You may not know ALL the benefits of massage therapy. There is a reason it has been around for hundreds of years.
The Importance of Touch
It is important to note that all massage techniques involve touch. This is important because touching is known throughout the world as a loving and comforting thing to do. Touching, for many, is often linked to relaxation and getting rid of unnecessary stress and anxiety.
History of Massage
Various countries began the art of massage thousands of years ago. The Chinese began massage therapy in 3000 BC. It was used along with exercise and martial arts as an effective way toward achieving complete health.
Hindu writings in 1800 BC show that massage was used to help a person lose weight, enjoy better sleep, relax and find relief from fatigue. They also combined massage with shampooing and bathing.
The Greeks Enjoyed Massages too!
The Greeks in 300 BC used exercise as well as massage as part of their daily life. The Greek soldiers were given massages on a regular basis to help ease fatigue and pain. They used it while they trained and also before and after tournaments.
The Father of Medicine and Massage
Hippocrates, the father of Medicine, claimed that he could increase muscle tone and improve joint function with massage. Also in WWII, not so long ago massage was used in English hospitals to treat injuries.
What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
As most already know, there are many benefits of massage therapy such as:
• Reducing edema
• Encouraging lymphatic flow
• Relaxing
• A heightened sense of self-esteem
• An improvement in flexibility
• Gentle stretching of one’s tissues
• An increase in endorphins
• A stimulation and soothing of one’s nerves
More Benefits of Massage Therapy
Other benefits of massage therapy include:
• A reduction in stress
• Lowering high blood pressure
• Easing a depressed mind
• Lessening digestive problems.
In addition, many athletes also use massage therapy so that their bodies stay in optimal condition.
Types of Massages
There are several types of massage therapies such as the Swedish Massage. This type of massage is quite relaxing because it uses long, gentle kneading strokes. These strokes improve a person’s circulation and reduces stress.
Deep Tissue Massage is another example of massage. This type uses harder and slower strokes in order to release tight or tense muscles or induce recovery from injuries.
Hot Stone Massage is a gentle kind of massage where heated stones are placed on the body to warm and loosen tight muscles. This type is used for those who have back pain, muscle tension, insomnia or suffer from a lot of stress.
Aromatherapy Massage and Sports Massage
Aromatherapy Massage combines the techniques of Swedish Massage with aromatherapy. Scented oils such as lavender are used to induce and promote relaxation.
Sports Massage is used in particular for professional athletes. This type of massage is used to prevent and treat injuries, while promoting flexibility and stretching.
Additional Benefits of Massage
Other benefits of massage therapy include:
• Improving the body’s immune system
• Reducing spasms and cramping
• Increasing joint flexibility
• Reducing recovery time after working out
• Improving range-of-motion
• Lessening discomfort for those with lower back pain
• Relieving migraine pain
• Shorten labor for expectant mothers
• Shorten hospital stays
Touching, be it massage or other, is an emotional assurance that others care about us. It gives us a higher sense of security and emotional well-being.
