The History of Massage

In Greek - masso, in Latin -massein, means to touch or to handle; to knead or to squeeze

In Arabic - mass'h or mass, in Sanskrit - makeh means to press softly

Massage can be traced to 2000 B.C. making it one of the oldest forms of healing.Cultures around the world have instinctually used their hands, herbs, oils and various substances to heal physical discomfort as well as to promote well-being and physical appearance.

Chinese healers used "amma" a procedure involved in finding points and rubbing, pressing and stretching to bring relieve.This technique filtered into Japan where Shiatsu was developed. Shiatsu is a technique that stimulates nerves and encourages circulation of fluids and Ki (force of energy). In India, the Chinese technique evolved to include kneading, tapotement and friction.

Massage made its way into Europe about 300 B.C. where Greeks incorporated massage into physical fitness maintenance.The Greeks influenced the Romans in massage.The Romans built public baths for all to participate.To the Romans, massage helped fight disease and sore muscles.

Per Henrik Lin (1776-1839), the father of physical therapy, systemized and developed movements that benefitted the physical condition.Dr. Johann Mezger (1839-1909) is known for bridging the gap between massage and the scientific community by developing effleurage, petrissage and tapotement.Through the last 200 years massage therapist have taken past techniques and added more to the techniques resulting in a number of modalities.

Massage and the Circulatory & Lymphatic System

Massage affects the circulatory and lymphatic system.The heart receives oxygen poor blood from the body and through a series of chambers and valves the blood is pushed to the lungs to become oxygen rich, the blood returns to the heart to have oxygen rich blood taken to areas of the body.Massage encourages blood movement to the heart and this exchange of deoxygenated blood for oxygen rich blood.The lymphatic system is important to immune function.It is the detoxing system of the body.The lymphatic system has a job to move toxins and help the body rid waste. Massage encourages the lymphatic system with its function.

Massage For Pain and Emotional Problems

With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate the need to take harmful chemical drugs, which will unnecessarily burden the liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.

Benefits of Massage

• Increases circulation which improves the delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body
• Decreases tension in muscle tissue encouraging proper muscle function
• Helps the body move waste of the body, having a detoxing effect, and boosting immunity
• Loosens and breaks down scar tissue, preventing tissue edema after an injury
• Encourages relaxation, reducing anxiety.
• Reduces stress
• Increase range-of –motion creating greater flexibility
• Can relieve mental and physical fatigue