Massage

is an important aid to physical fitness. Tension is stored in muscles and connective tissues. When the tension level is high, muscular and lymphatic function, as well as circulation and digestion, are inhibited. We feel this as muscle stiffness, pain, and sluggishness. Toxins collect in tissues and can contribute to illness. Massage gently stimulates muscle, circulatory, and nerve tissue back to their natural, relaxed condition.


            Though there is fossil evidence that massage was probably used by Neanderthals, the first written record of massage dates to around 2000 BC. Hippocrates practiced massage, as did Asclepiades, another Greek physician, who abandoned all other modalities in favor of it. Asclepiades also discovered that sleep might be induced by gentle stroking. Plutarch tells us that Julius Caesar, who suffered from epilepsy, had himself pinched all over for relief of neuralgia. Pliny was massaged for the relief of chronic asthma.

            I’ve been told that comedian Bob Hope, no matter where in the world he was, had a massage every day. Mr. Hope lived to the age of 100 years.

            Massage relaxes the mind and body, relieves pain in muscles and joints, reduces certain types of edema, and increases circulation and range of motion. It may also boost metabolism, enhance the immune and lymphatic systems, help cleanse the body of toxins, improve energy flow, and release natural mood elevating chemicals into the bloodstream, all of which promotes a sense of wellbeing.