Perspectives on the Healing Power of Massage Through the Ages

   Do you have constant back pain or headaches? Do you clench your jaw when you’re stressed or feel your joints and shoulders tighten? Do you look in the mirror and wish you were looking at a different body, or wish you had more respect for the body you were given? Do you need to lose weight or gain weight? The one thing that all these conditions have in common is that they can be affected by massage and the power of touch.

   Many of you have probably heard about the stress-reducing effects of massage and how it can reduce anxiety levels and increase circulation. The gentle strokes of a massage can have a very deep effect on the body. Along with implementing a healthy diet, people using regular massage can reduce the effects of several health problems; for example, if you suffer from indigestion or constipation, recurrent massage on the abdominal area can relieve tension and move the bowels.

  If you experience chronic congestion, percussive movements on the back will help remove phlegm and mucus from the lungs. Massage aids in the release of toxins from cells and stimulates the flow of lymph, which aids in the cleansing process, both emotional and physical, and reestablishes balance in the body.

  Ancient Greek, Roman and Arabic physicians prescribed massage for everything from insomnia and gynecological problems to paralysis and hysteria. Despite its effectiveness, massage lost its popularity for a myriad of reasons.

    Many ‘witches’ that were burned at the stake are said to have been midwives who employed massage in their work of healing. At the same time, the Catholic Church viewed the body as a repository of sin and condemned any practices that might be viewed as pleasurable. Fortunately, modern medicine and holistic healers have brought massage therapy back into the mainstream of healthy living.

    Recently, hospitals such as UCLA’s East – West Center are incorporating massage into patient care, based on the premise that massage activates the body’s own healing system. They employ massage to help ease pain and also use it as a therapeutic service for cancer and maternity patients.

   The Cygalle Healing Spa is proud to offer a variety of massage service to fit your lifestyle and your individual needs, ranging from a soothing Swedish massage to Crystal Chakra Aromatherapy. They say that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Some of our best advice to prevent getting sick includes the following suggestions:

1. Pay close attention to your diet, focusing on whole, organic foods rather than processed, fragmented foods.
2. Keep your body moving with activities you can commit to and fit into your life.
3. Incorporate the healing touch of massage into your routine to keep stress at bay and increase your bodies own immune function.

Namaste!   

By,

Jacqueline Banks
Holistic Health Counselor A.A.D.P