"People and places always have a past and their identity dissolves unless they recognize they have a history," --Nathaniel Hawthorne

The History of massage and healing touch is long and complex , with more than 75 different types of massage and bodywork. As early as 15,000 BC, we have evidence of European cave painting dipicting what appears to be use of therapeutic touch. As a matter of fact, Archaeologists have found artifacts that depict the use of massage in a number of world cultures. All through the ages massage has been an integral part of the health and the well being of people. So what makes this such an important modalitiy that it has survived the ages? Maybe by explaing the benefits of the different types of massage, one can get a better idea of why they have survived for so long.

Swedish Massage:
Swedish feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands and circulation, while promoting health and well being. This massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stumulates the skin and nervous system by soothing the nerves. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as a regular program for stress management.

Sports Massage:
Ideal for physically active people and athletes, this approach utilizes circulatory massage and hydrotherapy, stretches, range of motion exercises, pressure points and traction techniques to promote a balanced, energized and structurally efficient support system which in turn helps to increase athletic performance.

Myofacial and Neuromuscular Massage:
Many people recognize this type of massage as the 'Deep' Massage. This combination of techniques focuses on connecting the brain to the body. Often the body will hold on to experiences. For example, injuries, from long ago may continue to hold onto the body even though the brain thinks that the experience has already been resolved. By reintroducing the body to the brain, the brain is able to acknowledge that there is still pain/injury and allow the area to release. The client often works activly with the therapist to release the tension in the body. This style of massage uses very little lubricant and is very effective in creating positive structural changes.

Clinical Massage:
This massage integrates all the above massage styles to create the perfect session for healing. Often planned in cooperation with your health care team to treat a myriad of medical issue.

Cooperate massage:
This is a wonderful way to experience massage without the fuss of taking clothes off. Usually performed on a massage chair but often a massage table is used. The massage focuses on the back, shoulders, neck, head and arms. Perfect for the office lunch break or party gathering.

In the last 25 years, massage has become more accepted and is just now starting to be recognized for the health benefits that it achieves. More and more we find medical personal and Chiropractors working side by side with Massage therapist to create a new kind of health care team. There is no doubt that new uses for massage therapy are being discovered daily. In the April 2001 study published in the journal, ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, it documents the effectiveness of massage in chronic back pain. The study also showed that massage was found to be superior to both acupuncture and self-care, over both the short- and long-term. AS we can see, the history of massage is long and complex and will seemingly continue to develop into a modality that will continue through the ages.