Have you ever had a really good massage? Isn't it great? A wide variety of seasonings, oils, mixes, rocks, tables, mats, clothed or not etc, many different body parts! A massage applied by using the masseuses hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms or feet. Yes, feet are used too! You can be walked on by a professional and it can feel good.

Massage is not a new medical breakthrough, no, this art has been practiced throughout the world. Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and even Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Massage is the manipulation of superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue that enhances function and promotes blood flow. Do you think you need a massage yet? What is the best massage for you?

First of all, let's look into what a massage entails. 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 1800s and grew in popularity until the 1930s and 40s. With the development of modern medicine, it was discounted as lesser than. It made a re-appearance in the 1960s and 1970s 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.

Massages are performed in many different ways and with a variety of ancient remedies. Again, we all have different requirements in life, so find the best massage for yourself. A masseuse will have you either on a table, chair, or a mat, and generally the recipient is unclothed, but may be modestly covered with towels or sheets or underwear may be kept on. Some massage therapists use oil, or even, body rocks! Different oils can be used to stimulate blood flow and relaxation along with a variety of other benefits. A body rock can be either cold or warm and 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. What a variety of seemingly unusual remedies!

A scientific study performed on heart surgery patients showed there was a significant decrease in levels of stress after a foot massage. Reducing stress levels can help the body in many ways, mentally and physically as well. Foot massage benefits are best received when a professional massage therapist performs the massage. If you are a heart patient, ask your doctor, this may be the type for you.

For me, as a mother of 3 girls aged 9 and under, I wish I had known about pregnancy massages when I was pregnant. This would have been the best massage and best gift I could have received. I had such weight gain putting stress on my bones and muscles, my sciatic nerve caused me immense pain with my first child. My second pregnancy put stress on my legs and back and my third left me exhausted, needing a massage - unfortunately, I didn't consider pregnancy massages. I now know that massages can help eliminate waste products from the mother through the lymphatic and circulatory system, thus giving the mother more energy. Find your favorite, best massage. It will enrich your life immensely!