Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest natural health disciplines, even pre-dating acupuncture. References can be found in ancient Chinese text dating back 5,000 years. Hippocrates (the father of medicine), in the 4th century BC, advocated the use of “rubbing” by all physicians.

It is believed that massage evolved out of our most basic desires to touch and be touched. Physical contact is one of the few things that humans cannot live without and studies from the early 1900’s have shown that orphans, with a normally fatal wasting disease, did not die when they had regular physical contact.

Over 100 different methods of massage have evolved, all with their distinct benefits. Some of these methods include:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Neuromuscular Massage
• Esalen Massage
• Rolfing
• Feldenkrais
• Alexander Technique
• Oriental Massage

The different forms of massage have their own techniques but in general, basic massage techniques include stroking, kneading, wringing, pummelling and knuckling.

Massage works by increasing blood circulation and the movement of lymph as well as assisting with the inter-relationship of structure and function of the human body. The musculo-skeletal structure affects body function. For the whole body to be healthy, our cells must be healthy. Cells are dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph. Both of these fluids supply nutrients to the cells and eliminate toxins and waste.

While most natural therapies advocate the prevention of illness over the treatment of illness, massage has been the most successful in achieving that ideology with the general populace. Scientific studies showing the relationship between stress and illness have further helped the widespread acceptance of massage over the last 20 years.

Most massage techniques rely on direct contact with the body, so massage therapy is one of the few natural therapies which may require you to undress. Trained massage therapists are comfortable with the human body in all its shapes and sizes but they are also respectful of, and sensitive to, your needs for privacy and comfort and they will use a sheet or a towel to cover you, uncovering only the part that is being worked on.

Massage is best known for the reduction of stress, but it will effectively deal with physical problems, pain relief and improving overall body function.

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