which has physical, functional and even psychological purposes and goals.’ Hippocrates (460BC – 380BC), thought to be the ‘father of medicine,’ had this to say about massage, “The physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing; for rubbing can loosen a joint that is too tight, or bind a joint that is too loose.” There are records of massage from many different cultures throughout the ages. Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt and India all have a deep tradition of using massage to treat many ailments, both physical and emotional. ‘Anma’ was the massage used in Japan, and ‘Anmo’ was the massage used as part of the very rich tradition of Chinese medicine that has survived for 4000 years. Many styles of massage were developed from these traditions and filtered through to Europe as early as the 15th century. In 1517, a French surgeon, Ambroise Pare, raised the awareness of the benefits of massage and in 1776, a Swede, Per Henrik Ling, developed a system of massage and medical gymnastics.
In 1839 a Dutch physician, Johan Mezger, introduced medical massage to the scientific community. In the mid 1800’s massage spread to the United States, and in 1894 the first Society of trained Massage Therapists was established in Britain. So what are the benefits of massage? This is a difficult one to answer in its entirety because the benefits cannot be neatly compartmentalised. Just as the human being is complex, emotionally and psychologically, so are the potential effects of massage. If massage can benefit all of these components, how can we measure them? Scientific studies have been done on the physical benefits of massage. We know that massage has a direct positive effect on
the muscular system as this is the predominant system that the massage therapist is working on; massage increases the circulation so it has an effect on the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Blood pressure can drop and heart rates can lower due to the relaxing effects induced by massage on these systems and the Endocrine (Hormonal) System. The Neurological System can be ‘balanced’ by stimulating the Parasympathetic Nervous System which is responsible for stabilising the body after stress, or a ‘flight or
fight’ response. The Digestive System can be aided with abdominal massage, helping to relieve ailments such as constipation. Pain associated with tight muscles can be alleviated by literally loosening the muscle fibres. Massage can have a relaxing and calming influence on the mind. And then there is the whole area of what we refer to as the ‘feel good factor.’ Scientific studies aside, massage can simply make you feel good. Of all the treatments that are now available in all the multimillion dollar spas around the world, still the most commonly requested therapy is massage. This could perhaps be attributed to simply being touched. Research has shown that baby Chimpanzees, devoid
of touch, can simply wither away and die. Children denied of caring touch in the home have been shown to have the potential to develop sociopathic behaviour patterns. Adults are no different in their need of touch – touch is part of being human. Today, Massage Therapy is gaining the reputation it deserves, with three year degree courses being offered in Massage Therapy and strict codes of conduct and standards of training for Therapists. There are many different types of massage that are now available from a qualified and experienced Massage Therapist. The three broad categories would be
‘Swedish Massage’ which is loosely described as a general massage of the body; ‘Sports Massage,’ which targets sports people with pre-and post-event massage techniques as well as maintenance massage techniques for specific muscle groups; and finally ‘Remedial
Massage,’ which covers the treatment of sports injuries, musculo-skeletal pain and dysfunction, however caused, and soft tissue rehabilitation. The Remedial Massage Therapist will use many techniques at his/her disposal, namely deep tissue massage,
cross friction techniques, Neuromuscular Therapy, Muscle Energy Techniques, Myofascial Release techniques, stretching, ice and heat therapy. When a client can walk out of a treatment with the comment, “I feel like a million dollars,” that says it all!
For more information on Massage Therapy, please contact JJoohhnn HHooppkkiinnss on 0055 441166 226633 or EEllaaiinnee SSmmiitthh on 0055 668888 992288 at TThhee NNaattuurraall TThheerraappyy CCeennttrree..