The Wonders Of A Full Body Massage

By Ned Dagostino

History records the prevalence of the full body massage as a regular feature of ancient civilizations - Hellenic, Egyptian, Roman, and Asian. Even then, centuries ago, a massage could not be administered by just anyone. Social historians say that the masseur or masseuse had a status somewhere between a physician and a priest in ancient Egypt. This esteem was well deserved, because the massage requires specialized training to be performed properly and correctly.

There are a number of benefits that a full body massage gives you.

The basic idea behind a massage is touch therapy. Humans tend to become ill physically and emotionally in the absence of touch. If a baby is not fondled, it languishes and becomes cranky, and even physically ill. This need to be touched is what imbues a massage with therapeutic qualities. Relaxation apart, it actually helps muscle fibers to heal after an injury, even to resist injury. Muscles get toned when massaged. The blood circulation improves, aiding general health and cell growth. The lymphatic circulation perks up too, thus improving the immune system. Massage removes blockages in these two circulatory systems. A massage, when done properly, relaxes you and invigorates you simultaneously. You get complete rest when you sleep and when you wake up you are more alert, and can get more work done.

Never had a full body massage before? It is a truly wonderful experience, as we'll describe below.

A well reputed massage parlor will charge you anything from $50 to $100 for a an hour long session. You'll be led into a private cabin where you'll be asked to remove your clothes and then lie prone on the massage table. An assistant will cover you with a sheet, not just for the sake of modesty, but actually as a requirement of the massage therapy, since body warmth must be maintained. Only one part will be uncovered at a time, the one which is being massaged. Using special aromatic oils the masseuse will begin the massage, using a variety of manipulative movements of her hands, the main being strokes or gentle kneading or circular movements.

Starting at the feet, she will work her way up, up the legs, to your hips, using her skilled hands to manipulate and relax the muscles, one by one. The blood vessels will also be relieved of various internal tensions, thereby improving the circulation of blood. The masseuse may use any one of a number of massage methods, varying in pressure and stroke, to get your circulation up to speed. Sometimes the massage therapist may use her own experience and her analysis of your particular condition to select this method; optionally, you may be asked to select the method you prefer.

From the hips her hands will move over the back, the arms and shoulders, the neck, and finally the head.

Massaging generates a little heat inside the body which heals the body from the inside. Thus therapeutic heat is generated right at the spot where it is needed. This process of internal healing is wonderfully restorative. There is just one thing you must be careful about: don't visit any of these shady massage parlors. Ask around before selecting one to give your custom to. Insist on being massaged by a professional masseuse who has undergone a rigorous training and passed a state-approved examination before being licensed to practice in public. This is to make sure that you are not harmed in any way. So, see you at the massage parlor! - 30453

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here