Oldest form of medicine

Massage has always been used to promote relaxation and as a form of natural therapy for injuries and the wear and tear of everyday life. A simple touch can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Today, many people want an approach to healthcare that is not based on medicine and technology, but on the healing power of physical contact and the mechanical stimulation of the body's systems. There is nothing mystical or romantic about this idea. The human body is a physical object that responds to physical influences. That is why there are 5,000,000 touch receptors in our skin and a direct and inverse relationship between chemistry and mechanical processes in every cell of our tissues.

Benefits and Effects of Massage Therapy

Massage is probably the most powerful and natural way to relax the human body. It has the potential to relieve pain, reduce tension and bring relaxation and pleasure.

Anyone can benefit from a good massage on a regular basis, regardless of what they do in life.

• Massage therapy is recognised as being effective in improving blood and lymphatic circulation and strengthening immunity.

• It improves muscle tone, tissue elasticity and tone, dry skin, areas with cellulite (softening of fatty tissue), and reduces muscle fatigue and stiffness.

• It increases energy levels and can improve digestion and posture.

• Induces relaxation and a feeling of well-being, and allows you to release tension. It makes breathing deeper and improves sleep quality.

• Reduces stress levels, can balance the nervous system and can also help manage anxiety and depression.

• It can speed up recovery from injuries (by reducing stiffness, some post-injury discomfort, and posture problems), relieves pain, tension and stress, and reduces swelling.

• It has also been proven that the act of giving a simple massage reduces stress levels even in the masseur.

Massage therapy

The physical and psychological benefits of massage have been recognised and valued since ancient times. Early physicians, despite their limited understanding of bodily functions, were able to use massage very effectively in the treatment of fatigue, illness and injury.

Massage is the oldest documented form of healthcare. Although understanding of blood circulation was incomplete at the time, in the 5th century BC Hippocrates described “rubbing” (massage) as something that “can stiffen a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too stiff”.

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The ancient Greeks established massage schools in their gymnasiums.

In Europe, massage remained an important part of healthcare throughout the Roman Empire and is widely cited in the literature of the time.

In India, massage is considered indispensable and beneficial from the cradle to the grave.

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In Japan, people are regularly awakened by the Shiatsu masseur who goes from house to house asking, ‘Shiatsu today?’ The whole family can then enjoy a refreshing treatment.

In the United States, massage is an important part of stress management programmes.

Throughout the world, massage is used in preparation for surgery and manipulative adjustments in chiropractic therapy. It is also used as post-operative therapy.

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In some cultures, massage has been also practised since ancient times as an act of hospitality; one example is lomi-lomi in Hawaii.​

The act of giving a massage has a profound meaning for both the giver and the receiver.

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Today, massage has established itself as an effective therapy.​