A Brief History of Massage
Massage is considered to be among the
oldest of all treatments used by man. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years documented its use. The ancient Hindus, Persians,
and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction
for joint and circulatory problems. Today, massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and has proven
beneficial to many chronic conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage helps relieve the stress and
tension of everyday living.
Stress and Massage
Massage is a pleasurable experience. It increases
your body self awareness and sensitivity, reduces your stress, tension and anxiety levels, calms the nervous system, relaxes,
focuses and clears your mind, helps to improve and maintain your posture, helps to fulfill your need for a caring and nurturing
touch, encourages self-esteem and a general feeling of well-being and improves your emotional awareness.
Health Benefits of Massage
The effects of a massage can vary
according to the techniques employed. With most methods, the circulation of blood is enhanced throughout the body, the nervous
system is calmed or activated and the muscles are stretched and relaxed. Specific techniques may be employed to target the
lymphatic system, the digestive tract or other body systems. Relieving physical pain and stress improves your mental health
and your physical well-being. Increasing the blood flow through massage can help to flush out waste generated by your muscles
and body.
Most people will feel very relaxed and experience relief from long-term aches and pains developed from tension,
stress or a repetitive activity. Following an initial period of calmness, people often experience a surge of energy, heightened
awareness and greater productivity that can last for many days.
Massage enhances medical treatments and may shorten
the time it takes for the body to recover from injury and illness. Massage or Reflexology can help release chronic muscular
tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote
faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture and reduce blood pressure.
Taking Care of Yourself
Care of your body should be at the top of
your priority list. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding health and nutrition in this age
of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies
could play an important role in your life.
