AHH... THERE'S THE RUB.Byline: - Amy Sorkin Just relax. This week, the American Massage Therapy Massage Therapy Definition Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of normalizing those tissues and consists of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or Association is holding its National Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Free training and educational seminars will be offered to the public along with free 10-minute massages for those interested. Valley events include seminars on ``Back Massage for Your Friends and Loved Ones'' and ``Tension Headache Tension Headache Definition This most common type of headache is caused by severe muscle contractions triggered by stress or exertion. The American Council for Headache Education (ACHE) estimates that 95% of women and 90% of men in the United States and Self-Relief Acupressure acupressure or shiatsu Alternative-medicine practice in which pressure is applied to points on the body aligned along 12 main meridians (pathways), usually for a short time, to improve the flow of vital force (qi). .'' ``As a result of stress, our blood vessels Blood vessels Tubular channels for blood transport, of which there are three principal types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. Only the larger arteries and veins in the body bear distinct names. constrict con·strict v. To make smaller or narrower, especially by binding or squeezing. ,'' explains Boris Prilutsky, director and senior instructor of the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy, an L.A.-based school that will be sponsoring some of the events. ``Massage therapy is a scientifically proven safe method to reduce the heart rate, blood pressure, muscular tensions, and muscular aches and pains.'' Some of the free events this week will include instruction on how to relieve your tension headaches with acupressure, and how to use self- massage to prevent such conditions as carpal-tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Massage may increase and improve circulation, offer relief from pain and stress, and provide a sense of well-being. ``And the best benefit of massage therapy is that, unlike conventional medicine techniques, it is a virtually side-effect-free therapy,'' says Prilutsky. The Valley events will be held on Wednesday and Thursday nights at the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy at 17929 Ventura Blvd., Suite 4, Encino. Preregistration pre·reg·is·tra·tion n. An early registration, as for returning college students, that takes place before general registration. by phone or e-mail is required for educational events and 10-minute massages. (310) 836-8811 or (818) 998-8995 or info(at)ippt.com or www.ippt.com/awareness.htm. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Boris Prilutsky, director of the Institute of Professional Practical Therapy in Los Angeles, gives a massage to his son, Yigal. Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer |
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