Healing Benefits of Massage

Massage is thought to be the oldest form of medical therapy practiced on the human body. The different types of massage and the various techniquesthat encompass them stem from our most celebrated civilizations and their traditional beliefs ancient Greek and Rome, ancient India and China.

Dating as far back as 2,700 B.C., ancient Eastern Chinese cultures practiced massage to
heal a variety of ailments from labor pain to paralysis. Ancient Egyptian tombs have been
discovered adorned with images of figures being massaged.

In addition, according to traditional Indian medicine, a system known as Ayurveda, therapeutic massage was performed using a variety of aromatherapy oils and spices for their healing properties.

Finally traditional healthcare facilities throughout North America are recognizing the important therapeutic benefits that massage therapy lends its patients. Of late, massage therapy has become integral to the health care industry. It’s used to treat every patient imaginable – those with illnesses, chronic diseases, and also average people who are looking to attain a higher sense of well-being, and inner and outer harmony.

Massage therapy has finally risen above the term “alternative therapy”. It’s now a vital part of the health care practices of many people living in today's stress-heavy world.

A stressful environment has made massage therapy a vital part of health care.

Recently, Health Forum released their annual survey, conducted on behalf of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The new national survey polled hospitals and clinics across the nation on their use of massage therapy.

The survey revealed that the number of hospitals that now offer massage therapy as a patient service has increased by more than one third over the past two years.

This means that American Hospitals have recognized the benefits that massage gives patients, and as a result 71 percent are now offering massage therapy for: stress management, patient comfort,improved joint and muscle mobility, pregnancy, physical therapy, infant care, as
part of their post- and per-operative regimes and to comfort those in hospice facilities.

67% now offer massage to patients experiencing chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia.
52% of those hospitals surveyed have incorporated massage into their cancer care programs.
52% now offer massage to physically-challenged or rehab patients to improve mobility.
67% of those hospitals surveyed even offer healing hands to
their staff to cut down on work-related stress and illnesses.

After a massage, most people feel very relaxed. Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity which can last for days.

Since toxins are released from your soft tissues during a massage, I recommend that you drink plenty of water following your massage. After your massage a hot Epsom salt bath* encourages the release of toxins that may have been stirred up from the treatment. A small minority of people experience heavy detox symptoms (headache, feeling very weak,tired) but the vast majority will feel lighter, less stress and happy.

* Epsom salt bath – For general use add at least one handful of the crystals to your bath. For chronic conditions such as arthritis use 500-780 grams. Be sure to stir the salts thoroughly so they do not remain in a lump at the bottom.