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Health for the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s normal for many of us to expend a lot of energy, both mentally and physically. All the things we do for the holidays can leave us feeling stressed out—and the latest research shows that circumstances this year may be taking more of a toll than usual.

According to AMTA’s 2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey, 59 percent of Americans report they are more stressed this year than they were a year ago. The current economic situation or other factors were listed as a source of great stress for 45 percent of Americans. Fifty-five percent of people aged 25–34 say they are greatly stressed by the economic situation, as do 51 percent of all women.

Fortunately, many have found relief in massage. This year the No. 1 reason people say they had their last massage is relaxation/stress reduction. In fact, this year 36 percent of Americans say they got a massage for stress and/or relaxation in the last five years, compared to 22 percent in AMTA’s last survey. And 38 percent of this year’s respondents say they have considered massage to manage stress.

So, ease the strain of your holiday commitments by treating yourself to a healthful massage! Shorten your shopping list, too, by purchasing massage gift certificates for the people you care most about.

A gift certificate for massage gives a friend or loved one the chance to lessen stress while enhancing overall health. Several studies have found that massage can help relieve stress, reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, and boost the function of the body's immune system. Whether your gift recipient has never received a massage or enjoys them often, you can be sure you’re giving him or her more than an ordinary gift—you're giving a special share of health and well-being.

AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist^® national locator service can help you find a professional massage therapist who will work with you to choose the perfect massage gift to fit the needs of that special someone. The locator service offers a free database of professional massage therapists across the country that you can search by city, state, zip code or type of massage. You can also search by calling toll-free at 888-THE-AMTA [843-2682].

AMTA members listed in AMTA’s locator service must meet any and all local or state licensing requirements for massage therapists. All information included in the locator service is provided by individual members, and AMTA presumes all information to be true and correct. AMTA assumes no liability for incorrect information provided to AMTA for inclusion in this locator service, nor does AMTA represent these practitioners as competent.

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