Posted on August 16, 2007 in Latest News
Since ages people are using massage to cure their ailments. The simplest form of massage is to “rub pain away”.
Chinese Literature in 3000 BC: The Chinese literature shows that massage, exercise, martial arts and meditation were considered complete health.
Hindu Writings in 1800 BC: The Hindu writings show that massage was used for weight reduction, sleep aid, relaxation and fatigue. The Hindus were very particular about hygiene, so they combined massage with bathing and shampooing.
Greeks in 300 BC: The Greeks used massage and exercise as a part of their every day routine. During training soldiers are given massages to ease pain and weakness.
Physicians and Massage
Herodicus was a Greek physician who is said to have succeeded in prolonging lives with a combination of massages, herbs, and oils.
Hippocrates who is the Father of Medicine said joint function and muscle tone could be improved with massage.
Per Henrik Lind was a physician who formulated Gymnastics. Gymnastics originated as a combination of massage and exercise.
John Grosvenor was an English surgeon and professor at Oxford University. He proved the benefits of massage therapy in relieving stiff joints, gout and rheumatism. He believed that the healing of joints and tissues are by the action of friction and rubbing.
During the II world war massage was used in English hospitals to treat wounds.
Benefits of Massage
• Assists venous flow of blood
• Encourages lymphatic flow
• Reduces edema
• Stimulates sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues
• It provides Relaxation
• Improves self-esteem
• Improves flexibility
• Provides gentle stretching of the tissues
• Encourages endorphin release
• It stimulates and soothes nerves
