Benefits of Massage

Massage Therapy, a combination of science and art, provides a relaxing experience by artistic hand strokes on the body to rejuvenate the mind and body and eliminate stress scientifically. The concept of massage is evident throughout history. The origin of the term ‘massage’ can be traced to four sources:

• Greek - masso/massein, meaning to touch or to handle, also meaning to knead or to squeeze
• Latin - massa, lifted from Greek masso and means the same
• Arabic- mass'h or mass, means to press softly
• Sanskrit- makeh, also means to press softly

The practice of massage however has its roots in the ancient Chinese, Greek, Roman, Indian and the Egyptian era. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic Book of Internal Medicine, recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever." Massage one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was apparently given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. Egyptian tomb paintings show people practicing massage. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, places great emphasis on massage and it remains widely practiced in India. "The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things," wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., "but assuredly in rubbing.. for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid."

Massage was therefore used by early physicians to treat fatigue, illness and injury based on their basic understanding of how the body functions. But massage was not effectively used as a form of therapy in those days due to the lack of knowledge about blood circulation and the therapeutic results a massage can bring about.

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Overall Health Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Massage therapy and bodywork increases blood circulation thus enabling the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. 

• A therapist can render massage that stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer! 
• Helps in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For egs: Acupuncture therapy, a massage technique, can stimulate the body to produce endorphins, which reduce pain. Studies have also found that acupuncture treatment could release other pain-relieving substances called opiods. 
• Is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain. 
• Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication. 
• Can relax tense and tightened muscles. Massage therapists often use massage to treat low-back pain and neck pain.
• Reduces overall stress. It helps the body's stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
  

Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy

• Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness

• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
• Reduces muscle spasms
• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
• Enhances athletic performance; Treats injuries caused during sport or work
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain
• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin
• Improves posture
• Strengthens the immune system
• Treats musculoskeletal problems
• Rehabilitation post operative
• Rehabilitation after injury

Emotional Benefits of Massage Therapy:

• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness

• Improves ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately
• Enhances capacity for calm thinking and creativity
• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
• Fosters a feeling of well-being
• Reduces levels of anxiety
• Creates body awareness
• Increases awareness of mind-body connection