Massage therapy or the use of the hands to manipulate soft tissues originated in ancient cultures. Tribes had the healer or spiritual leader who "laid hands" on the sick person to relieve pain and connect him to the healing spirits. In China as early as 3000 BC, "amma", a massage technique was used for disease treatment and health maintenance. Shiatsu, developed in Japan, based whole body health on the balancing of energy and improving circulation using finger pressure on points of stimulation called "tsubos". Acupuncture places needles along lines of energy or meridians to promote healing. Hippocrates, the father of modern day medicine, believed that all physicians should be trained in massage as a method of healing. The Taylor brothers brought the Swedish Movement Cure to the United States in 1861. Massage and manipulation was an important part of osteopathic medicine. As the practice of medicine advanced and focused on a curing disease rather than on prevention, the effectiveness of massage therapy was not popular. With rising health costs, prevention of disease was emphasized and the "wholistic" or "wellness" model became popular once again. This model includes massage therapy.

The key benefit of massage is the positive effect it has on the physiological and psychological functions of the body. It helps to stimulate the circulation and speed up the elimination of waste. Sore, tense, aching, muscles as a result of an overextended exercise session, or sitting for hours hunched over the computer, will be relieved by massage. The gentle stretching and manipulation of the muscles and joints improves flexibility. As over-all body relaxation is gained, the individual feels at peace and happy with his/her body. Body relaxation in turn, will aid in promoting regular sleep patterns.

Massage can be helpful in many health areas such as:

•   Stress related ailments of tension headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, constipation, and backache.
•   Musculoskeletal concerns such as muscle spasm, contusions, strains, sprains, osteoporosis, tendonitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and whiplash.
•   Circulation problems, which may lead to hypertension, Raynaud's disease, congestive heart failure, and varicosities.
•   Joint and connective tissue disorders: osteoarthritis, lupus, scleroderma, inflammatory bowl disease, colitis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
•   Central nervous system ailments such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, spinal cord injury, and epilepsy.
•   Peripheral nervous system diseases like neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, Bell's palsy, and nerve lesions.

This is a long list and almost everyone can identify with at least one ailment. If you are tired of popping pills and running to the Doctor, maybe it is time to give massage therapy a try. Give yourself an hour table massage or take15 minutes to receive a relaxing chair massage. Your muscles will love it. You might even get in the habit!