Massage
What is massage?
The word ‘massage’ has its origin in the Arabian word mass or mass’h, which means ‘to press gently’. The Greek word massage means ‘to knead’ and the French word masser means ‘to massage’.
Massage has been practised throughout the centuries since the earliest civilisations. As early as 3000 BC, the Chinese practised massage to cure ailments and improve general health. The Chinese found that pressure techniques were very effective on specific points and they developed special techniques.
These massage techniques spread to Japan where they were further developed. The Japanese used similar pressure techniques on specific points, which they called tsubo.
The Greeks believed in the cultivation of a healthy mind and body. Rituals of bathing, massage, exercise or dancing were practised by men and women. They organised regular sporting, gymnastic and athletic competitions. Massage was used before events to improve performance and afterwards to relieve fatigue and aid recovery.
The Romans followed similar routines to the Greeks. Public baths were built to include water baths and steam rooms, gymnasium and massage areas. Romans would use these daily for cleansing, exercising, relaxing and socializing. The Romans built similar baths in the countries that were conquered by their armies. Many were built after the Roman conquest of Britain in 55BC, and their ruins can be seen in Britain today in towns and cities such as Bath and St. Albans.
In the sixteenth century, the French surgeon Ambroise Pare promoted and developed the use of massage. He is reputed to have successfully treated Mary Queen of Scots with massage.
Its popular use in the Western world is largely due to the work of Per Henrik Ling and Dr Johann Mezgner who established massage as an effective therapeutic treatment.
In 1894 a group of women founded the ‘Society of Trained Masseuses’. These women raised standards and fought to establish massage therapy as a reputable profession.
Today massage therapy is one of the fastest growing forces in the field of health care.
What to Expect during Treatment
You will be given a full consultation before planning a course of treatment. The consultation will include questions about your medical history, emotional condition, general health and lifestyle.
You will be asked to lie on a couch and remain fully covered with towels except for the head and the specific area that is being worked on.
Massage is able to stretch specific localized areas of tissue in a way that may not be possible with functional exercise. Afterwards you should find a greater range and freedom of movement.
What are the Benefits?
Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
Reduces muscle spasms
Improves posture
Rehabilitation after injury
Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
Improves circulation
For further information please contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice.