MIXED MASSAGES

For anyone invested in their health and fitness, is professional massage worth the time, effort and occasional discomfort, or is it just another unnecessary expense?

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In the attempt to reach peak physical performance, or simply to become slightly healthier versions of ourselves, most of us have been guilty of overlooking and undervaluing the importance of recovery and relaxation. While committing to regular exercise is a big part of the puzzle, so is giving the body the opportunity to recuperate and decompress.

For some, undergoing a massage is an effective and enjoyable way to aid rehabilitation. While others see this ancient practice as luxurious and decadent. So, what is the truth? What does the science say? Are some of us guilty of selling massages short, or should we all class them as nothing more than a pleasant indulgence?

Looking back

It’s likely that massage first emerged in ancient India or China, before spreading across Asia and Europe. One of the earliest known depictions of massage – or an activity akin to it – is etched onto the Tomb of Akmanthor, sometimes called ‘The Tomb of the Physician’, in Saqqara, Egypt. Thought to be from around 2330BC, the tomb clearly shows two men having their feet and hands attended to by servants.

The very earliest practitioners of massage considered there to be an intrinsic link between touch and healing. As such, it has long played a significant role in treating a range of ailments, ranging from headaches to chronic back pain. It’s been a Chinese medicine mainstay for thousands of years, owing to the belief that by manipulating the body and redistributing energy, it’s possible to restore balance and harmony.