Our sense
of touch is registered by our skin -- our largest and most
sensitive organ. Throughout history people have used the power
of touch from our hands to warmth, comfort and reassure. Massage
has wonderful healing powers that even today most MDs would
not deny. Okay, there are some stubborn ones out there.
A
Bit of Massage History
Massage
has a long tradition as a healing therapy and has been used
by many different cultures for centuries to treat and relieve
a wide range of disorders.
Dr. Stretch
Dowse (his real name), a Victorian physician wrote in 1887:
“It seems to me that massage is destined to play a very
important part in the future of the human race.” In addition,
he even went so far as to compare its benefits for the human
body to the role of engineering in sanitation, observing that,
“the present system of drainage, if effectually carried
out, keeps a house healthy and pure. The system of massage,
if properly conducted, tends to maintain the pure mind in
the healthy body”.
Use
of the word massage is relatively new and is probably derived
from the Arabic word, “masah”, which means to stroke
with the hand. Ancient Chinese, Egyptian and Indian manuscripts
refer to the use of massage to prevent and cure diseases and
to heal injuries. Chinese books from 2700 B.C. describe hand
massage to start the day after sleeping. Greek and Roman athletes
used massage for sports and after bathing.
Physiologically,
touch and massage help the flow of blood and lymph throughout
our bodies. It
has been suggested that massage may help with the production
of endorphins, the brains chemicals that function as natural
pain killers. The word 'endorphin' means (“morphine within”).
Social
Inhibitions
Despite
all the evidence to show the benefits of touch, we are still
hesitant about touching each other. This is probably due to
a confusion between sensuality and sexuality. Since we have
become so afraid of the connection between sex and touch,
we have formalized touch. There are only a few occasions when
adults of Western cultures are allowed to touch each other
freely. Massage removes the taboos of touching and allows
people to touch in a positive way. For this article I will
be describing therapeutic massage to heal yourself to avoid
any confusion about sexuality and so I don't have to write
a disclaimer (too many lawyers out there).
When
Massage Should Not Be Used:
There
are certain conditions which should not be treated by massage.
For any serious health conditions never massage without the
consent of your health care provider.
1. Thrombosis or phlebitis: This means blood clots are
present and you might dislodge them, NEVER do it.
2. Bruising
3. Varicose Veins: Don't massage, you can elevate them
to help reduce swelling.
4. Fever
5. Infections or inflammation: Don't use massage, you may
spread it.
6. Broken Bones: If you suspect a bone is broken, seek medical
attention.
7. Tumors: Don't massage without the consent of the physician
providing care for the tumor.
8. Pregnancy: Not during the first three months AND
not without the consent of your obstetrician or health care
provider. (Yes, massage is great during pregnancy and childbirth,
but ONLY after you have permission from you obstetrician or
midwife, so that will not be addressed here). Sorry.
