San Francisco, CA –International Massage Week, also known as “Everybody Deserves a Massage Week, is July 18 – 24. The annual event is designed to raise public awareness of the benefits of therapeutic massage and encourage people to care for their health through massage. If you’ve never tried massage or if you haven’t been in for a session in a while, International Massage Week is a great time to come in for a little “aaahhhh…”
The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) offers private massage sessions by appointment to the public at the college’s Community Clinic, located in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill district. For individuals interested in learning this ancient healing art, the college offers certification in Asian Body Therapy – with specialties in Tuina (Chinese) and Shiatsu (Japanese) massage techniques. The certification may be completed either by itself or in conjunction with the college’s Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine program.
According to Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP), one of the largest massage associations in the U.S., consumers receive over 230 massage sessions annually, with about 38% of adults having received a professional massage in their lives. This translates into an estimated $15 billion industry.
Massage is an increasingly popular technique for relaxation and reduction of stress. As workplaces try to distinguish themselves as employee-friendly, providing professional in-office, seated massages for employees are becoming a popular on-the-job benefit. Older citizens who are in nursing homes or assisted living homes are also finding benefits from massage, such as increased energy levels and reduced health problems. Regardless of age, or physical ability, therapeutic massage offers many health benefits, including:
Muscular system
• Promotes muscle relaxation and flexibility
• Increases joint flexibility and range of motion
• Relieves muscular restrictions, spasms, stiffness and tightness
• Reduces muscle soreness, injured muscles repair faster
Nervous system
• Stimulates or soothes nervous system, depending on strokes
• Decreases pain through release of endorphins and through general relaxation
Cardio-vascular system
• Improves circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids
• Reduces swelling
• Delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste products in the blood is improved
• Reduces ischemia, a decrease in blood supply to an organ or tissue, believed to be a major cause of muscular pain
• Reduces blood pressure
Lymphatic systems
• Stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to remove wastes from the body
• Strengthens the immune system
Integumentary (skin) system
• Improves the skin’s condition, texture and tone
• Improves quality and flexibility of scar tissue
Respiratory System
• Slows respiration, promotes deeper and easier breathing
• Reduces phlegm
Digestive System
• Increases digestive activity in large intestine, relieve constipation
Psychological & Emotional Effects
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Enhances well-being, body awareness and body image
• Renews energy
• Increases mental alertness
• Eases symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
To learn more about ACTCM’s Asian Body Therapy Certification Program and the benefits of massage, please call (415) 401-0464. To make an appointment in ACTCM’s Community Clinic, please call (415) 282-9603.
Click here to view upcoming ACTCM events.
About American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ACTCM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.