Is Massage a Luxury?


We have needs, like food, clothing, and shelter in order to survive.  Once those are secure, we have wants that can make our life easier, better, or more enjoyable.

Then there are luxuries.  Many people think of things that are expensive, hard to obtain, indulging, something not essential but pleasurable.  We think of luxury cruises, vehicles, hotels, homes, yachts, and jewelry.  When money is short, luxuries are the first thing that are reduced from spending.  We associate it with other words like extravagant, decadent and opulent.

A luxury can depend on your point of view.  Many people will say they need a car, but can they survive without one?  Some people don’t own a car and manage to survive.  They bike, use public transportation, or –gasp– walk.  They can get where they want to go and do what they want to do.  Or, how about cell phones?  Some do need to be reachable and able to communicate at all times, but most don’t.  Try to convince someone to give theirs up now.  Good luck.

The point is that some things that are not needs can be considered a luxury.

Massage is not a luxury for those living with pain.  Pain that doesn’t let them sleep through the night and find rest.  Pain that hinders daily activities.  It’s not a luxury for those in a very stressful situation, who need some peace and to be able to think a little clearer again.  It’s not a luxury for those trying to get and stay healthy.  Health should not be a luxury.  Massage is not more of a luxury than cars, cell phones, and the numerous entertainment devices and gadgets society tells we need.

If massage is a luxury, it is an affordable one.  Just about everybody could afford to get a 30 minute massage a month, or at least get a 10 or 15 minute chair massage.  It is one that is good for you and benefits you.  It’s one you can enjoy and not worry about.  You don’t have to be concerned with the security of it, like locking jewelry in a safe or home security, which causes more stress.

Most massage is not pampering.  It doesn’t have to be done at Le Spa de Fancy Pants.  All it takes is a quiet space, a table, clean sheets, and some temperature control for your comfort.  Massage is taking care of you.  It makes your muscles feel and perform better by working on them and makes your mind and body better by reducing stress.

If massage is a luxury, then so are pain relievers and stress relief.  Come in and get the massage you need.