The Epoch Times

Massage: More Than Just a Rub Down

By JAMES D. SMITH

From ancient Egypt to modem Manhattan massage is one of the oldest forms of therapy known to man.

However, massage is more than just a rub down. When used medicinally, massage is helpful in addressing many ailments, both as prevention and rehabilitation. Because therapeutic massage hastens detoxification and keeps soft tissue pliable, massage is beneficial for both athletes and the desk- locked pencil pushers.

By releasing excessive tension of muscles, massage can enable to body to realign its structural system, and allow increased blood flow to/through the muscles. The improved circulation of blood also improves the flow of the lymphatic system.

Massage is not only good for you, but it can send you into pure bliss. Never mind all the health benefits, when else can you just drift away while all the concerns and tensions melt away into a cloud of comfort.

You don't have to feel guilty the next time you're "indulging" in the ancient medicinal art form of massage. According to the chief therapist of a Long Island massage clinic, recent clinical findings have demonstrated that stress is definitely an aggravating factor that will worsen almost any medical condition. "Our consistent patients/clients have reported to us that they have fewer recurrences of the symptoms related to various medical problems such as cervical muscle spasms, Tourette's syndrome, Crohn's disease, insomnia, and the list goes on. We in the massage community have not been able to provide a clear and definitive answer as to why it is that massage can help such a wide range of conditions, but it seems to us that massage simply allows people to untangle their complicated thoughts, free themselves, and get out of their own way, this way people begin to heal themselves."

Note. Not all LMT s (Licensed Massage Therapists) are trained to deal with the above listed medical conditions. If you are considering using massage as an adjunctive treatment, please find a qualified LMT that is experienced with your speck condition.

The Brief History of Massage

The history of massage is the history of touch, both intertwined with human history. Since prehistoric time, touch has been an integral part of the primate social system, initially as an element of grooming behavior. During the long transition from primate grooming behavior to human contact systems, touch took on other social characteristics. As human beings evolved to develop organized civilizations, touch was transformed into a variety of behavioral modes and touch methods. Touch became more complex, eventually becoming structured manual art therapies. But before touch was formalized it was first a part of social interaction—between friends, between mother and child—as well as simply basic healing of one's self and others.

Massage has been a part of a larger human context in nearly every culture on earth. It has been an integral part of a number of aspects of human activity, including religious and healing rituals; healing arts such as midwifery, medicine, nursing and hydrotherapy; athletics, exercise and movement therapy; barbering, bonesetting, spas and the pleasurable pursuits of sensuality; and in many cultures, daily family life.

Massage was not advocated nor practiced as a singular therapeutic tool until modern times. The shaman rubbing evil spirits out of the body, the deaconess laying on her hands to inspire the healing power of the Holy Spirit, the midwife soothing a mother from the pains of childbirth, the mother rubbing her child to bond and pamper, the trainer preparing for and administering after athletic pursuits, the nurse applying a healing balm in battle or the bath, the doctor treating an injury with a liniment or mechanical treatment, the woman applying healing and soothing creams to her skin for beauty and health, a couple stroking each other as part of the rituals of sexual behavior, and any person touching another simply for feeling good and getting relaxed massage was a part of the repertoire of each of these activities before it broke free in the 19th century. It remains a complement to them all even though it is now recognized as a stand-alone therapeutic tool.

Massage has survived since its prehistoric beginnings because it is the most fundamental means of giving care, affection and aid between human beings. Its healing qualities differ from those of other healing modalities because massage confers its benefits through the character and healing intention of those who give and receive it. The true value of massage comes from the intrinsic, inherent need of humans to have contact with one another.

Massage has played a significant role in the history of medicine, midwifery, nursing and sports. It is also evident as an icon for relaxation in advertising and the use of a variety of related products, from mechanical inventions to liniments and tonics, as well as in the professional practices of barbers and beauticians.

The history of massage is not completely written; it is still an area in need of exploration and ripe with discoveries yet to be made. Finding evidence of massage in world cultural history is the mission. The journey will lead to understanding about a form of human behavior rarely written about, but that is rich with human drama. Massage has been a part of human history since before that history was ever written. As history continues to be writ ten, massage remains a part of human relationships more now than ever before.

From The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from Around the World by Robert Noah Calvert.