History of massage Dating back as far as 3,000 B.C. in the Chinese and Japanese cultures and 4,000 B.C.

in Greek History, massage therapy is considered to be one of the oldest treatments used by man. Hypocrites' writings include recommendations for the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulation problems. In the United States during WW I & II massage therapist were employed in Army and Navy hospitals. Currently massage/bodywork is becoming more widely accepted in rehabilitation programs, pain clinics, stress reduction center, HIV clinics, and hospices to name a few. Swedish Massage Per Hernik Ling of Sweden (1776 - 1839): He began a study of massage after he had cured himself of rheumatism in the arm by percussions, and developed a method consisting of massage and medical gymnastics without distinguishing between the two. It often combined both in a simultaneous application of the theory that massage is a form passive gymnastics. He used his system on physiology, which was just emerging as a science. His system /method would become to be known as "The Ling system"/ "Swedish Movement Treatment" What is Therapeutic Massage? Therapeutic Massage is the systematic manual manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxing the muscles, relief from pain, and the restoration of metabolic balance. Any one particular technique or a combination of several techniques can be used. Systems Skeletal System 1. Maintains posture & body balance 2. Reduces muscles tension that eventually causes structural problems 3. Increases the flow of nutrients to the bones 4. Promotes elimination of waste matter Muscular system 1. Relieves muscle tension & relaxes muscle spasm 2. Increases the supply of blood & nutrients to muscles 3. Helps to eliminate waste matter from muscles (especially lactic acid)

4. Helps to restore tone to flaccid muscles and partially compensates for lack of exercise and inactivity because of illness or injury 5. Eliminates or prevents muscle adhesions resulting from injury 6. Increases flexibility and strength of joints Circulatory system 1. Improves blood circulation & relives congestion 2. Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body 3. Eases the strain on the heart by helping to return blood to this vital organ, especially the immune system and eliminating toxic wastes. 4. Pushes the movement of lymph through the body; thereby strengthen the immune system and eliminating toxic wastes Nervous system 1. Can either sedate/stimulate the nervous system depending on the techniques used? 2. By balancing the nervous system, affects all the systems of the body Respiratory System 1. Improve breathing patterns 2. Aids in relief of many long-term respiratory difficulties such as asthma & bronchitis Urinary system 1. Massaging the kidneys can cleanse the blood and tonify the entire system 2. In problems of swelling in the body, massage can affect the elimination of fluids Immunity System 1. Increase hemoglobin 2. Increase "T" cells 3. Promotes endocrine effects of healing and well-being

The definition of massage according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2012) is: manipulation of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes. Merriam-Webster, Inc. (2012). Definition of Massage. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/massage. Springfield, MA

Dumb (Definition of massage) Hummingbirds (History of massage) Try (Types of massage) Bad (Benefits of massage) Worms (Why get a massage)

Reasons to Get a Massage on a Regular Basis Introduction: How many of you have ever had a professional massage? How did it make you feel? On the surface, massage helps to relax, relieve tension, and de-stress. But massage benefits are much more than skin deep. There are many important health benefits that are received from getting a massage. Today I am going to tell you more about massage including what it is, the history of massage, different types of massage, many benefits of receiving a massage, and why you should get a massage on a regular basis. Conclusion: Is massage just a feel-good luxury to only be received once in a while? Definitely not! Massage is one of the most powerful ways to maintain good health and well-being. Making you feel great is just a wonderful bonus. So schedule your massage today. Youll be glad you did!