Benefits of Massage
Before we list some of the benefits of massage, it is important to know what a "massage" is. According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, massage, pronounced: ma-'säzh, -'säj, is the manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes. Etymology: French, from masser to massage, from Arabic massa to stroke.
According to Encyclopedia Online, massage "has been used for more than 3,000 years by the Chinese. Early in the 19th century, the Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling (1776–1839) devised a massage system for joint and muscle ailments, which was later extended to relieve deformities of arthritis and re-educate muscles following paralysis. Manipulations include light or hard stroking, compression (kneading, squeezing, and friction), and percussion (striking with the edges of the hands in rapid alternation)."
There are various types of massage offered today throughout the world. Some include Swedish Massage, Sports Massage, Orthopedic Massage, Prenatal Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, CrainialSacral Therapy, Shiatsu, Lomi-Lomi, Thai Massage, Watsu, and many more. Each massage provides various health benefits. Some are:
Decreases Pain Perception.
Improves Posture.
Improves Immune System.
Increase Relaxation.
Increase Self-esteem.
Promote faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments.
Promote sense of Well-Being.
Reduces Anxiety Levels.
Reduce Tension and Stress.
There are many more benefits of massage. For clinical study articles on massage, please visit the AMTA Massage Information Center.
Before receiving massage, there are some questions you may want to ask your massage therapist:
Are you licensed or certified? If so, by whom?
Did you attend massage school? Where?
What types of massage do you provide?
If you are looking for a massage therapist in your area, visit
