Growing Acceptance of Massage and Natural Therapies
In a 2007 survey of adult Americans sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), 87% agreed that massage can be efffective in reducing pain and 85% agreed that massage can be beneficial to general health and wellness.
Almost 20% of those surveyed reported discussing massage with their doctors and health care providers; and of this group, 59% reported that their doctors either recommended or encouraged its use (AMTA: Demand for Massage Therapy 2006).
The reason for these attitudinal shifts is due to the growing body of evidence indicating that wellness involves the body, mind and spirit of the individual. Treating symptoms alone, which has long been the Western approach to healthcare, will often not solve the problem. More holistic approaches that deal with the whole person on multiple levels are increasingly thought to play an important role. Receiving massage therapy regularly, regulating diet, keeping fit, managing stress and avoiding contact with harmful environmental factors are all elements of a holistic approach to a healthful lifestyle.
