The origins of massage therapy are unknown, but it has been around a very long time and is most likely the oldest therapy known to man. Many ancient civilizations used massage as part of their health procedures, and in the Middle and Far East massage therapy has been in use since 3000BC, and possibly even longer.
The 'Father of Medicine', Hippocrates, used to reccommend an oiled massage every day for his patients.
Masseurs still use oils no matter which form of massage they use, this allows the hands to move over the body with ease. Often essential oils are used either for their health or relaxation benefits.
Scientists have shown that essential oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles. These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally.
In the 19th century it became increasingly popular especially in Europe, but of course was limited to the health spas that were patronised only by wealthy people, the poor simply could not afford it.
Massage became so popular that Western forms of massage were developed. The Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling developed what we now know as Swedish massage, although it is still based on ancient massage principles. Swedish massage involves the use of exercise as well as massage, and is mainly used for the benefit of joints and muscles.
In the Western world massage did not become popular until the 20th century, by then it was more affordable to the ordinary person. Massage therapy had been popular for a while in Europe and gradually the USA followed suit. In the early 1970's a ground breaking book was published called The Massage Book. In this book George Downing showed massage therapy in a more holistic way.
Complementary therapists look at the body holistically, that is they look at the mind, body and spirit when treating a person. This is exactly the way that Hippocrates worked all those years ago, healing had come the full circle.
Massage is very good at increasing the blood circulation, which helps the body to excrete waste and toxins quickly. The way massage is administered also relaxes the body, eases the mind and lifts the spirit.
As massage relaxes the muscles and releases tension from the body, the person is able to relax and let go of all the stresses of everyday life. This in its self is a hugh benefit to the body, as endorphins are released creating the feel good factor, the persons spirit is lifted and they feel wonderful.
It is believed, particularly in the traditional medicines of China and India that energy flows through meridian lines all through the human body. Stress can cause a blockage of this energy and massages may be given to allow the energy to once again move freely round the body. It has to be said that western medicines does not recognise the existence of these meridian lines.
Massage therapy was on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time, but now modern medical experts generally accepts the efficacy and benefits of massage. In fact, more than 70% of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as a part of their treatments.
Although hospital do now use massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients it's usage is somewhat limited. The uses range from stress relief, management of chronis pain, and easing joint and muscle problems for greater mobility.
New research suggests that massage therapy helps to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and manage pain.
This very versatile form of treatment is now available to far more of the general public. By incorporating massage into main stream medicine Dr's in hospitals are now able to treat high blood pressure, joint and muscle problems and stress with massage as part of the treatment programme. As time goes by more and more people with a variety of different conditions are found to benefit from massage. - 14915
The 'Father of Medicine', Hippocrates, used to reccommend an oiled massage every day for his patients.
Masseurs still use oils no matter which form of massage they use, this allows the hands to move over the body with ease. Often essential oils are used either for their health or relaxation benefits.
Scientists have shown that essential oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles. These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally.
In the 19th century it became increasingly popular especially in Europe, but of course was limited to the health spas that were patronised only by wealthy people, the poor simply could not afford it.
Massage became so popular that Western forms of massage were developed. The Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling developed what we now know as Swedish massage, although it is still based on ancient massage principles. Swedish massage involves the use of exercise as well as massage, and is mainly used for the benefit of joints and muscles.
In the Western world massage did not become popular until the 20th century, by then it was more affordable to the ordinary person. Massage therapy had been popular for a while in Europe and gradually the USA followed suit. In the early 1970's a ground breaking book was published called The Massage Book. In this book George Downing showed massage therapy in a more holistic way.
Complementary therapists look at the body holistically, that is they look at the mind, body and spirit when treating a person. This is exactly the way that Hippocrates worked all those years ago, healing had come the full circle.
Massage is very good at increasing the blood circulation, which helps the body to excrete waste and toxins quickly. The way massage is administered also relaxes the body, eases the mind and lifts the spirit.
As massage relaxes the muscles and releases tension from the body, the person is able to relax and let go of all the stresses of everyday life. This in its self is a hugh benefit to the body, as endorphins are released creating the feel good factor, the persons spirit is lifted and they feel wonderful.
It is believed, particularly in the traditional medicines of China and India that energy flows through meridian lines all through the human body. Stress can cause a blockage of this energy and massages may be given to allow the energy to once again move freely round the body. It has to be said that western medicines does not recognise the existence of these meridian lines.
Massage therapy was on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time, but now modern medical experts generally accepts the efficacy and benefits of massage. In fact, more than 70% of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as a part of their treatments.
Although hospital do now use massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients it's usage is somewhat limited. The uses range from stress relief, management of chronis pain, and easing joint and muscle problems for greater mobility.
New research suggests that massage therapy helps to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and manage pain.
This very versatile form of treatment is now available to far more of the general public. By incorporating massage into main stream medicine Dr's in hospitals are now able to treat high blood pressure, joint and muscle problems and stress with massage as part of the treatment programme. As time goes by more and more people with a variety of different conditions are found to benefit from massage. - 14915
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