MASSAGE

What is massage?

The history of massage can be traced back to ancient civilizations all over the world. Massage was used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Indians, and Chinese for a variety of purposes, including relaxation, pain relief, and healing.

Massage was first introduced to the West in the 18th century by Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling. Ling developed a system of massage that he called the Swedish Movement Cure, which was based on the belief that massage could help to improve circulation and muscle function.

Massage quickly gained popularity in the West, and by the early 1900s, it was a common form of medical treatment. Massage was used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, arthritis, and headaches.

In the mid-1900s, massage began to be used more for relaxation and stress relief. This was due in part to the growing awareness of the mind-body connection. Massage was also becoming more popular among athletes, who used it to improve their performance and recovery.

Today, massage is a widely accepted form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It is used by people of all ages to improve their overall health and well-being.

Here is a brief history of massage, using less of the term “osteopath”:

• Ancient times: Massage is used by civilizations all over the world for relaxation, pain relief, and healing.
• 18th century: Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling develops a system of massage that he calls the Swedish Movement Cure.
• Early 1900s: Massage becomes a common form of medical treatment in the West.
• Mid-1900s: Massage begins to be used more for relaxation and stress relief.
• Today: Massage is a widely accepted form of CAM used by people of all ages to improve their overall health and well-being.

Massage is a safe and effective therapy for people of all ages. It is important to find a qualified massage therapist who is experienced in working with your specific needs.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your massage:

• Communicate with your massage therapist about your needs and goals.
• Be honest about any pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
• Drink plenty of water before and after your massage.
• Take a warm bath or shower after your massage to help your muscles relax.
• Schedule regular massages to maintain the benefits.

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For more information please visit The Massage New Zealand (MNZ)  at massagenewzealand.org.nz

Benefit from massage?

Massage has many benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the most well-known benefits of massage:

• Reduces muscle tension and pain: Massage can help to release muscle tension and pain by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. This can be beneficial for people with a variety of conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and migraines.
• Improves range of motion: Massage can help to improve range of motion by loosening tight muscles and joints. This can be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis and sports injuries.
• Boosts the immune system: Massage has been shown to boost the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. This can help to protect the body from infection and disease.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: Massage is a great way to relax and de-stress. It can help to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase levels of the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to improved mood, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
• Promotes relaxation: Massage can help to promote relaxation by inducing the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, the heart rate and blood pressure decrease, breathing becomes deeper, and muscles relax.

In addition to these benefits, massage can also help to:

• Improve sleep quality
• Reduce fatigue
• Improve digestion
• Boost energy levels
• Enhance athletic performance and recovery
• Reduce headaches
• Reduce the symptoms of depression
• Improve balance and coordination in older adults
• Reduce pain and inflammation associated with chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia

When getting a massage

When you arrive for your massage, be sure to tell the massage therapist about any health concerns you have and any areas of your body that you would like them to focus on. You can also let the massage therapist know how much pressure you prefer.

During the massage, you should relax and focus on your breath. If you feel any discomfort, let the massage therapist know. After the massage, you may feel relaxed and energized. You may also want to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins that were released during the massage.

How often to get a massage

How often you get a massage depends on your individual needs. Some people find that getting a massage once a week is beneficial, while others only need a massage once a month. If you are unsure how often to get a massage, talk to your doctor or massage therapist.