Massage as a Healing Therapy
Posted on January 28, 2009
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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.
Hippocrates, who is known as the Father of Medicine wrote that the way to good health was to have an oiled massage each day.
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.
Although used for centuries in the Middle and Far East, massage therapy did not reach the West for thousands of years. In the 19th century it became increasingly popular especially in Europe, but was limited to the health spas that were patronised only by wealthy people.
As massage became more and more popular, ‘Western types’ began to be developed. The most famous of these is probably Swedish massage which was developed by Swedish gymnast Per Henrik Ling, although he still used ancient massage principles.
By the 20th century massage had become very popular in the west, and had spread over to America. As it became more affordable to people its popularity spread quickly. In America a book was publish called The Massage Book, this was a book that covered not just massage but how to look at the body holistically.
By taking into account mind, body and spirit massage had come the whole circle back to Hippocrates who always spoke in terms of mind body and spirit. This is what we now term as the holistic approach to healing.
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.
The majority of American hospitals now offer massage therapy as part of their treatment of patients. Although it has taken a while for this to happen, as massage therapy had been on the fringes of conventional medicine for a long time.
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.
According to some research massage therapy used on a regular basis can help to boost the immune system, help to lower high blood pressure and give relief in the management of pain.
It is good to see massage therapy crossing over from the alternative medicine field to the mainstream as this means that many more people are able to experience the benefits of this very versatile form of treatment and therapy.
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