I have once have had a massage. Have you? If not, have you ever contemplated it? If you have not had a massage, here's something you should know. They are many benefits that come with it. Do you think massage is some new fad? Not true. Massage is by no means anything new. It dates back to ancient cultures. Records of different massages go back through the ages in all parts of the world to many ancient civilizations.

Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue, to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. Massage became popular in the US in the 1800's and grew in popularity until the 1930's and 40's. With the development of modern medicine, it was discounted as lesser than. It made a re-appearance in the 1960's and 1970's when nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. In the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service and its popularity rose again.

When studying different languages, one can't deny how exciting it is to discover that many cultures have the same word and customs of massage. The word comes from the Latin word "frictio", as well as from the French word meaning "friction or kneading", and the Arabic word "massa" meaning to touch, feel or handle.

There are many ways of having a massage done. There are also many types of oils, seeds etc that can be used. A person receiving a massage may be on a mat, chair, or table, usually without clothes, but covered with towels or sheets. If one is uncomfortable with this, he/she may wear underwear. As far as remedies, oils may be used to cause relaxation or to stimulate blood flow. Body rocks, warm and cold coated in different sorts of oils such as fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil and mustard and aromatherapy oils are also used. What a combination!

If you think this is a wide variety of seasonings, oils, mixes, rocks, tables, mats, clothed or not etc, wait until you hear about how many different body parts are used in giving a massage! A massage can be applied by using the masseuses hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms or feet. Yes, feet! You can be walked on by someone, and if done properly it can feel good.

Anyway, one must find one's favorite type of massage. Not only are there many ways and oils, but it can be cultural. It can be an international experience. You may find that Lomi Lomi massage in Hawaii, Samoan, Shiatsu, Thai or even Chinese massage suits your needs. If not, then maybe try Swedish massage, which, incidentally in Sweden is known as classical massage.

Whatever method of massage you choose, it can help relieve pain, anxiety, depression and a variety of diseases. There is no way to blind-test massage therapy, as the person being tested is going to be touched, and we cannot deny that the sense of touch is very therapeutic by itself. Be sure to try it out and find what type of massage works best for you!