Massage therapy has been around for centuries, dating back to 2330 BC: "The Tomb of Akmanthor, also known as 'The Tomb of the Physician,' in Saqqara, Egypt, depicts two men having work done on their feet and hands, presumably massage." [Wikipedia.com]
Benefits range from physical to emotional to spiritual -- much of it depending on what the recipient is looking for and willing to receive. And research by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has provided great evidence for its medical benefits:
- What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Massage (NCCAM)
- 6 Things to Know About Massage Therapy for Health Purposes (NCCAM)
- Can Massage Be Beneficial for Your Health? (NCCAM)
- Massage: Get In Touch With Its Many Benefits (Mayo Clinic)
- Massage Therapy: Health and Disease Prevention (MedicineNet)
- Learn More About Massage and the Benefits (ABMP)
When looking for a massage therapist, make sure he or she is licensed as a massage therapist in whatever state you're in, as this indicates they have the proper amount of training to work correctly -- among other considerations you may have: "How to Find and Choose a Massage Therapist".