Therapeutic Massage
"The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a daily scented massage"
Therapeutic Massage
History of Massage therapy
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
At Touching Lives with Care we incorporate a variety of massage techniques and adapt them to meet each individual's needs and preferences. This includes body postioning for individuals who are in wheelchairs or in bed. We integrate energy methods with aromatherapy and customize essential oil blends to enchance the benefits of the massage.
Therapeutic Massage
The word massage comes from the Latin "massa" and Greek roots "masso" which means to touch. Therapeutic massage is an art and a science. Therapeutic Massage comes in various forms and techniques which target specific areas and needs. The main focus is to manipulate the fascia, muscles and soft tissue by various systematic applications of touch.
Massage is one of the oldest therapies. There are Egyptian tomb paintings from 2500 B.C showing people being massaged. It is documented in The Yellow Emperors' Classic of Internal Medicine, a Chinese text written in 2700 B.C. The traditional healing system of India (Ayurveda) includes massage with aromatic oils along with diet and excercise. Japanese monks praticed massage in 1000 B.C. The Greeks used it to help condition their bodies and heal injuries. Hippocrates said "The physician must be acquainted with many things but most assuredly rubbing". It was said that Julius Caesar had his body "pinched all over" on a daily basis to relieve his neuralgia.
Swedish massage became popular in the 1800's. It combined and adapted various techniques along with original movements such as effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (striking), and frictions (rubbing).
At present there are over eighty different types of massage with different orgins and styles from all over the world.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
- improves blood circulation, delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells
- strengthens immune system
- relieves acute and persistent pain
- promotes relaxation by relieving stress and reducing anxiety
- eases stiffness, relieves muscle tension
- fosters faster healing of muscle injuries, reduces pain and inflammation
- improves flexibility and range of motion
- increases body awareness
- improves skin tone
- soothes and uplifts the mind, body and spirit
