As early as 3000 BC massage was used as part of the health procedures in many ancient civilizations. and in the Middle and Far East possibly even longer. It is probably the oldest therapy known to man, instintively we will rub an area when it is hurting or sore.
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.
These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally. This has been shown by scientists, whose research shows that the oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles.
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.
Swedish massage was develped by Per Henrik Ling a Swedish gymnast. Massage had become very popular, and he developed this type of massage due to his interest in sport. This type of massage deals mainly with the joints and muscles of the body.
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.
Hippocrates 460-400BC always looked at the body holistically, that is he always took into account the mind,body and spirit when treating someone.
The massage process relaxes the body, mind and spirit. On the physical level, massage increases the circulation of blood around the body, which in turn help get rid of accumulated waste, so releasing harmful toxins from the body.
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.
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.
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.
These oils when massaged into the skin are absorbed into the body's bloodstream and other fluids to work internally. This has been shown by scientists, whose research shows that the oils can penetrate the skin, maybe through the sweat pores or the hair follicles.
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.
Swedish massage was develped by Per Henrik Ling a Swedish gymnast. Massage had become very popular, and he developed this type of massage due to his interest in sport. This type of massage deals mainly with the joints and muscles of the body.
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.
Hippocrates 460-400BC always looked at the body holistically, that is he always took into account the mind,body and spirit when treating someone.
The massage process relaxes the body, mind and spirit. On the physical level, massage increases the circulation of blood around the body, which in turn help get rid of accumulated waste, so releasing harmful toxins from the body.
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.
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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