History of Massage

Let's discuss the history of massage.

Looking back, we have seen that massage could be one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care.

It has been known that Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. Also, massage therapy has been used since ancient times, especially in Eastern cultures. The massage was a principal method of relieving pain for Roman and Greek Physicians.

Did you know: Julius Caesar was known to have neuralgia, better known as nerve pain, and was given a daily massage to treat his illness. (so it is said)

Quote by Hippocrates
5th Century B.C.
The Physician Must Be Experienced In Many Things, "but assuredly in rubbing... for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid.

The image of massage and how it has changed

The massage technique once lost some value and prestige because of the image created by some massage parlours. Still, this image is fading as people understand that massage is good for you for many reasons, including disease and relaxation. As you learn more and more about the benefits of a massage and how it relates to different things with your body, the more acceptable it will become.

Did you know massage is now used in intensive care units for children and seniors? Even tiny babies in incubators and cancer patients. Massage is also used for heart attacks and even strokes.

Common types of massage

There are more than 80 types of massage which therapists can specialise in. A few of them are called modalities. Swedish, deep-tissue, reflexology, acupressure, sports, and Thai massage. This is just a tiny amount of them I have mentioned; many massage therapists will do several different types of massage, which require other techniques. 

A massage is as short as 5 to 10 minutes or as long as 2 to 3 hours. In most cases, the type of massage needed depends on the customer's needs and physical condition. A good example would be that therapists would use special techniques for elderly clients that they wouldn't use for athletes and different methods for injuries that wouldn't be appropriate for customers who want to relax.

Some massage techniques are used solely for one kind of customer, such as prenatal and infant massage.

Some of the benefits of a massage

Why do we use a massage? Well, massage therapy is the skill of using touch to manipulate soft tissue and the muscles of your body. It is used for many reasons, including treating painful ailments, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, reducing stress levels and promoting better general health.

Massage therapy has many benefits, from increased blood circulation and immunity to reducing pain caused by disease or injury. Therapy releases the hormones to help you feel good, enabling the client to relax and de-stress. If customers fail to keep stress in check, it can lead to disease and worsen existing conditions.

Massage is helpful to everyone, from premature children to the retired. Massage helps children blossom and develop; helps adolescents with a mixture of medical, physical and sensitive problems; and helps relieve the pain of dying people.

Massage London

Are you looking for a massage in London? Check out some of the listings below!

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