Temecula Business Gives Free Massages to Military in Honor of Memorial Day

Temecula, CA, May 19, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​​The use and understanding of massage therapy as a medical treatment is becoming widely accepted, with proven health benefits such as effective treatment of conditions ranging from chronic pain and PTSD to migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome. Insurance coverage of massage is becoming more common, and more doctors are recommending it. "Research is consistently showing massage therapy to be an effective method of medical treatment rather than just a luxury," says Rachel Brawner, CEO of Brawnergy. "And we want to make sure our local military population is aware of that." 

With approximately 95,000 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen in the San Diego area, there is surprisingly little information and opportunity for this population to learn more about massage therapy's health benefits and receive the treatment. Though most military bases have at least one massage therapist on staff, they're often incredibly busy and paid for by the individuals themselves, reducing treatment accessibility and educational opportunities. 

"Research is consistently showing massage therapy to be an effective method of medical treatment."

Rachel Brawner, CEO

The company cites less-known benefits as part of the need for more public education on the topic. "It's not just the common back pain and knee problems we usually associate with military service which can benefit from massage," says Brawner. "PTSD involves the mis-regulation of certain endocrine hormones which results in an overly active fight-or-flight response, and even a brief session of focused massage therapy is incredibly effective at regulating these hormones and responses."

It's estimated that 20% of the 2.7+ million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from PTSD, yet over half of them never seek treatment. Those that do are rarely offered massage therapy as a treatment option. Massage induces a release of serotonin and dopamine, the two "feel-good" hormones, while reducing cortisol which is a stress hormone, all without the harmful side effects of the medications intended to do the same.

Though this is the first time they're hosting the event, the company says it intends to make it an annual event. "Of course we want it to get bigger, this is a huge and diverse population, and we haven't even begun to pay them back for their service to us."

The event is from 9am to 5pm on Sunday, May 24 at the Brawnergy location off Ynez. Appointments are required to reserve a 15 minute spot, and proof of military service (e.g. DoD ID, DD-214) must be provided beforehand. More information is available at www.facebook.com/brawnergy