Massage therapy has a rich history in Indian culture, with its roots dating back to 3000 BCE or earlier. It was used by Hindus for healing injuries, reducing pain, and treating illnesses. According to Ayurveda, massage therapy is a natural way to restore balance and physical well-being when our bodies become disconnected from the environment. Today, it continues to grow in popularity as a way to relieve stress, anxiety, and other health issues.
The Growth of Massage Therapy
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the demand for massage therapy increased as it gained legitimacy and respect in the medical community. In the 1950s, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) was established to set education standards and ethical guidelines for massage practitioners. From the 1970s to 2000s, massage therapy experienced a significant transformation as more people became aware of its benefits and chose it as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
There are several types of corporate massage therapy, each with its own unique approach and benefits. During a massage session, a therapist uses their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, and massage devices like hot stones and massagers to work on different parts of the body. Corporate massage therapy is in high demand due to its ability to soothe and release tension in the soft tissues, heal injuries, and provide a range of benefits to employees. The future of the massage industry looks bright, with research predicting that by 2030 it will be one of the top health and wellness service industries.
Listen to Your Body
Your body is the most important thing you need to take care of. Regardless of your accomplishments or workload, if your body is not feeling well, don’t ignore the signs. Prioritize your health over other obligations. The health and wellness industry offers a variety of techniques, devices, and methods to help you feel better. Consulting with a professional massage therapist is a great way to improve circulation, relieve tension, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation throughout your body.
How Massage Therapy is Performed
Massage therapy focuses on the soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and connective tissues of the body. There are many different techniques used today to help you achieve a healthy and relaxed body. You can receive massage therapy in a spa, a medical office, or you can even get a massage at home!
Common massage techniques include:
- Hot Stone Massage – used to treat stress, tension, and muscle soreness by heating stones and placing them strategically on the body. This improves metabolism and blood circulation.
- Swedish Massage – one of the most popular types of therapy that provides full-body relaxation using long strokes.
- Deep Tissue Massage – for clients with chronic muscle tension, this technique uses more pressure to reach deep muscle layers and tendons to reduce blood pressure and stress hormones.
- Reflexology Massage – focuses on the feet, calves, and upper legs to reduce stress and anxiety, and relieve arthritis pain.
- Prenatal Massage – designed to soothe pregnant women with discomforts such as back and neck pain, headaches, leg cramps, and swelling.
- Sports Massage – helps athletes treat sore, stressed, or overused muscles.
- Thai Massage – involves yoga-like positions and applies rhythmic pressure to relieve body soreness and stress. Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended.
● Shiatsu Massage – uses manipulation, stretching, acupressure, and western massage techniques to treat a range of health issues and improve mental and physical well-being.
Massage is great for those who are currently going through stressful life situations. When the body is under pressure, cortisol levels (a stress hormone) increase. Massage therapy helps to decrease cortisol levels and promote relaxation, resulting in better overall wellbeing!
