Massage is a gentle but firm rubbing of soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues are muscles, tendons, skin, ligaments, and joints. Massage Therapy has varied physiological effects which are mainly due to the rubbing over the body by therapists. Message therapists usually use their hands, elbows and sometimes even their foot.

There are 80 different kinds of massage. Some massages are gently and mild while others may be strong and intense. The various movements in massage therapy stretch the muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia to improve blood circulation, stall muscular spasms and stimulate the nervous system.

One can also do self massage in the morning or after work to energize and unwind oneself. Massage can be done to your feet, neck and hands while relaxing. Self massage really works best when you wear comfortable clothes, or sitting or lying in a comfortable state. You can use oil and lotion to massage your body. Some people even feel that massage works just by the feeling of touch. Touch really transfers a sense of good feeling.

History

Massage Therapy is the oldest form of medical care. It is found in a Chinese book in 2700 BC. It is so old that it is found painted as people massaging in the Egyptian tomb paintings. In Eastern cultures it has practiced since ancient times. It is the simplest method of relieving pain from the body.

From the East, it is then followed by the Romans and the Greeks. The Romans and the Greeks physicians used this principle method to relieve pain. Also Julius Caesar used massaging as a daily treatment for neuralgia. In the 5th century BC, Hippocrates, the father of western medicine had said that it is in rubbing that makes the joints bind or loosens when it is tight.

Message therapy is also found in India in the 2nd century BC. Early Hindus used massaging as an art of healing many diseases. It is regarded as a holistic medicine that combines relaxation, meditation and aromatherapy. It is practiced in the Ayurvedic medicine. In Sanskrit, ‘Ayurveda’ means ‘life science’ or ‘life health.’ Over the past centuries, messaging has gained momentum and there is a great demand for message therapy all over the world.

Benefits

Massage Therapy benefits all physical problems. Massage alleviates low back pain and improves motion. It is very helpful for expectant mothers and shortens maternity days in the hospital. It lessens the dependence on medication. Massage improves immunity, the body’s natural defense mechanism. It helps sports people and athletes to prepare for any strenuous workouts. It improves the skin and conditions it. Massage is good for the flexibility of the joints. It reduces stress, anxiety and depression. More than anything, massage therapy is used to lessen the stretch marks and scar tissues. It improves blood circulation by pumping oxygen to all parts of the body. Commonly it is used for muscle spasms and sprains.

Many studies have shown still more benefits of Massage Therapy. It is used to treat a wide range of diseases from chronic disease to injuries and reduces the modern day tensions. Massage Therapy has become an integral part in hospitals for post-surgery treatments and intensive care units.