Massage for Common Ailments

Our sense of touch is registered by our skin, our largest and most sensitive organ. Throughout history, people have used the power of touch to warm, comfort and reassure others.

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."

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 BCE 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 fluids throughout our bodies. It has been suggested that massage may help with the production of endorphins ("morphine within"), the brain chemicals that function as natural pain killers.

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.

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 through massage.
2. Bruising.
3. Varicose veins.
4. Fever.
5. Infections or inflammation: don't use massage, or you may spread it.
6. Broken bones.
7. Tumors: don't massage without the consent of the physician providing care for the tumor.
8. Pregnancy: not during the first 3 months and not without the consent of your obstetrician or health care provider.