Massage Therapy

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy, also known as Swedish massage, is the most common form of massage therapy in the Canada. Massage therapists use long, smooth strokes, kneading and other movements focused on superficial layers of muscle using massage oil or lotion. Massage therapy improves circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear lactic acid and other waste, which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

History of Massage Therapy

Massage is one of the most ancient forms of healing. The first writings on massage showed up around 2000 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans used massage to maintain health and promote healing. As early as the 14th century, Guy deChauliac was noted to have written a book on surgery and bodywork was mentioned as an adjunct to surgery. During the 16th century, Ambroise Pare, a French barber surgeon, was noted to have mentioned the many benefits of massage. Also, it was Lord Francis Bacon who observed that massage enhanced circulation.During the 1850s, scientific massage therapy was introduced in the United States by two New York physicians, brothers George and Charles Taylor.