Basic History And Benefits Of The Practice Called Massage

By Shane McConnell


Though we might not be aware of the long history of massage, we may reap benefits from having one. More than 80 massage modalities are currently utilized and massage in general has existed for centuries. It is commonly used to free tension from our bodies, improve the functioning of our organs, and help us heal from injury, among other valuable benefits.

In writings and drawings from ancient China, Mesopotamia, Greece, and other civilizations, reference to massage can be found. One of the unique traditional methods of relieving certain illnesses in Romania involved a massage delivered by a tame bear. Today, this may not be so well-received but during those days, effective treatment was provided by the tame creatures.

Modern-day practitioners of massage are called massage therapists. They attend school for training in different methods like acupressure, Shiatsu, deep tissue, and reflexology. A good massage therapist can use multiple techniques and is skilled at treating clients in a medical, sporting, or residential environment. While some operate from an office, others travel to residential and commercial locations.

Primary goals realized through massage include relaxation, expedited healing, improved body functioning, and a greater sense of overall well-being. When performing massage, a professional uses not only the fingers and hands but also the elbows, knees, feet, and forearms, depending on the modality. Clients either sit in a specially-designed massage chair or lie on a mat or massage table. The type of massage determines whether any clothing should be removed.

There are various theories regarding how massage works. Some believe it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, stimulating the release of endorphins and serotonin. Others report that the development of excess connective and scar tissue is prevented, increasing lymph flow. Sleep may be improved due to relaxation, enabling a client to have fewer aches and pains. The clinical benefits of massage continue to be explored and vary by symptoms and method used.




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