Fun Facts About Massage Therapy

The skin is the largest organ on your body, and it’s covered in pressure and touch receptors that massage therapists can use to heal your pain, relax your muscles, promote blood flow, increase the flow of lymph, and improve the overall quality of life. Massage therapy has been on this planet for quite a while, so the massage facts we prepared today will blow your mind. So start reading to discover how it all began, surprising techniques, and much more. 

Way Back In Time

Massage dates back to 2700 BCE. Although it wasn’t always known as massage, you can find it as a type of treatment in many books from China, Egypt, etc. One of the first times people mentioned massages was in the yellow emperor’s classic book of internal medicine from 2700 BCE. When medicine and the healthcare system weren’t as advanced, people used their hands to ease pain and deal with certain conditions. The most interesting thing is that you can see images of massage therapists performing massages on Egyptian tombs. 

So Many Different Techniques 

Did you know that there are more than 80 different types of massage? Some focus on the entire body, while others target specific parts of the body. Some of the most popular techniques include shiatsu, Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone massage, Thai, prenatal massage, aromatherapy, couple’s massage, reflexology, trigger point, etc. 

Swedish, deep tissue, and shiatsu are three of the most sought-after types because of their benefits. While Swedish massage is mainly meant to relax the muscles, shiatsu aims to improve the energy flow in the body, helps with pain management, stress reduction, increases serotonin levels, etc. One of the best things about this technique is getting a foot massager or a neck and back massager at home and reaping all the benefits. 

Live a Longer and Happier Life

Did you know that getting a one-hour massage serves as 7-8 hours of sleep? Although it sounds crazy, regular massages can prolong your life and make you happier. When you get a massage, your body releases dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones. In other words, massaging will ensure a good mood; you’ll be more relaxed, less anxious, or depressed. In addition, massage also promotes a good night’s sleep, so it will be like you’ve spent 16 hours sleeping in a single day. Did you know that Bob Hope got a massage every single day and lived 100 years?

Swedish Isn’t Swedish

We can't let this one slip when talking about fun massage therapy facts! Did you know that the world-famous Swedish massage doesn’t originate from Sweden? Many publications give credit to Per Henrik as the inventor of this technique; however, that’s not quite the case. The person who introduced Swedish massage to the world is the Dutch massage therapist Johan Georg Mezger. Johan also first introduced the basic terms of massage such as tapotement (rhythmic tapping), effleurage (gliding strokes), rolling, kneading, and petrissage (squeezing). 

Even Cesar Loved Massages 

Another mind-blowing fact is that the great emperor Julius Cesar loved getting massages. He also used them as a therapy for his epilepsy. This alternative treatment helped his seizures, so he practiced it often. Massage can be beneficial for many health conditions, including diabetes, anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, etc. 

Athletes Love It Too

Massages are an essential part of the performance of athletes. Sports teams have their massage therapists who ensure that the athletes are in their best shape to perform and help them deal with pain. In addition, massage can speed up injury rehabilitation, so athletes pay serious money to get the best therapists and get back on track as soon as possible. The first time that massage was an official part of sports on TV was during the 1984 Olympics.

Forget About Your Stuffy Nose

As we already mentioned, massage provides many benefits. However, one of the most surprising you’ll ever hear is that it can deal with your clogged sinuses. Too crazy to believe? Well, the massage type called reflexology targets specific pressure points on your feet and delivers results. Each point is connected to another part of the body, so the pressure relieves pain in that body part during and after the massage. So, although getting a massage isn't the only way you should deal with stuffy sinuses, it can help your suffering. 

Cactus Massages Are a Thing 

Although most of us can’t connect a cactus to a pleasant experience, you’ll be surprised to hear that there is a type of massage that uses these plants. It’s a popular form that isn’t painful and detoxifies your body. The only disappointing thing is that not many therapists know this technique, so it can be tricky to find one that does. 

Massage Chains Are a Thing

Yes, people line up to get massages, and that’s called a massage chain. There must be at least three people for this happening to be considered a chain, and each person will massage the next one. The longest one ever was made of 1600 people, and it happened in Boracay, Malay, in the Philippines. The most beautiful part of this story is that the people gathered on the beach and had the best experience ever. 

Conclusion

Did you know all these exciting massage facts? It doesn’t matter if you’re a massage enthusiast or just tapping into the field of massages; it’s good to know when this treatment originated. People have used massage therapy for centuries to deal with pain, muscle tensions, stress, blood pressure, and more. Although it’s still not an official therapeutic method in many countries, there is no doubt that massage brings numerous benefits. 

Today there are over 80 different techniques and massage types, many at-home massagers to choose from, and many ways this therapy can help you live a happier and longer life. Aside from the relaxing experience, people with sports injuries, sciatica, arthritis, hypertension, asthma, myofascial pain syndrome, carpal tunnel can get better after the massage therapy.