By: Jacquelyn Martin, NTS

If you were to ask the general public if they would like to get a professional massage, the overwhelming majority would answer affirmatively. Ask if they have ever received a massage from a licensed professional, the majority answer would be “no”. Why is this? Answers like: “I don’t know a massage therapist”, “it costs too much” or “I don’t have time” would be common. It seems there is a mystique about massage therapy that keeps people away, and all the more when a more specialized type of massage like reflexology is concerned.

Cost may be the real reason some folks don’t get massage. And, people who really want a massage make time for it, so lack of time is simply an excuse. Not “knowing a massage therapist” doesn’t hold water either. While a full time, practicing licensed massage therapist I learned that offering a free massage wasn’t incentive enough to get some friends or acquaintances to make an appointment and get a massage. I was known and cost was no longer a factor.

So what is the issue? In a word, fear – fear of the unknown, of being vulnerable, of getting in a compromising situation, of asking dumb questions about massage and appearing ignorant, etc. I have written the book How to Find the Right Massage Therapist specifically to answer questions about massage, massage therapy, types of massage and how to choose a qualified massage therapist who practices the style which suits you best.

You may not be able to articulate exactly what keeps you from getting a massage, however educating yourself on finding the qualified massage therapist can give you the information you need to be comfortable enough with massage to actually go out and get one. If you are wondering if some type of massage could benefit you, if you are breathing the answer is yes!

Jacquelyn Martin is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist and author of How to Find the Right Massage Therapist. She has served as Treasurer of the Delaware AMTA and was involved in getting legislation passed regulating massage in that state.


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