There’s nothing quite as relaxing as receiving a massage from a licensed therapist. Just a brief 30-minute session can relieve built-up tension, promote blood flow, and flush toxin-filled liquid out of your system. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the practice of massage therapy.
#1) There are Hundreds of Different Types of Massage
While most people are familiar with Swedish and Deep, there are hundreds of other types of massage that shouldn’t go unnoticed, some of which includes myofascial release, pediatric, sports, Balinese, Anma, Esalen, Reflexology, and Shiatsu. Experts believe there are currently around 250 different types of massage practiced throughout the world.
#2) Massage Makes You Happy
Massage therapy promotes the release of special, mood-altering chemicals in the body known as endorphins. These chemicals, which are produced in the pituitary glands, are directly linked to feelings of happiness and content. Several studies have also linked endorphins to pain relief (source).
#3) It’s Old, Really Old
No one knows when exactly massage therapy was invented. However, some of the earliest evidence of the practice was discovered at the Tomb of Akmanthor in Egypt dating back to 2330 BC. The hieroglyphic drawings here depicted two people having their feet massaged. Similar evidence has been found in China, Greece, Mesopotamia, Rome, Korea, Japan, and India.
#4) Companies Often Treat Their Workers To Massage Therapy
There are thousands of companies in the U.S. that hire massage therapists for their employees, including Allstate, Best Buy, Cisco, FedEx, Gannett, GE, Google, HP, Home Depot, JC Penney, Kimberly-Clark, Texas Instruments, and Yahoo! Of course, it’s in a company’s best interest to offer massage therapy, as it reduces work-related stress, relieves pain, fights fatigue, and may boost overall productivity.
#5) It’s The Most Popular Spa Treatment
According to the 2002 Day Spa Business Report, massage therapy is the single most popular service requested at day spas.
#6) Improves Heart Health
Heart disease remains the number one cause of death among men and women. While there’s no substitution for regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, massage therapy is known to promote a healthy heart. Massage encourages blood flow throughout the body while relieving myfascial muscle knots, which subsequently may reduce one’s risk of heart disease.
#7) It’s Frequently Used To Treat Muscle Soreness
Clients seek the services of a massage therapist for a number of different reasons, one of the most common being to treat muscle soreness. Whether your your job requires you to be on your feet or sit in front of a desk for long periods at a time, chances are you will develop sore muscles. A series of massage therapy sessions can relieve sore muscles by kneading out knots.
