A Brief History Of Massage
Massage is considered to be among the
oldest of all treatments used by man.
Chinese records dating back three
thousand years documented its use.
The ancient Hindus, Persians, and
Egyptians used forms of massage for
some ailments, and Hippocrates wrote
papers recommending the use of
rubbing and friction for joint and
circulatory problems. Today, massage
is an accepted part of many physical
rehabilitation programs and has proven beneficial to many chronic conditions
such as low-back pain, arthritis, and bursitis. Massage helps relieve the stress
and tension of everyday living.

Can Massage, Bodywork, Or Somatic Therapies Benefit Me?
Massage provides relief to people from all walks of life—the weekend or
competitive athlete, the home gardener, and the overstressed executive
struggling to keep pace in today’s economy. Secretaries, laborers, waitresses—
anyone can feel a need for massage at some point in time. The older
population, as well, will benefit from massage, as it enhances flexibility and
circulation. The bedridden can also be helped in this regard. There are some
conditions where massage is not recommended, however. Your practitioner
should ask for information regarding any specific health conditions from which
you may be suffering in order to determine if massage, bodywork, or somatic
therapies are contraindicated. In some cases, the practitioner may need your
doctor’s permission before providing services.

                                
Will My Insurance Cover
                                Massage Or Bodywork Services?
                                If you are in a car accident or have a job related
                                injury covered by workers’ compensation, it may
                                cover, massage, bodywork, or somatic therapies when
                                prescribed by a physician. If your insurance covers
                                chiropractic or osteopathic services, the services of
                                a bodywork professional may be covered when
                                prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath.
                                Therapies provided as part of the prescribed
                                treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist
are often covered. The best thing to do is check with your insurance company
to see exactly what is covered under what circumstances. Finding A Qualified
Practitioner Your massage, bodywork, or somatic therapy services should be
provided by a professional who has received proper training. Don’t hesitate to
ask practitioners about their background, training, and experience. Referrals
from friends can usually be relied upon.

Taking Care Of Yourself Care of your body should be at the top of your priority
list. You will feel and look better if you take the necessary steps regarding
health and nutrition in this age of increased longevity. Stress relief alone can
improve your vitality and state of mind. Massage, bodywork, and somatic
therapies could play an important role in your life. Massage For Pain And
Emotional Problems With many chronic ailments, massage can relieve the pain
and help heal. As with physical problems, emotional problems may also be
stimulated into self-healing with massage. In many cases, this helps eliminate
the need to take harmful chemical drugs, which will unnecessarily burden the
liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.
Why Should I Receive A Massage?