Massage Therapy - Brief History of Massage Benefits
Massage is one of the most ancient forms of healing. The first writings on massage showed up around 2000 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans used massage to maintain health and promote healing. As early as the 14th century, Guy deChauliac was noted to have written a book on surgery and bodywork was mentioned as an adjunct to surgery. During the 16th century, Ambroise Pare, a French barber surgeon, was noted to have mentioned the many benefits of massage. Also, it was Lord Francis Bacon who observed that massage enhanced circulation.During the 1850s, scientific massage therapy was introduced in the United States by two New York physicians, brothers George and Charles Taylor.
Nowadays, scientific research studies clearly show the many positive benefits of massage on our health and well-being.
Aside from being very effective in relieving stress, there is much scientific research that shows how massage can help with a variety of health conditions, including:
Massage therapists will use a variety of techniques to promote healing and relaxation, as well as to promote greater flexibility and range of motion. When a specific muscle group is injured or contracted, other muscles surrounding the affected area also brace in response to the injury or contraction. Massage helps to improve blood circulation, decrease pain and inflammation, helps to relax the muscles, and makes you feel better.
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, 2007. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
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