Massage Therapy and wellbeing benefits for body & mind

Massage Therapy and wellbeing benefits for body & mind…

This week’s topic of focus for Wellbeing Wednesday is massage therapy. Having lived in Thailand for almost a year now, I have found that having a weekly Thai oil massage has been such an amazing addition to my overall health and wellbeing! So, let’s take a further look at the history, development, techniques and benefits of massage, for not only the physical body but the mind and nervous system too.

You’re only 1 massage away from a good mood!

Evidence of massage dates back to around 2300BC and has been found in many ancient civilizations including China, India, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Korea and Mesopotamia.

BC 2330: The Tomb of Akmanthor (also known as “The Tomb of the Physician”) in Saqqara, Egypt, depicts two men having work done on their feet and hands, possibly massage.

BC 722–481: The Huangdi Nei-jing is a compilation of medical knowledge known up to that date and is the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine. Massage is referred to in 30 different chapters of the Nei Jing. It specifies the use of different massage techniques and how they should be used in the treatment of specific ailments, and injuries.

BC 500: According to the Buddhist Pali Canon, Jivaka Komarabhacca an Indian with extraordinary medical skills, who is said to have been the Buddha’s physician, is sometimes credited with founding and developing a style of massage that led to the type of massage practiced in current-day Thailand.

BC 300: Charaka Samhita (sometimes dated to 800 BCE) is one of the oldest of the three ancient treatises of Ayurvedic medicine, including massage. Sanskrit records indicate that massage had been practiced in India long before the beginning of recorded history.

Massage Therapy has continued to develop and evolve around the world, alongside the medical sciences into the variety of methods and techniques used today.

Some of the methods you may be familiar with: Swedish, deep tissue, Ayurvedic, hot stone, Shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, myofascial release, sports massage, aromatherapy and of course, Thai Yoga massage.

THAI MASSAGE Is one of the many drawcards for tourists visiting Thailand. A little more complex than being the creation of just 1 man, it is a combination of influences from Indian and Southeast Asian traditions of medicine, and the art as it is practiced today is likely to be the product of a 19th-century synthesis of various healing traditions from all over the kingdom of Thailand.

Wat Pho in Bangkok has been the center of Thai Traditional Medicine and massage for centuries and was registered in 1955 as the first such school to offer courses in Thai massage, Medical practice, Pharmacy and Midwife-nurse.

A little different from other methods, the patient lies on a bed on the floor, fully clothed, and as opposed to rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, stretched, pulled and rocked, using the hands, elbows, forearms and feet.

We mostly associate massage with being therapeutic and relaxing; think dim lights, candles, essential oils and soft music… However, the power of touch as a healing modality has many other medicinal benefits as well.

BENEFITS:

Relieves joint stiffness and pain
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Relieves headaches
Eases stress, anxiety & depression
Revives/increases energy
Improves circulation & blood flow
Can promote the release of built up toxins
Improves posture
Increases oxygen supply to muscles
Helps with insomnia
Improves ADHD symptoms
Lowers inflammation (recommended for diabetics)
Enhances athletic performance

So, with all these wonderful benefits for both body and mind, why not treat yourself to regular, weekly massages and FEEL the difference for yourself! At Samahita we offer a range of treatments you can try out while here on your stay with us. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing aromatherapy massage or deep tissue to get rid of all those tight spots, we’ve got you covered!

If you’re new to massage therapy, pregnant or have any medical conditions, check in with your doctor first for advice.

Original Blog written by Kirsten-Mia Hickey for The Roaming Yogi.

References:

https://www.thegoodbody.com/types-of-massage/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage

https://www.healthline.com/health/thai-massage-benefits

https://www.thai-massage-therapists.com/is-thai-massage-good-for-you

https://community.thriveglobal.com/12-surprising-health-benefits-of-massage-therapy/

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