| Massage therapy is by far one of the oldest | | | | aid the lymphatic system, which runs parallel to |
| types of therapies used. Research has proven it | | | | the circulatory system. This is what actually |
| was practiced in the Far and Middle East for at | | | | makes massage a great tool for enhancing the |
| least 5000 years. Additional research also | | | | elimination of waste or unnecessary elements |
| suggests that massage therapy has long been | | | | throughout the body. |
| practiced in Egypt, China, Greece and Rome. It is | | | | Along with these benefits, massage therapy |
| known for its numerous benefits to the body as | | | | boosts the range of motions, and even increases |
| well as to the spirit. | | | | the endorphins, which are the natural painkillers of |
| Massage therapy is a therapeutic technique that | | | | the body. |
| involves manipulation of the soft tissues of the | | | | Listed below are a few of the benefits of |
| body. It is the calming, therapeutic process of | | | | massage therapy: |
| kneading, stroking, and pressing the different | | | | * Soothes and relaxes the body |
| areas of the body. It is used to alleviate pain, | | | | * Alleviate pain, tension and stiffness |
| relieve stress, tension, or to relax, stimulate, and | | | | * Improves breathing |
| tone the body. | | | | * Improves circulation of the blood |
| Massage therapy is more than being an excellent | | | | * Heals the mind and body |
| tool for calming and relaxing the body. I am | | | | * Improves sense of well-being |
| emphasizing that it is not just practiced for feeling | | | | Given the information of the benefits of massage |
| good anymore. Research has indicated that it | | | | therapy, it's no wonder that today the traditional |
| does much more than create a pleasant sensation | | | | health care systems all over the world have |
| on the skin. | | | | considered massage therapy as one very |
| One of the major benefits is that massage | | | | important and effective technique for treating |
| therapy works on the soft tissues of the body; | | | | illnesses. |
| such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. It even | | | | Additionally, more and more people are also using |
| enhances the muscle tone. Although it does bring | | | | services of licensed massage therapists these |
| a great relief to the muscle under the skin, the | | | | days. In fact, according to some surveys, most |
| benefits that this practice can offer may even | | | | consumers spend about $2 billion to $4 billion |
| affect the deeper layers of the muscles and the | | | | annually just for massage therapy. |
| body organs themselves. | | | | There is concrete evidence to show that |
| Massage therapy is further described as a holistic | | | | massage therapy is gradually becoming a |
| approach that alleviates blood pressure, heart | | | | mainstream therapeutic practice. And, with an |
| rate, and increases the lymph flow and blood | | | | ever growing research on the much deeper |
| circulation. One report that has been published | | | | beneficial effects of massage, thousands of health |
| describes what massage can do in the systems | | | | care professionals today are highly recommending |
| of the body. | | | | patients include massage therapy in their health |
| Another report indicates that massage works to | | | | care plans. |