What is massage?
Rubbing areas that hurt is a natural human response. Even certain mammals do this. Massage is based on the same principle: rubbing and manipulating muscles.

Massage is found to be helpful both physically and emotionally. The rubbing not only soothes sore muscles but the mind as well.

Massaging muscles and soft tissue stimulates nerves, increases blood flow and relieves stress in the muscles. Over the centuries, several massage techniques have developed:

• Swedish Massage – This massage technique involves the use of long, smooth strokes, strokes that knead and compress, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping.

• Oriental Massage – This technique is very gentle and relaxes a person.

• Shiatsu – This Japanese form of massaging is actually a form of acupressure, exerting massaging pressure on certain key points of the body.

• Thai Massage – This massage technique also involves the use of Yoga and certain Chinese traditional medicine methods.

Massages are usually given in a quiet room, with soothing background music. A person usually lies down on a special massage table. Massage is a group of manual techniques consisting of both fixed and moveable pressure.

Massage therapists are licensed in 25 states. Most states require 500 or more hours of education and a licensing examination.

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