Massage therapy has a long history, is rooted in cultures throughout the world, and is quite possibly one of the oldest forms of healing. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a range of purposes. While massage therapy may seem like an indulgent treat, it is often considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and offers many conventional uses.
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History of Massage Therapy
The earliest form of massage emerged in India in approximately 3000 BC and was known as Ayurveda, or “the science of life” in Sanskrit. Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine and its approach is to balance the mind, body and spirit through traditional techniques that promote health and well being.
The earliest written records of massage therapy were discovered in Egypt and China. Tomb paintings dating back to 2500 BC were discovered in Egypt that depict individuals being kneaded by others. Because of this, Egyptians are credited with creating reflexology. Texts that document medical benefits of massage therapy in China date back to 2700 BC.
Massage therapy eventually progressed into western civilization when Greek athletes used massage therapy to keep their bodies in peak condition. Hippocrates prescribed “friction” in fifth century BC and taught his physician colleagues about the benefits of rubbing with essential oils to treat physical injury. Massage continued to spread to Rome in 200 and 100 BC, where Galen began to employ massage techniques to treat different types of injuries and diseases.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Today, the benefits of massage therapy are widely known. We even see massage techniques used as core medical service in the Olympics and professional sports. Deep tissue massage benefits the body through the release of endorphins, which causes an analgesic effect that reduces pain. When the stimulation occurs, it increases oxygen flow, reduces toxins, and improves tissue repair.
The benefits of massage therapy aren’t just physical, but mental as well. The healing power of touch has been proven to reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Massage stimulates the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine and reduces stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol.
Massage therapy has also been proven to aid health conditions like high blood pressure, fatigue, osteoarthritis and diabetes. Massage doesn’t just improve your body’s health, it allows it to thrive! Massage therapy encourages quick recovery and the renewal of energy, which can translate into better athletic performance and increased flexibility.
SoCozi Massage Chair
The most common reasons for getting a massage are relaxation, relief of muscle soreness, stiffness, or spasms and stress reduction. Southern Motion partnered with Cozzia, an innovative leader of massage technology, to develop a massage chair like no other that can help with these concerns. SoCozi utilizes exclusive technology in air cell design to offer deep tissue air massage. The chair is also equipped with a heat region that aids in relaxation and pain relief and adjustable lumbar support to promote proper spinal cord alignment.
