Massage therapy has been around for ages and has many incredible benefits. It has become increasingly popular over the years and is used all around the world. However, as popular as massage has become, there are many facts about this wonderful industry that might come as a surprise.
1. MASSAGE THERAPY IS AN $18 BILLION INDUSTRY.
Yes, you read that right. According to the American Massage Therapy Association along with other statistics, in 2018 the massage therapy industry was valued at over $18 billion! This is up from $12 billion in 2010. It has grown over $6 billion in just 8 years and is continuing to grow, meaning more massages at competitive pricing and job security for massage therapists.
2. Pets can benefit from massages too.
You thought massages were just for people? Well, guess again! Studies have shown that pets can benefit from receiving massages as well. Just like humans, our pets’ bodies respond to massage in a positive way. Pet massages can reduce pain and stress as well as increase emotional well-being. We love our pets and want them to be happy and healthy, so why not try pet massage?
Source: pixabay.com
3. Receiving a massage while drunk will make you even more drunk.
Disclaimer: This is not recommended.
While it may sound quite relaxing to have a glass of wine (or two) and then a massage, most massage therapists don’t condone drinking before massaging. Why is that? Well, massages boost the body’s circulation and if there is alcohol in the body it will circulate faster and stay longer in the blood stream. Yes, this might sound like a great idea to some of you, but what this can really mean is cancelling out the positive effects of a massage. It can also bring about numbed senses and an intensified hangover. Still sound like a good idea? We didn’t think so.
Source: pixabay.com
4. Cactus massage—it’s a thing.
Most of you are probably thinking “that doesn’t sound relaxing in the slightest”. However, a cactus massage treatment is said to be detoxifying and hydrates the skin. Many people enjoy the benefits and even find it relaxing. According to those who have received a cactus massage, the treatment doesn’t hurt at all, though many people still steer clear. If you are looking to try something different in the way of massage, then cactus massage might be your thing!
Source: flametv.net
5. Massage robots—the next big thing in massage therapy?
The first massage robot, named Emma, was introduced to the industry in Singapore in 2016. She was designed to mimic the techniques used by human massage therapists to treat patients. With the massage therapy industry growing so rapidly and the demand for massage so high, it can be hard for therapists to keep up. That’s where massage robots come in. Could it be the future of massage therapy or will human therapists always be in demand?
Source: medicalxpress.com
6. Virtual reality massage is now an actual reality.
When people hear about virtual reality massages, they may be a bit confused. Virtual reality massage does not mean that the massage is done in virtual reality, but that the person receiving a massage is able to be transported to a beautiful white sand beach or in the middle of a beautiful rain forest via the VR headset. The only thing better than a relaxing massage is a relaxing massage in a beautiful place surrounded by nature. Well, now VR can make that possible.
Source: berelax.com
7. Julius Cesar used massage to help his epilepsy.
That's right. Massage therapy is that old.
Julius Cesar suffered from epileptic seizures throughout his life and used massage therapy to help keep it under control. Don’t believe us? Look it up!
Source: doncastervanman.com
8. An hour-long massage is about the equivalent of 7–8 hours of sleep for your body.
Didn’t get enough sleep last night? Is your body exhausted? Well, a 60-minute massage might just be what the doctor ordered. Our bodies need sleep and relaxation. They do so much for us all day, every day. What better way to repay it than by receiving a massage? Studies have shown that when you receive an hour-long massage, it equates to around 7-8 hours of sleep for your body. So if you are feeling run-down and exhausted, perhaps your body is requesting a massage.
Source: pixabay.com
9. Massage therapy may be one of the oldest forms of medical treatment.
Massage therapy has been utilized for centuries as a form of medical care. There are pictures in the Egyptian tombs of people receiving massage. This dates to the years of BC and it is still around today.
Source: ancientegyptonline.co.uk
10. There are around 75 common massage modalities used today.
If you thought massage was all the same, think again! There are over 350 different modalities in massage therapy and 75 of them are commonly used. Depending on the ailment, a massage therapist can choose from many different types of bodywork to treat a client.
Source: pixabay.com
Are you ready to take the next steps toward your career in massage therapy?
The Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy is the world’s premier study abroad program for massage therapy. We offer both a 600 hour and a 700 hour COMTA Accredited Massage Therapy course which satisfies the licensing requirements for massage therapy in most of the United States. Additionally, we offer continuing education for massage therapists.