A group of massage therapists from Muncie are traveling Wednesday to the State House Rotunda in Indianapolis to give free massages to raise awareness of their practice.
At the "Rally at the State House," the therapists, along with others from throughout Indiana, hope to influence state legislators to create a law that would require massage therapists to have a license in order to practice.
The event is part of the second annual Massage Awareness Week.
Ohio and Illinois have already put into law that all massage therapists in their state must be licensed in order to practice, but Indiana has not passed such a law.
"Some legislators don't feel that this important," said Patricia Clouse of Venus Hair and Body Works in Muncie. "In Indiana, someone can go to a weekend seminar and get certified."
If this is passed by state legislators, it would make it harder to get licensed, but it would create more educated therapists.
These therapists provide a service for people suffering from a variety of aches and pains.
"Massage therapy is beneficial to people of all ages but especially to people with back problems, carpal tunnel, TMJ and other muscular problems," Clouse said.
A massage can be physically and mentally helpful. Medical Director of the Health Center Dr. Kent Bullis said that, especially during this time of year, it can be beneficial for students to think about getting a massage.
"Right now is a low point, with the cold, students are less likely to get the exercise they need," Bullis said. "It is also possible to see more students this time of year with the 'blues' due to the cumulative stress from the year and the weather."
Junior Sarah McWhorter had a professional back massage last year during finals week and said it helped her to relieve some stress and tension she was having.
During this time of year, "Students are less interactive in class and even sleepy," Bullis said.
Massages can be beneficial in different ways because there are different types.
At Venus, they offer a variety of massages such as: sports, Swedish (full body), aeromuscular and hot rock massages.
The prices vary from $65 to $25, but the cost depends on the type of massage and how long it lasts.
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