Why massage is not common in Western cultures?

[Kulotz]

It kinda seems like a luxury however it has many health benefits.

[Bricealan]

I have a WONDERFUL masseuse that I see monthly. and she has been a great deal of help with my lower back L5/S1 disc bulge, and also with neck, shoulder and arm stretch, range of motion and pain relief.

Don't know what I would do without her.

[Chazmatazz269]

We’re still pretty dysfunctional about nudity here. Since a proper massage requires the client to be totally nude, pervs think it’s sexy time and prudes refuse to meet the dress code. Ell oh ell!
I am frequently embarrassed to be from such a bass ackwards country.

[Massageman]

Massage does not require total nudity, at least not the therapist really knows what they are doing. The techniques used will have to be modified (no slip-n-slide effleurage, for example)- but it has Neve been a hindrance for any of my sessions. Yes, it makes it easier for the therapist if he/she is not battling straps, bands, and elastic all the time, but nudity is not a requirement. If that were true, there would be no market for Seated Massages in malls and stores.

[Chazmatazz269]

Those massage chairs aren’t doing what a trained and experienced massage therapist is doing. Not even close. They wouldn’t even be close if you could sit in them naked. I’m wondering if you have actually had a massage completely nude. If you haven’t, you can’t make a fair comparison. In short, i strongly disagree. I’ve done both and i’ve experienced a discernible difference.

[molonski2]

Correct , a proper massage requires fully nudity , USA very prudish about all this kind of stuff.

[Massageman]

Yes, Chaz. When I speak of a "massage chair" , I don't mean one of those vibrating hunks of junk they display at big-box stores for $1,500! They do a dis-service to the profession of Massage Therapy!. I'm referring to a massage chair, anatomically designed, wherein the client semi-sits/semi-kneels, facing the chest pillow, face in the cradle, and arms on a padded shelf. If a Therapist is worth their salt, they can actually give a whole body massage in a good Massage Chair. I've been doing it for over three decades.

[Apple1996]

Massages are nauseating. I puke for days after even getting a small massage so I can't see how other people would like them. But sure they should be common if that's what people want

[Massageman]

Then you need to find a therapist who actually knows what they are doing. If this continues, see a doctor to screen out possible idiopathic problems.

[KrakenAttackin]

@Apple1996. This isn't normal. Massage does release built up toxins which is why they tell you to drink water afterwards to flush them out. It sounds like you are retaining too many toxins. You might talk about this with your doctor.

[Apple1996]

@KrakenAttackin I get nauseous easily so I don't think it's from toxins. I just don't like people touching me

[jennifer_bloom]

I would say cost is the biggest reason. In China, it’s cheaper than three lunches at a restaurant. But in Canada, it costs 5 hours of minimum wage labour to afford a massage.

[Anonymous]

I have recently started taking advantage of my benefit coverage for this service.
Half hour massage costs me $4.50 out of pocket. I encourage everyone to do this for themselves.

[Massageman]

Awesome perk!

[Grond21]

I hope it becomes more common. Less like a luxury and more a staple of life

[Kulotz]

I hope so too! It is very relaxing

[Grond21]

I wish I had access to quality massages that weren't too expensive

[Massageman]

In Australia, MT is part of the health plan. MT's need the equivalent of a BS degree to hang their shingle. In the US, 650 contact hours is a general average. I have twice that in a variety of techniques.

[Grond21]

MTs?
Can I copy you as my personal massuese?

[Massageman]

If there is a Massage School in your area, give them a call and see if there is a clinic wherein advanced students provide massage to the public. A licensed therapist will be overseeing the sessions, which are usually about half the going rate in an area.

[Grond21]

... that's brilliant

[KrakenAttackin]

@Massageman Do you do dry needling?

[Kulotz]

I wish the same!

[Grond21]

Do you come from a non-western culture? Any ideas on how we can make it more common here?

[AviatorTom]

There are massage parlors all over the place. I know several people who get massages. I got one on our last cruise... she really worked my tired muscles... felt good during, and afterward.

[KostasKouvalis]

It is, but like you said, it's considered a luxury and everything has to be done within confines of the law. Whereas in Asian cultures, they're available everywhere. In Asian cultures, massages are part of tradition

[mandyfire98]

It's pretty common around here. There's several spas and parlors around my city.

[NetherlandsNar]

I thought it is common? They are everywhere

[Kulotz]

you can find it but mostly it is very expensive

[Phoenix98]

It is pretty common even in a small town like mine we have massage parlor.

[Nikki1989]

It is very common here, but it is not cheap.

[OtterMan68]

I can't afford them very often. $80-$100/hour

[jahaims]

Any natural way of healing is discouraged in the west

[Massageman]

Well, it IS true that Western med is mostly allopathic, but there are areas where some headway is being made.

[FuqUFggt]

They are. They are on every corner amd 3 places in every mall.

[WhiteBoyChill]

Back or hand massages would be fantastic. I agree

[itsclearlynicholas]

I get nothing out of it 😔

[fordtruck]

Never had one