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What do you get for the person that has everything? How about a massage gift certificate? I am slightly biased, but massage is something that pretty much everyone can benefit from and that most everyone enjoys.  Massage is good for young and old, active and sedentary, stressed out or calm as a cucumber.  But there are some things to consider before you buy that massage gift certificate.

The Age of the Recipient

While massage can be enjoyed from birth until death, not every massage therapist is skilled at working with clients of all ages.  The majority of massage therapists do not work with infants, and many massage therapists do not work with children and teens. Some therapists will work with minors, but only with the parent present.  Many massage therapists work with seniors, but most do not work with frail elderly.  It is always a good idea to check with the therapist or massage establishment to see if they have an age policy or therapists who specialize in working with different age groups.

The Gender of the Recipient

Most massage therapists that I know work with both male and female clients. However, I do know of some therapists who only provide same gender massage.  More often, if there is a gender issue with massage, it will be on the side of the recipient.  Before purchasing the gift, you can ask if the establishment is able to accommodate gender requests. A busy spa will usually do everything they can to accommodate gender requests IF the appointment is booked in advance, but won’t guarantee it.

The Experience of the Recipient

If the person in mind has never had a massage, you may not want to purchase a full day spa package with all of the bells and whistles. As an introduction to the wonderful world of bodywork, you might consider a 30 minute Back/Neck/Shoulder massage, or a hand and foot treatment.  If the recipient is a spa aficionado you may do best to purchase a gift certificate of a dollar amount and allow them to choose the service that suits their needs/interests.  If the person for whom you are buying has a therapist they see regularly, a certificate for that therapist is sure to be received joyfully.

Other Ideas

There are loads of great massage related gadgets, products and books for the massage enthusiast. Below are just a few of my favorites.

For the athletes:

  • The Stick A wonderful self massage tool. Great for massaging runners legs.
  • Stretching by Bob Anderson An oldie, but goodie. This book has easy to perform stretches with sketch drawings for general and sport-specific flexibility.
  • Deep Blue Rub My personal favorite analgesic cream. Makes a great stocking stuffer!

For New/Expecting Parents

  • Mother Massage A well written book about how to relieve many common discomforts of pregnancy
  • Infant Massage A beautiful book for expecting parents on the benefits of infant massage with easy to follow massage routines

For the Budding Aromatherapist

  • The Heart of Aromatherapy A great introduction to the safe use of essential oils with detailed profiles of 40 oils and over 100 recipes
  • Essential Oil Diffusers This is a good review of different types of diffusers. I use ultrasonic diffusers in my massage rooms. I have a nebulizing diffuser at home, but find it too loud for use in the massage room. I avoid heat diffusers as heat can alter the quality of the essential oils.

For those in the Northern Virginia area, giving the gift of massage this Holiday season couldn’t be easier. Just click the Buy Now link for online gift certificates to Connective Touch Therapeutic Massage in Reston, Virginia

 

Wishing you all the Joy of Christmas!

 

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