9 of 29

Write now Article Tools

Massage is the oldest, most intuitive form of therapy known to man. When you bump your arm, what's the first thing you do? You rub it. When you're under stress, you instinctively rub your temples. When your eyes hurt, you rub them. When your head hurts, you cradle it in your hands.

And why do such actions offer immediate - although temporary - relief? The short answer is because massage stimulates circulation of the blood in the affected area. Blood is what gives us life - and what gives us healing. The body naturally sends more blood to distressed areas of our body. That's why a sore spot is usually redder - your body is naturally pumping more blood there. Massage generally helps that natural action by sending even more blood to the area being massaged.

But massage therapy is as much psychological as it is physiological. While lying for an hour on the massage table, the client literally places total faith in the masseuse. The bond of trust between the giver and the receiver can be overwhelming. The mind can relax, can wander, can daydream. Problems can be solved or simply forgotten. Feelings and emotions can run loose or can be restrained. The possibilities are endless.

Massage therapists are taught to gauge the comfort level of the client. The client removes only as much clothing as he is comfortable. Only the parts of the body that the client wants massaged are worked on. As much or as little talking can take place depending on the desires and comfort level of the client. The paradox is that, although total faith and trust is placed with the masseuse, it is the client who is ultimately in charge of the situation.

And therein lies the true power of massage therapy. If it works for the client, it works. It doesn't need to be proven. If the client feels that the therapy was beneficial, then it was. If the client feels cheated or threatened or feels that he didn't receive value for his money, then all the practical research in the greatest medical facilities of the world cannot prove a benefit.

If it was worth the money, it was worth the money.

Learn more about this author, Joe DeShon.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about The health benefits of massage therapy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!