Have you ever had a 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. With such the variety of massages out there, it is up to you to find the best massage possible for your needs.

Here's what's great! Chinese records dating back 5,000 years document the use of massage. The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians, as well as the Japanese, Romans 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. There are many kinds of massages, maybe you should find what is the best massage for you.

When receiving a massage, the superficial layers of muscle and connective tissue are manipulated to enhance function and promote relaxation and well-being. The art of massage became popular in the US in the 1800's. It had a surge of popularity until the 1930's and 40's. When modern medicine came to the forefront, the art of massage therapy became discounted as outdated and not so beneficial. Suddenly, it became popular again in the 1960's when nurses began to use it to relieve pain in patients. It again gained credibility when, in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta it was deemed a core medical service. Which is the best massage for what ailment?

Massage is done in a variety of ways with a variety of ancient remedies. The person is either on a table, chair, or a mat, and is generally unclothed, but may be modestly covered with towels or sheets. If the person is uncomfortable with this, she/he may wear underwear. Some massage therapists use oil, or even such thing as body rocks! Different oils can be used to stimulate blood flow and relaxation. A body rock can be either cold or warm and coated in different oils such as fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil and mustard and aromatherapy oils. Wow, what a combination, sounds like it could be a great trail mix or salad dressing, doesn't it? There needs to be a lot of research done to find the best massage for you!

Reflexology is one of the many varieties of foot massage. This is from the ancient Chinese, and is based on knowing that the are nerve endings in the soles of the feet that relate to the entire body. Each internal organ has an ending in the foot. To apply pressure on a specific nerve ending will result in the stimulation and/or detoxification of the related internal organ. Maybe this is the best massage for you.

In all 3 of my pregnancies, I had no idea that a pregnancy massage could have been the best massage for me. I didn't know such a thing existed. While there are so many joys and so much eager anticipation, pregnancy is by no means a comfortable time. A massage is a luxury in everyday life, but when pregnant, it should be a necessity! To know that my physical pain, stress and anxiety could have been alleviated by something so good for me is comforting. A calming, refreshing massage can even help with hormonal changes during pregnancy. If I am further blessed with another child, a pregnancy massage is definitely something I will be seeking?