Massage therapists are beginning to offer nutritional counseling as part of a wellness package that focuses on health both inside and outside of the body. As a massage professional, this is a great way to make yourself more marketable within the industry and your scope of services much broader. In order to practice, massage therapists must receive additional education and/or certification in nutrition.
The Facts: Who, Why, How
Nutrition counseling isn’t something that just anyone can do. Two- and four-year nutritional and wellness degrees have a heavy focus on biology, chemistry, and medical sciences. Many technical schools, and even some massage schools, also offer certification programs in nutrition. Massage schools that offer these courses typically cover nutrition principles as they apply to the promotion of optimal health and disease.
From enhanced muscle strength to better relaxation, so much of what massage therapy does has to do with improving the quality of life. Looking more closely at diet makes perfect sense, since massage therapists are able to look for problem areas that may be contributing to weight gain, bodily aches, and pains.
The majority of massage therapists’ work includes educating clients on the important role that nutrients, minerals, and vitamins have on our bodies. You might come up with ideal meal plans specific to the client, providing a guide for healthy weight loss. Your work can also include advising against certain foods, suggesting changes in overall lifestyles, or treating digestive orders.
Helping Clients Inside And Out
Most people go to spas or holistic healthcare facilities hoping to feel better, whether this means getting a massage or flushing toxins out of their system. Learning to promote health for yourself and clients is essential for continuing a healthy massage therapy practice.
