WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET A MASSAGE - CHIWENDU

One of the top and leading massage therapist in Nigeria, Chinwendu Emeka kalu, CEO, Wendys Massage and Healings Therapy who offers high-quality massage, skincare and wellness services is obviously going global as she focus on the growing intersection between health and wellness.

She holds a deep belief in the healing power of therapeutic touch provided through massage and skincare services. Kalu greatly respect the work of massage therapists and estheticians and boast of the fact that, through their skilled hands and compassionate hearts, they make a difference every day in health and well-being of their clients.

Since its founding several years ago, Wendys Massage and Healings Therapy has been  dedicated to elevating the lives of others by providing clients with professional, affordable and resort-quality massage, skincare and wellness services. 

The Nigerian professional beauty/massage therapist, is not one of many beauty experts who would tolerate or encourage unethical services as a professional massage therapist.

In an exclusive interview with regireports, the wellness officer  explained her reasons of making significant efforts to ensure that people understand the needs and heath benefits of massage.

She explained that the benefits of massage are varied. "Massage is used as a part of physical rehabilitation and has proved beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including low back pain, fatigue, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, immune suppression, depression, bursitis and smoking cessation. Massage also helps relieve the stress of everyday living that if left unchecked can lead to illness and disease.

"Massage therapy which also includes Bodywork and Somatic Therapy is the application of various techniques to the body with the intent to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. When the blood supply is increased to a massaged area so are the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and this process facilitates the removal of waste products. Studies have shown that urine output increases after a massage which may indicate that massage accelerates the body’s waste removal and detoxification process. There are more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork and somatic therapies and several therapists use a combination of different techniques which may include stroking, kneading, compression, vibration, tapping, friction, rocking or pressure to muscles and soft tissue. Oils, lotions and powders may be applied to the skin to help reduce friction. Some massage therapists employ the use of tools to aid the process.

According to her, “The pandemic woke the world up to the extraordinary importance of both health and wellness, creating a new era in which these sectors and industries will work more closely together for the greater good of all.

“With the threat of COVID-19 still looming around the world, there is need for people to stay true to their amped-up health and wellness routines".

Speaking further she said, "being a massage therapist who has what it takes to make a real difference in people's lives I can confidently say that the healing concept of a massage can enhance circulation, relax the muscles, increase flexibility and boost the immune system. Massage is healing by activating molecules that reduces inflammation and promotes mitochondrial growth.

"This is one of the reasons why I'm making a significant effort to ensure that people understand the needs and benefits of massage therapy.

"I'm using this medium to plead with the Nigeria government to build a strong professional licensing laws abiding the legal Rules of Massage, by so doing the Professional licensing will enhance public safety by enforcing disciplinary actions against non-compliant practitioners, because Statewide licensing is an instrument for public protection that does not allow impersonation".

When asked if she feels bad when people say inadequate things against massage therapist. She said, "The only time I feel bad is when  some professional massage therapists are mistaken to be irresponsible people who only use this massage therapy business as an avenue for prostitution. 

"Massage is not about sex and luxury, it is a necessity. Usually when you hear of spa or massage people instantly think about sex, massage has to do with wellness, healing, a health therapy and for your state of mind, so I'm out to correct all this wrong impressions in the society. It’s unprofessional to see client’s nakedness, a client’s nakedness should be highly respected because it is unethical to expose a client’s private parts.

I’m a professional beauty/massage therapist trained to work on both male and female. If you are an expert you should be able to do both. As a massage therapist, you don’t expose your client’s body. It is only the part that you are massaging that should be exposed. You mustn’t see your client’s nakedness.

"I hope and pray that this platform becomes a channel and opportunity to educate and make people  understand what massage is really all about, and how important massage therapists are to the societies at large.

"The most benefits of massage is the feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins – the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that produce feelings of wellbeing.

So some of the health benefits of massage include :

-reduction of stress hormones

-reduced anxiety and depression

-reduced muscle tension 

- relaxation 

-Improved circulation 

-improved recovery of soft tissue injuries, and so much more.

"The health benefits of massage is enormous, it reduces stress and increases relaxation. It reduces pain, muscle soreness and tension. It improves circulation, energy and alertness. Lowering heart rate and blood pressure".

She advised the general public to go for massage at least once per month, but as often as twice per week in severe pain situations. She posits that the longer you wait, the more often you'll start the process over of loosening up your muscles as they tense up if you don't go for massage often enough.