Meghan graduated from The Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy near Philadelphia, PA in 2002 and has been practicing bodywork ever since. She is also a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. LMT# MA53656
Since I have been practicing massage over the last decade, I have often been asked what sparked my interest in the field. I first discovered massage as a child, when my father and I would lay on opposite ends of the couch while watching television and give each other foot massages. Years later as a teenager I was diagnosed with scoliosis and around the same time my father developed two herniated discs in his lower back. While I was prescribed muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories, he was prescribed physical therapy, which included massage as part of his treatment plan. He then took what he had learned from his massage sessions and preformed them on me. At the time I couldn't explain why, but I found more relief with those basic massage techniques than I had with the pills. As I would later find out, massage is a natural form of healing that has been practiced for thousands of years.
Evidence of massage has been found in several ancient civilizations. Massage was mentioned in early Chinese medical texts and was practiced by physicians of traditional Chinese medicine. There are Egyptian tomb paintings depicting massage; in fact, Egyptians are credited with creating reflexology. In India, Ayurvedic medicine texts describe how simple massage and herbs can aid in various conditions. Japanese monks brought massage back from China after witnessing their healing methods; they would later contribute with Shiatsu. Ancient Greeks used massage to keep athletes conditioned, for beauty treatments, and for general relaxation. Hippocrates, "the father of medicine", used herbs and massage techniques to treat many medical conditions. It is said that he wrote "the physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing." In Roman times, massage was used by personal physicians of the wealthy, but was also readily available to others in public bath houses. Native Americans used massage and herbs as a part of healing which varied from tribe to tribe.
During the Middle Ages massage lost popularity in Europe. There were intermittent discoveries from the Renaissance Era forward, but there wasn't much advancement until the early 19th century, when Pehr Henrik Ling developed the Swedish Gymnastic movement system. This system was a combination of massage, medicine and gymnastic movements. Some have called Ling the "father of modern massage," and the series of massage techniques he developed is now commonly known as Swedish massage. In the mid 19th century Swedish massage would be introduced to the United States, but it took at least another 100 years before there was much interest. In the latter half of the 20th century, Americans started taking more control of their health and well being, with more focus on natural ways of treating the body.
In 1992, the Touch Research Institute was created at the University of Miami School of Medicine. This was the first center that was entirely devoted to the study of massage in all stages of life, from newborns to the elderly. In these studies massage therapy has shown many positive effects, such as helping premature infants to gain weight, enhancing attentiveness, alleviating symptoms of depression, reducing pain, reducing stress hormones and improving immune function. Current research at the Touch Research Institute continues to show many beneficial effects that massage has on health and well being.
There has been a growing trend for people to recognize the health benefits of massage and not think of it merely as a means of pampering or luxury. Athletes use massage for rehabilitation and recovery. Physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists are recommending massage to their patients over pharmaceuticals and will oftentimes work directly with the massage therapist. Some insurance companies have even started covering massage under certain conditions. Employers are often now utilizing massage in the workplace to increase productivity and morale, and decrease stress and absenteeism. Chair massage is becoming more prevalent in such places as airports, malls and even grocery stores. Parents are finding success with massage for children that suffer from autism, ADHD and asthma, as well as with several other conditions. Expectant mothers will often find that massage during pregnancy, labor and post partem helps reduce the stresses that their bodies undergo.
Massage touches base on all of our body's systems, whether directly or indirectly. For thousands of years it has been at the root of helping the body heal itself and is an incredible form of preventative healthcare. Research shows us that stress is the primary cause or a contributing cause of many disorders, and massage is wonderful way to help keep those stresses in check. In my opinion most people do not realize the domino effect that stress can take on one’s body and quality of life. Stress may be a part of life, however, it is crucial to know how to turn the stress off. Massage is that off button for stress. Importantly, the effects of massage are cumulative, and people who receive massage on a regular basis obtain longer term health benefits than those who only receive massage occasionally.
I encourage you to add massage to your wellness plan if you haven't already done so. Let your therapist know of any concerns you may have and of any health issues going on so they can discuss the best treatment plan for you. Feel free to contact WELLTRAX if you have any questions or if you would like to book a massage with one of our therapists on staff.
Benefits of massage include improved circulation, relaxed muscles and faster healing.
Posted by: AllenCarlos | 11/11/2012 at 11:05 PM