While it is true that this can be a luxurious treat, most people today seek massage for the healing benefits it provides.
Massage therapy is a profession in which the practitioner uses specific manual techniques of pressure and movement to soft tissues ( that is, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue) in order to promote relaxation and well-being.
Recognized as a type of complementary alternative medicine, it is also one of the oldest methods of healing. History has revealed records of this type of healing occurred over 3000 years ago in India, as well as in Egypt and China.
Modern research, such as studies by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, continues to demonstrate that this type of treatment is extraordinary in its ability to reduce the effects of stress and promote well-being.
If you have never had a massage, you may feel a little uncertain about the process. Here is a general overview of what to expect at your first session:
Painful sessions do not help muscles to relax and in fact can exacerbate problems.