Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back
3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and
Egyptians
applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates
wrote papers
recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and
circulatory
problems.
Today, the benefits of massage
are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part
of many
physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also
proven beneficial
for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis,
bursitis,
fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression,
infertility,
smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions
will attest,
massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday
living that
can lead to disease and illness.
