By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

Chiropractic care and massage therapies sound contrasting. The former can give you the chills while the latter sounds a bit more relaxing.

However, they are more similar than the name allows us to imagine.

They both deal with understanding bodily alignments to help cure ailments as well as allow for better living.

Chiropractic is the more recent of the two.

Dare Jimoh, a freshman chemical engineering major, said he likes the idea but has never tried it.

He said the concept is one that allows for the natural to occur and at least gives science a break.

"I appreciate that a natural process of healing can become so popular and vital to our scientific world," Jimoh said.

According to the Web site http://www.Hands-on-healing.com, the origin of chiropractic healing dates back to the early 1900s, when a doctor devised an art of adjusting the spinal segment to a more normal position, which in turn allows for an improved nervous system function.

The Web site http://www.drpicard.com says chiropractic care helps to detect, reduce and prevent the nervous system from dysfunction by helping to restore the vertebrae to their normal position.

This site also said the practice and process of healing mostly involve the spine.

It said the care is necessary for those who have misaligned spines resulting from accidents or other means.

However, the chiropractic process can be carried out on anyone despite the age, health status or condition of the individual.

Symptoms that suggest chiropractic care is needed include irritation of the spinal nerves, muscles, lymphatic vessels and the blood vessels. This in turn could lead to sciatica, fatigues or headaches.

Massage therapy, on the other hand, is a more age-old practice that has been under the radar for a while.

However, the practice has become more recognized in recent times and has become a major care in helping to relieve stress.

Roy Ike, a sophomore finance major, said massage therapy is something he would definitely like to try again.

"The feeling you get after going through massage therapy is great. You feel better than you ever did."

The care focuses on the soft tissues of the body, muscles, ligaments and tendons, which are reactive to touch, according to the Web site http://www.countryhillchiropractic.com.

Massages work by rubbing and caressing muscles to relax them and uses friction to stimulate soft tissues.

However, massage therapy is beneficial to any person who desires it, particularly anyone seeking an improved physical and mental state such as athletes, travelers, office workers and physical workers.

Ann Smith, owner of Caring Hands, located at 1111 Center St., which is licensed for massage therapy said it can work with what an individual needs.

"It varies from person to person depending on their needs," Smith said.

"That is especially beneficial because it allows the treatment to be tailored specifically to the person's needs," she said.

The practice helps stretch the superficial tissues, assists lymphatic and venous flow as well as stimulates the sensory receptors of the skin and deeper tissues.

Massage therapy is particularly necessary for stress relief, relaxation, headaches, pregnancy discomforts and muscle rehabilitation.

It also improves the function of the immune system, promotes healthy skin, complements physical and occupational therapy and decreases anxiety and depression.

There are several locations in Ruston that offer both chiropractic and massage therapy. Simply check the phone book for listings.

Jimoh said he is not afraid of chiropractic care or massage therapy since they are beneficial to the body.

He encourages those who might need them to try the alternative medicines, because they have been proven to work.

"These are scientific procedures that are phenomenal in that it branches out of the norm," Jimoh said.

"If they are prescribed then they should be utilized."

Jimoh said he would definitely partake in massage therapy as soon as the opportunity presented itself.