When I think of the most relaxing way to soothe my tired body, mind and spirit, one word comes to my brain – MASSAGE!
Massage therapy is the application of therapeutic techniques to the body to relieve muscle fatigue, improve blood circulation, reduce stress, heal ailments and promote over-all relaxation with the use of hands, elbows, forearms, feet or a mechanical machine.
It uses a series of kneading, tapping, stroking, pressing and rubbing the soft tissues of the body particularly tendons, skin joints, muscles, ligaments, fascia, lymphatic vessels and gastrointestinal organs.
According to one of my ever efficient BFFs named Google, massage was already a popular method to cure maladies and injuries the olden days.
Doctor Bian Que, a Chinese medicine man used massage as part of his medical treatments during 700 BC. He started the tradition and made massage part of living a healthy lifestyle.
In Thailand (500 BC), Shivago Komarpai established his own healing system that combined Chinese-Indian tradition which resulted to Thai Massage Therapy. According to stories, he was the physician of Buddha.
The benefits of massage therapy influenced many medical practitioners during the Middle Ages.Avicenna of Persia (now Iran) who was known as a logical doctor advised his patients to seek alternative methods to ease their pains. One of these methods was therapeutic massage.
It was introduced in United States during the middle of 19th century by two doctors who practiced the Swedish massage developed by Pehr Henrik Ling.
Today, massage therapy is embraced as essential by different business organizations, sports and the general public as part of their regimen for well-being.
Do you know that there are about 80 known styles and 250 variations of massage therapies which are intended to bring comfort and healing.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
- It relieves back pains by releasing endorphins (natural painkiller).
- It reduces the incidence of headaches and migraine attacks.
- It stabilizes abnormal heart rate and blood pressure.
- It stimulates lymph flow in the body which boosts immune system.
- It makes skin smooth and glowing with health.
- It lessens scars and stretch marks by stimulating tissues to regenerate faster.
- It increases the capacity of the body to pump essential nutrients to different organs.
- It helps blood circulation.
- It makes body joints more flexible.
- It diminishes swelling after surgery or treatment.
- It soothes chronic cases of arthritis, low back pains, bursitis and fibromyalgia.
- It improves body posture.
- It assists in injury rehabilitation.
- It boosts fertility for those who want to conceive children.
- It repairs and strengthens atrophied muscles.
- It relaxes overused and tired muscles.
- It lessens cramps due to premenstrual syndromes.
- It reduces symptoms of cancer and side effects of the chemotherapy.
- It assists children with asthma by increasing air flow in the pulmonary system.
The list can go on and on. However, one thing is certain, massage therapy is here to stay to ease our tiredness away!!!!
Lots of Love,
The Journal Girl
This reminded me that I really need a massage soon! It’s true that massage is relaxing and soothing. Have you tried learning massage? And what’s your favorite massage place? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I know therapeutic massage. I use it to massage my sisters and son. Shhh! It’s a big secret haha. A friend of mine who used to massage me at home taught me how to massage specific areas of the body. Place? I prefer home service.
LikeLike
Oh I see. Actually, me too. But sometimes, going to spas with massage service can be quite fun also. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s interesting to know the benefits of massage. Specially considering that I love massages.And 80 known styles and 250 variations, wow! I need to book a massage soon:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Enjoy your massage session! Thanks!
LikeLike
I love the idea of relaxation but funny enough I haven’t had a whole body massage since I get bruised easily. Still enjoy hand and foot massages though. By the way, do you have a favorite massage style? And, which massage place do you highly recommend?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I prefer Swedish or Thai massage. Though I want to experience all types of massage to know which is the best for me.
LikeLike
Oh, don’t you know that I’ve been planning to have a massage since January of this year after my tiring trek to Bocaue Peak? I’ve climbed different mountains after that and I haven’t had a massage yet. Reading this really remind me that I badly need a massage. i like how concise you are in elucidating the benefits of massage. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. It is another information that we know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! I think you really need it to soothe your tired muscles hahaha. After your escapades, its nice to pamper yourself a little….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly, I really do. Hopefully, one of these days or maybe after my major climb on June 10.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Another milestone to conquer…Good luck!
LikeLike
A lot of benefits indeed! Too bad it’s not for me since I’m too ticklish. Seriously, the first and last time I had a full-body massage with one of my best friends, we just ended up exhausted from laughing during the massage. Kinda defeats the purpose of getting relaxed. Lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! That was fun indeed!
LikeLike
I’ve always known that massage has health benefits since my parents always bring me to spas. It’s also a great way to de-stress. By the way, what kind of massage technique do your refer? And what’s the best massage salon or spa for you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love Swedish or Thai massage. I also like the traditional hilot massage techniques whenever I need to get rid of “lamig” in my body.
LikeLike
I love getting full body or back massage. I schedule a full body massage at least once a month. When I am really busy, I make twice a month to prevent or lessen back pains. My favorite oil is lavender.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s nice to know. I also love lavender oil. It makes me feel so relaxed…
LikeLike
Who wouldn’t love massage? If I am to be given the luxury of time, I would want to indulge in a twice a month massage. Doing household chores and looking after a baby make me so exhausted. Sometimes, my son would offer a massage and I already feel like heaven, how much more if done by a professional?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your son is so sweet. I hope you will find time to treat yourself with a relaxing message. You deserve it for being such a loving mom.
LikeLike
Massage is one of the best gifts out there! And even if it doesn’t have any health benefits, I would still like to have massage because of the soothing feeling it gives. It’s also good for everyone as there are now many types of massage for every tastes. One of the best treatment to give yourself. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely agree. Thank you
LikeLike
I always love to give myself a pampering sesh from spas. Massage is just what I truly need right now with all the tired muscles from work and long commute from office to home. I’m suprised that there’s that many variations in massage. Wow! Btw, how often does one really have to get a massage? Coz I’m feeling like I need to have it daily. Haha
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha the more, the better! I wish to have a personal masseur who will massage me everyday too! Enjoy your massage session soon!
LikeLike
I am in need of a massage! Massages are an excellent way to relax, heal and take time for yourself. I wish I could have a massage everyday but I aim for at least 1 every couple of months.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How about 1 every month?! Hahaha enjoy your pampering treat soon! Thanks
LikeLike
Massage always helps not just to relax, but also to heal. Used to have this strain by my shoulder area, been hurting as hell for a week but when I got a massage it went away. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is true. It really heals. Another reason why we need regular massage. Thanks!
LikeLike