Defined in clinical terms today, “the practice of massage is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”
Interestingly, the use of massage can be traced back thousands of years, with origins in China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Japan. Various forms of the practice were utilized, and its benefits are well documented. One of the earliest medical texts known to exist dates back to 1000 BC, in China. Called the Huangdi Neijing, it contains a reference to using massage to treat paralysis and reduced circulation. Over a thousand years later, at the time of the Tang dynasty, a formal institution was in place called the Imperial Medical Bureau. It consisted of professors of massage and a doctorate in massage could be obtained through formal training.
Wall paintings found in Egypt dating back to the 24th century BC include depictions of massage and reflexology, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands and feet to induce healing.
With the beginning of the Christian era, however, massage as a treatment went into a period of decline. This practice was mainly used by folk healers and midwives and had lost favour with leaders of Christianity. It was even considered inappropriate to include the topic of massage in medical literature since religion was focused on the soul, not the body. Thankfully, by the 16th century, massage made a remarkable comeback. Many renowned physicians utilized bodywork and massage in their treatments. One such medical advisor was the French military surgeon, Ambroise Paré. Not only did he use massage to aid the recovery of orthopedic surgery patients, but he also classified the type of massage techniques he employed.
Between the 19th century and the modern age, the biggest turnaround for massage therapy occurred. It became recognized as a respectable method of medicine, publications touted its beneficial effects, and colleges established training programs in massage. Today, research institutes continue to gather information on the evidence-based effects and benefits of massage and more emphasis is placed on educational standards, training, ethics, and boundaries.
Throughout history, massage has played a vital role in the maintenance of good health. But what exactly are the benefits? Sure, it’s generally known that massage is great for relaxation, but the application of therapeutic touch goes much further than that. Touch, when applied in a caring, professional and holistic manner, is a powerful tool in maintaining the homeostasis of the body; and if received regularly, it helps to improve and maintain one’s overall health and feelings of happiness.
The positive benefits of massage therapy can be categorized into three general areas: physical, emotional, and psychological.
Massage For Pain Relief
Muscle: Massage may promote muscle relaxation and improved function, improve muscle tone, aid in the prevention of fibrosis and adhesions, and decrease spasms.
Bones and Joints: By addressing the tension of muscles and surrounding tissue, the range of motion of joints and bones may be improved.
Digestive Issues: Abdominal massage assists the production of digestive secretions and encourages peristalsis (a wave-like movement that pushes contents through the intestinal tract). Gentle massage of the abdomen may help reduce bloating, gas, and cramps, relieve indigestion and constipation, improve digestion, assist with waste elimination, and alleviate menstrual pain and cramping.
Respiratory Conditions: Specific massage techniques can strengthen and relax the muscles responsible for respiration, thus improving breathing capacity and function. This may be helpful for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), allergies, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema.
Pain Relief: Whether acute or chronic, pain causes physical and mental stress. Massage can provide therapeutic benefits that reduce both of these issues. Physically, massage stimulates circulation, which aids in the flow of the body’s healing resources. It also encourages the relaxation of trigger points (knots) in muscles. Evidence suggests that, outside of physical benefits, massage may also:
- promote the release of endorphins (our body's “feel good” hormone) which interrupts the pain cycle
- lower cortisol production (stress hormones)
- lower blood pressure
- reduce inflammation
Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massages date back thousands of years, often connected to ancient Indian practices. During a hot stone massage, heated flat rocks are placed on the body, often on the spine, stomach, chest or on the feet. Heat has long been used to ease muscle pain, by bringing blood flow to the affected area, which is one benefit of a hot stone massage.
Hot rocks can also warm up tissue more quickly so the muscles can be worked deeper, faster. Another benefit of a hot stone massage is that it also helps flexibility and joint mobility. Adding this method into massage therapy practices can help provide physical relief, as well as emotional relief from the spa-like experience.
Massage Therapy for Stress Management
Stress, anxiety, and depression may be reduced with massage as the body’s relaxation response is produced. Cortisol (stress hormone) levels decrease and the nervous system is soothed in the process. This may also improve sleep patterns for those with insomnia.
Regular massage encourages us to become more body-aware. Learning how it feels to be relaxed and in tune with one’s well-being also helps us take responsibility for our health and happiness.
For those who may have negative associations with touch, therapeutic massage may play an important role in reducing those feelings, making caring touch a more comfortable experience. Studies have also shown that feelings of poor body image and low self-esteem decrease with regular massage treatments, as individuals become more knowledgeable and comfortable about their bodies.
Although there are a few conditions where massage is contraindicated, from infants to the elderly, there are no age limits to the benefits of massage therapy.
