All about massage

Brief history of massage

Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings depict people being massaged. Massage has been practiced continuously since ancient times in Eastern cultures. It was one of the main pain relief methods for Greek and Roman doctors. Julius Caesar was said to have received a daily massage to treat neuralgia (nerve pain). In the 5th century BC. C., the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates wrote in the book The Physician must have experience in many things, "but surely rubbing ... because rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too stiff "

The massage lost some of its value and prestige with the unpleasant image created by the "massage parlors". This image fades as people understand that massage can alleviate illness and aid relaxation. As more people learn about the benefits of massage and its relationship to the disease, the more acceptable it will be.

Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, the elderly, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some form of body therapy available, and it is often offered at health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics.

Common types of massage

Massage therapists can specialize in more than 80 different types of massage, called modalities. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, acupressure (similar to acupuncture but without needles), sports massage, and neuromuscular massage are just a few of the many approaches to massage therapy. Most masseurs specialize in various modalities, which require different techniques. Some use exaggerated movements that cover the length of a body part (such as the leg), while others use rapid movements, similar to percussion with a cupped or closed hand. A massage can last from 2 to 3 hours or as short as 5 or 10 minutes. In general, the type of massage that is administered depends on the needs and physical condition of the client. For example, therapists may use special techniques for older clients that they would not use for athletes, and would use approaches for clients with injuries that would not be appropriate for clients seeking relaxation. Also, some forms of massage are given only to one type of client; For example, prenatal Massage and infant massage are administered to pregnant women and new mothers, respectively.

Benefits of massage

Massage therapy is the practice of using touch to manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the body. It is done for a variety of reasons, including treating painful ailments, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress, rehabilitating sports injuries, and promoting overall health. Clients often seek massages for their medical benefit and for relaxation purposes, and there is a wide range of massage treatments available.

Massage therapy has many benefits, from increasing circulation and immunity to reducing pain from illness and injury. Massage therapy releases the "feel good" hormones, allowing the client to relax and de-stress. If clients don't control stress, it can lead to illness and worsen existing conditions.

Massage is beneficial for everyone; from premature babies to the elderly. Massage helps babies thrive and grow; helps children with a variety of medical, physical, and emotional problems; and helps ease the pain of people who die.