Interesting Facts About Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has long been used as a form of alternative health care. Most people today use it for relaxation and its calming effects on both the mind and body, but it has also been used for everything from chronic pain and sports injuries to relieving long-term symptoms of chronic conditions. Enjoy the 10 interesting facts on massage therapy below.

1. Some of the first instances of massage therapy exist in ancient Egypt, with pictures on tombs depicting its use. This was around 3000 B.C. It was around roughly the same time period in ancient history when the Chinese began using massage to clear energy channels in the body and create a more harmonious environment between the mind and the body.
2. The Japanese were introduced to massage therapy by their monks who went to study in China and brought home massage therapy techniques and practices.
3. Athletes in Ancient Greece used massage therapy to loosen joints and increase circulation. Massage is still used today by serious athletes and was even used in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
4. As of 2010, there are more than 125,000 massage therapists in America. This is a quickly growing area.
5. Various research throughout the years have shown massage to have positive effects on people suffering from autism, ADHD, anorexia, asthma and arthritis. It is also thought to be beneficial for diseases such as cancer where pain relief becomes one of the primary goals for patients.
6. Approximately 10% of Americans say their doctors have specifically suggested massage therapy as a form of treatment for various conditions and disorders. Massage therapy is also enjoying a wider acceptance in Western medicine and is beginning to be offered by doctors, clinics and hospitals throughout the U.S.
7. There are more than 80 different recognized types of massage and over 250 different total methods of body manipulation within complementary and alternative medicine.
8. Swedish massage is the type of massage most widely recognized by the general public and most popular in the U.S.
9. More than 1 out of 4 Americans have had a massage in the last 12 months.
10. The average cost of a Swedish massage ranges from about $50 to $90 or more depending on session length and location (massages generally cost more in urban areas).

These are just a few interesting ideas to get you started on your journey of understanding the unique history of massage. The rich tradition and clear benefits of massage show just what an advantageous therapy it can be for many people in different situations.