaches, and lower blood pressure. Even those with complex diseases like fibromyalgia, MS and cancer can find some relief from many of the debilitating symptoms, both physical and emotional, through massage therapy.

But remember, though massage therapy is a powerful healing tool and its uses in improving our health and happiness are only beginning to be discovered, it is best used in conjunction with your regular health care.

“Who do you trust?”

Once you decide to try massage therapy, how do you find a therapist who is capable and reputable? Sadly, Minnesota is one of the few states that has no licensing standards for massage therapists. They leave it up to each city, and not all cities have established guidelines. In Northfield , for example, there are none established, so anyone may call themselves a massage therapist and go into business. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check the credentials of the therapist you are considering. How much training and experience do they have? One standard you might look for is N.C.T.M.B. (national certification). This certification requires a significant amount of training, passing the national certification test, and adherence to a professional code of ethics. Yet, even national certification is by no means the end-all measure of a massage therapist’s ability. There are many excellent therapists that have never gotten national certification, and often the best test is the work itself.

“Are you the one for me?”

There are also many different types of massage therapy. Find the right one for you! Do you just need to relax and get away from the daily stress? Are you seeking help for a particular medical condition? Check with the therapist you are considering, find out their areas of expertise, and see if their training and experience are the right fit for your goals.

“The Right Touch”

There is great value in positive human touch, even beyond possible medical benefits. Massage therapy has the potential to help body, mind and spirit in so many ways ... perhaps it may be “just the right touch” for you!

Joel Ward is therapist and owner of Path of Harmony Massage Therapy in Northfield and can be reached at 507-645-2935 or joel@pathofharmony.net.