Difference between revisions of "Get a Free Massage"
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#*Create a relaxing atmosphere when conducting a massage. You can do this by dimming the lights and making sure the temperature is comfortable. | #*Create a relaxing atmosphere when conducting a massage. You can do this by dimming the lights and making sure the temperature is comfortable. | ||
#Exchange massages with a friend. Identify a friend who is interested in exchanging massages. Not everyone feels comfortable being massaged by a friend, so be sure that they do not feel pressured. | #Exchange massages with a friend. Identify a friend who is interested in exchanging massages. Not everyone feels comfortable being massaged by a friend, so be sure that they do not feel pressured. | ||
| − | #Promote the benefits of a massage. Convince others to barter a massage by saying that it can be relaxing. It can also increase flexibility, reduce pain, improve concentration, and provide more restful sleep.<ref>http://www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt/</ref> | + | #Promote the benefits of a massage. Convince others to barter a massage by saying that it can be relaxing. It can also increase flexibility, reduce pain, improve concentration, and provide more restful sleep.<ref name="rf1">http://www.massagetoday.com/aboutmt/</ref> |
#Barter with a Licensed Massage Therapist. Licensed Massage Therapists are people too. They are just as likely to barter a massage as everyone else. | #Barter with a Licensed Massage Therapist. Licensed Massage Therapists are people too. They are just as likely to barter a massage as everyone else. | ||
#*If they do not want a massage, find something else to barter. Consider artwork, babysitting, housecleaning, or landscaping. | #*If they do not want a massage, find something else to barter. Consider artwork, babysitting, housecleaning, or landscaping. | ||
| − | #Check your health insurance coverage. There was a time when massages were rarely, if ever, covered by health insurance. That is no longer the case. There are instances when a massage is covered, depending on the person’s health condition. Some anxiety and stress related illnesses could benefit from a massage. <ref>http://pbmassagetherapy.com/massage-health-insurance-benefits/</ref> | + | #Check your health insurance coverage. There was a time when massages were rarely, if ever, covered by health insurance. That is no longer the case. There are instances when a massage is covered, depending on the person’s health condition. Some anxiety and stress related illnesses could benefit from a massage. <ref name="rf2">http://pbmassagetherapy.com/massage-health-insurance-benefits/</ref> |
| − | #*Consider a chiropractic massage. This may increase the chances of being covered by health insurance or by an employee benefit plan. It never hurts to ask.<ref>http://www.3fatchicks.com/what-is-a-chiropractic-massage/</ref> | + | #*Consider a chiropractic massage. This may increase the chances of being covered by health insurance or by an employee benefit plan. It never hurts to ask.<ref name="rf3">http://www.3fatchicks.com/what-is-a-chiropractic-massage/</ref> |
=== Helping Massage Therapy Students === | === Helping Massage Therapy Students === | ||
| − | #Identify massage therapy schools in your area. You can find a list on the American Massage Therapy Association website. <ref>https://www.amtamassage.org/schools/index.html?utm_source=%2Fschools%2Fschoollist.aspx&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=redirect</ref> Some massage schools offer free or reduced rate massages to the public. This allows students to gain experience. Check to see if a nearby community college or hospital has a massage training program. | + | #Identify massage therapy schools in your area. You can find a list on the American Massage Therapy Association website. <ref name="rf4">https://www.amtamassage.org/schools/index.html?utm_source=%2Fschools%2Fschoollist.aspx&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=redirect</ref> Some massage schools offer free or reduced rate massages to the public. This allows students to gain experience. Check to see if a nearby community college or hospital has a massage training program. |
#*Massage schools may only offer appointments periodically and sometimes get booked quickly. | #*Massage schools may only offer appointments periodically and sometimes get booked quickly. | ||
#*Students in massage training centers are still learning. Provide honest feedback that will help improve their new craft. | #*Students in massage training centers are still learning. Provide honest feedback that will help improve their new craft. | ||
#Be flexible. When you are looking for free services, it’s important to be accommodating. Be willing to adjust your schedule based on their needs. | #Be flexible. When you are looking for free services, it’s important to be accommodating. Be willing to adjust your schedule based on their needs. | ||
| − | #Don’t forget to tip. Whether or not a massage is free, be sure to tip the massage therapist. This does not apply if the masseuse is a spouse, partner, or friend. The average tip is between 10 to 20 percent. You can tip more or less depending on how pleased you were with the service.<ref>http://balancepointmassage.com/massage/tipping.html</ref> | + | #Don’t forget to tip. Whether or not a massage is free, be sure to tip the massage therapist. This does not apply if the masseuse is a spouse, partner, or friend. The average tip is between 10 to 20 percent. You can tip more or less depending on how pleased you were with the service.<ref name="rf5">http://balancepointmassage.com/massage/tipping.html</ref> |
| − | #Understand the dangers of an amateur massage. There are times when it is a bad idea to get a massage. People who are not licensed in the field may not be aware of the dangers. <ref>http://sharingthehealth.com/index.php/advice-wisdom-top/massage-therapy/37-when-not-to-massage</ref> | + | #Understand the dangers of an amateur massage. There are times when it is a bad idea to get a massage. People who are not licensed in the field may not be aware of the dangers. <ref name="rf6">http://sharingthehealth.com/index.php/advice-wisdom-top/massage-therapy/37-when-not-to-massage</ref> |
| − | #*In some circumstances, a massage would be considered a health risk instead of a health benefit. In most cases, individuals using blood thinners, experiencing a heart condition, diagnosed with cancer, currently pregnant, or with internal injuries from an accident should not get an amateur massage. <ref | + | #*In some circumstances, a massage would be considered a health risk instead of a health benefit. In most cases, individuals using blood thinners, experiencing a heart condition, diagnosed with cancer, currently pregnant, or with internal injuries from an accident should not get an amateur massage. <ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #*There are some instances when getting a massage could be of danger to the massage therapist. Some of those instances include having a fever, rash, or infectious disease.<ref>http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/are-there-times-when-i-shouldnt-have-massage</ref> | + | #*There are some instances when getting a massage could be of danger to the massage therapist. Some of those instances include having a fever, rash, or infectious disease.<ref name="rf7">http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/are-there-times-when-i-shouldnt-have-massage</ref> |
#*Be sure to inform the massage therapist about your medical condition. | #*Be sure to inform the massage therapist about your medical condition. | ||
| − | #Communicate the type of massage you want or need. Satisfaction requires good communication. There are many types of massages, such as the deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. Be sure to communicate how your body feels and what you need.<ref>http://www.ncbtmb.org/consumers/glossary-therapy-techniques</ref> | + | #Communicate the type of massage you want or need. Satisfaction requires good communication. There are many types of massages, such as the deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. Be sure to communicate how your body feels and what you need.<ref name="rf8">http://www.ncbtmb.org/consumers/glossary-therapy-techniques</ref> |
=== Searching Online for Massage Resources === | === Searching Online for Massage Resources === | ||
#Search the internet. If you can't find a friend who is interested in trading massages, use the internet to locate a free massage. Start with the search term "free massage resources" and look for trusted sources. | #Search the internet. If you can't find a friend who is interested in trading massages, use the internet to locate a free massage. Start with the search term "free massage resources" and look for trusted sources. | ||
