08/10/2024
In massage therapy ethics are the most important. That’s why all services I provide and suggestions I make are evidenced based.
You will never see me hawking a random supplement or making wild claims about the benefits of massage.
In light of this, I’d like to point to a few “services” often offered by massage therapists and spas which you should avoid:
1. Reflexology
This is one is everywhere, and the claims it makes simply lack any real foundation. No, I cannot touch the bottom of your foot and affect your spleen. Nor are you going to rupture your appendix by stubbing your toe. Foot massages are very enjoyable, nerves do connect, this does not make reflexology an efficacious practice.
2. Chiropractic
Granted chiropractic ”medicine” can help with back pain, but that’s about it. And frankly, you’re better off seeing a physical therapist.
Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that all diseases can be cured via adjustments of the spine. denying the germ theory of disease. The majority of practicing chiropractors do not buy into this, but it’s useful to know where the practice comes from.
Finally, Chiropracters are hit with malpractice suits all the time. Like most “alternative medicines” there are some true believers, and there are a lot of frauds trying to make a quick buck.
3. Naturopathy
There are so many things that can be said here. Mainly it’s witchcraft dressed up in a lab coat. Naturopaths will make unsubstantiated claims about the levels of training they go through – no it is not equivalent to medical school – and use that to sell you supplements and tonics that either do absolutely nothing or, in some cases, actually hurt you. If someone you’re paying to help with your health suggests you use a coffee e***a or drink your own urine (or anyone’s urine, actually,) run away from them.
It’s also worth noting that anything claiming to be a “detox” isn’t real, it’s not going to help you. Your organs do the detoxifying, that’s their job. Let your organs do what your organs are supposed to do.
There’s more, and I’ll be making posts about fraud and pseudoscience in the future. But for now I hope this list has armed you with some useful information.
