How Can Massage Therapy Benefit Me?

Historical writings about massage therapy date back to antiquity, referenced in texts from Greece, Japan, Egypt, and Rome. Hippocrates discussed massage as one of the essential skills of a physician, and even the Bible references the benefits of daily massage with oil, citing, in the book of Esther, massage as a part of Xerxes' wives' regimen of beauty. For millennia, the healing power of massage has been embraced in a multitude of cultures worldwide. Because massage therapy takes advantage of a person's natural tendency to use touch as a means of relieving stress and pain, forms of massage therapy have been independently invented and developed in multiple cultures, places, and historical times. The benefits of massage therapy have long been understood intuitively, but now growing scientific research is proving these benefits empirically. Not only does a good massage relax mind and body, it also causes a multitude of psychological and physiological changes -- including a palliative effect on the treatment of injury, chronic diseases, and conditions brought on by the increasing tension of modern living. These benefits have an additive effect when one uses massage frequently as preventative therapy.

Massage, simply put, is the act of manipulating the soft tissue of the body using pressure. This pressure can be applied either manually or using artificial aids. There are more than 80 kinds of massage therapy; some therapists may use their elbows, feet, or even forearms in addition to fingers and hands to apply pressure, with the result of relaxation of soft tissues, relief from pain, and an increase of oxygen and blood flow. In modern China, massage is commonly practiced and taught in medical schools as integral to primary healthcare. In the United States, massage was made popular in the mid-19th century, based on Swedish techniques developed by Henrik Ling. Through the 1960s and 70s, nurses used massage to ease pain and as a sleep aid.

A typical massage session involves disrobing, at least partially, and lying on a massage table. The average massage table is well padded and easy to clean, with head support in a horseshoe shape which allows for easy breathing while face down. If necessary a bolster or orthopedic pillow can also aid in the correct positioning of the body. Some massage therapists use oils with various pleasing scents, sometimes adding salts which are helpful in removing dry skin. Ergonomic massage chairs are another popular way to go about achieving an effective massage. A major benefit of massage chairs is that the client need not remove clothing in order to receive a massage. Also, a massage chair, once purchased can be used again and again. There are a number of affordable massage chairs available at local stores and online that allow a person to enjoy a deep therapeutic massage while watching television or reading a book in the comfort of his or her own home.

For over 120 years scientists have been researching the benefits of massage therapy. In that time massage therapy has been shown to offer both physical and mental benefits. Physically, massage therapy helps with relaxation and relief of stress, respite of stiffness and tension in the muscles, decreased pregnancy related discomfort, speedy healing, reduced formation of scar tissue, increased flexibility of joints, reduced blood pressure, an improved immune system, and assistance with various forms of rehabilitation. Furthermore, massage offers a host of mental and emotional benefits. The relaxing effect of massage improves creativity, mental alertness, and well-being; reduces anxiety; fosters an awareness of the connection between body and mind; and promotes a person's awareness of their levels of stress as well as relieving the root stressors. Researchers at the University of Miami have found massage to be beneficial in treating hypertension by lowering blood pressure, ameliorating the pain of migraines, and increasing both performance and alertness in office workers.

Between 80 and 90% of ailments that people bring to their family doctor are stress related. And in today's HMO world, where nurses are at least as overwhelmed as doctors, neither nurses nor doctors have the time to make massage a part of their regular practice. If a person is interested in making massage a part of his or her regimen for mental and physical wellness, there are many options to pursue. Most professional massage therapists practice more than one kind of massage, and healthcare providers like chiropractors often have training in massage therapy as well. It is important to make sure that you were being massaged by a certified professional. Common certifications and licenses for massage therapists include: Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP), Certified Massage Therapist (CMT), as well as NCTMB and NCTM, both of which have met the requirements of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Whether you choose to set up a regimen of therapy with a certified massage expert, or invest in a home massage chair, the benefits of regular massage therapy are measurable, effective, and scientifically verifiable. For mind and body, muscle and spirit, massage therapy offers an invaluable addition to your mental and physical health.