Massage History, Practice, And Benefits

By Shane McConnell


Most of us will quickly tell you how a massage benefitted us. However, not many of us know the history of this practice. The general technique of massage has been around for several thousand years. Modern society recognizes about 80 modalities of massage. This practice is often used to rid the body of tension, improve organ functioning, and speed healing due to injury.

Ancient civilizations present in areas like China, Greece, and Mesopotamia wrote and drew of massage. Traditional treatment for several sicknesses in Romania involved being trodden upon by a tame bear. This creature was an early practitioner that might scare a modern-day massage client. Though the delivery was not ideal, the treatment proved effective.

Currently, massage therapists provide us with our treatments. Before they are considered qualified to do so, they attend school to learn techniques like Shiatsu, reflexology, and deep tissue. The most talented can use multiple techniques and work as easily with medical patients as with athletes or the average person. A massage therapist may have an office or travel to client locations such as a home or company.

People may receive a massage to achieve relaxation, hasten healing, improve the way their bodies function, or feel better overall. It is common for a massage therapist to use his or her hands during treatment. Some techniques involve the use of feet, knees, forearms, and elbows. Clients may remove some clothing with certain techniques and they usually sit in a massage chair or lie on a massage table.

Treatment focus often determines how a massage works. Endorphins and serotonin may be released through activation of our parasympathetic nervous system. Prevention of excessive connective or scar tissue development may increase lymph flow. Sleep is often improved due to the relaxing effect of massage, resulting in less aching and pain. Client symptoms and massage methods used determine additional clinical benefits.




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