This post is all about the photo above, but a little background: I often miss connecting flights. Most often because my first flight is late, but occasionally because of my own stupidity. I once missed a flight while I was sitting right in front of the gate because I was crying, eating a cheeseburger and talking on the phone (long story) -- turns out I can do three things at once, but not four.
The point is, I'm used to getting stranded somewhere other than my final destination. Sometimes it's even a little bit nice to have that time to myself -- especially since I started a tradition a while back that involves treating myself to a nice sit-down meal and seeking out the nearest Xpress Spa. I figure it's a good chance to get some oft-neglected soft-tissue work.
So when I found myself stranded in Cincinnati for an extra seven hours a few weekends back (thanks, Delta), I hit the steakhouse and then went in search of a massage. Since the bank account wasn't particularly flush, I opted instead for one of the cushy black massage chairs pictured above. Almost like the real thing, if you squinch your eyes shut hard enough and pretend the passersby are not, in fact, staring at your gyrating torso.
Afterward, as I went to grab my bags, the warning sign attached to the contraption caught my eye. If you can't read the blurry shot above (sorry, I only had a camera phone), it says: "This product should not be used by pregnant or menstruating women ..."
Umm??! Pregnant I can totally see. But I had no idea about the dangers of menstruation and massage.
Actually, I'm still not sure I know what those dangers are. (Snort.)
Do you think the makers of this sign were worried about the risks menstruating women posed to others (as in, Moon blood is dirty, icky ladies shouldn't sit here!) or do you think the concern was centered around the fragile state of menstruating women?
Do tell.
[A big thank-you to my graphic designer friend Lesha, who combined the two original photos I took. And created a zoomed-in effect! And circled the relevant copy! She's great.]
I'm no doctor but it sounds ridiculously old fashioned to me. It's like back in the daywhen they thought that when you were on your period. How funny that today they think that exercise helps with pms, cramps, etc.
I find it hard to believe that massage could hurt...I think it would help! But, again, I'm not a doctor. :)
That is the craziest thing ever!
Now when I'm menstruating, I'm going to make sure I sit on one of those. LOL.
Well, part of the reason massage can be contraindicated for pregnant women is because there are a few pressure points (most notably on the ankles, but also in the hands) that can potentially induce or even abort pregnancy. These same points can get very, very sensitive and sore during menstruation, and aggravating them can lead to increased cramping and/or blood flow. Our intake forms at the spa where I work specifically ask if women are pregnant or menstruating so we can tailor our work around these points (and additional, more obvious discomforts).
I still think the sign is silly, but there's the massage-therapist answer.
whoa, I definitely meant induce LABOR or abort pregnancy.
I'm wondering if the chairs (and signs) were made in another country and something got lost in the translation. 'Cause that's nuts. Reminds me of a time when a new yoga teacher started a class with, "are any of the ladies present menstruating?" She then went on to tell us that it is "forbidden" to do inversions while on the rag because "all the blood will flow the wrong direction. I was on period. I did a headstand for 5 minutes. Trust me, blood flow was not affected;)
Court,
I'd heard that about pregnancy and massage -- not to mention acupuncture, reflexology, and a number of other treatments. I totally get that -- and a massage chair isn't going to avoid the spots that may induce labor (yikes!).
But I'd never heard of massage increasing cramping during menstruation, so thanks for your massage-therapist insight on that! Very much appreciated.
Knowing that makes it less outrageous that menstruation made the sign, but like you, I still think it's a bit ... ahem ... hysterical.
FBG,
Agreed. Very interesting how many conditions are alleviated through exercise, isn't it?
Kaolee and Charlotte,
Thanks for the out-loud laughs. Being contrary can be so very satisfying.
that is bizarre! (I can understand the pregnant part, but menstruating?!)
I'd be tempted to call the owner and ask him directly. You'd probably get a good laugh when he scrambled for an answer.
(I know, I'm assuming the owner is a 'he')
Hmmm ... well at least you know what to watch out for next time your deep tissue goes too far south!
It definitely seems archaic, but maybe there was an issue that resulted in a lawsuit (like the McDonald's and hot coffee situation), so now the massage chair manufacturers have to put the warning there to cover their own rears. Or maybe they're just really, really old-fashioned.
That reminds me of a funny story when I was at a Brookstone in the mall a while back and sat in one of their massage chairs, and my lower legs got squished (I think I was wearing boots). It didn't hurt too much, but boy was I fiddling with the controls trying to shut the thing off. Not so much of a relaxing massage that time around, but luckily all I really wanted was a place to sit.
OK, the moon blood stuff is just funny. Whatever. But I'm commenting to let you know that I miss flights too, most dramatically my flight home from London many years ago. Oops.