Massage

Massage
Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy that many find it beneficial. It is a
system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax,
stimulate and tone the body. Massage, which originated about 4,000 years ago, was initially
used for healing purpose.
By the end of 19
th
century, a significant number of doctors started practising massage as
part of their therapy. However, with the advent of technology in the 20
th
century, massage
therapy took a back seat. However, in 1970, massage therapy made comeback. Today,
there is a large number of practicing massage therapists all over the world and the figure is
growing daily. Many forms of massages have also emerged such as the Thai massage and
the Balinese massage.
Massage mainly affects the muscles under the skin but can benefit the deep layers of
muscles and organs, depending on the pressure and technique used. Massage stimulates
blood circulation and improves the elimination of waste from the body. Healing massages
are sought-after because they are relaxing, stress-free and painless. Massage promotes a
restful, good felling. A good massage also improves breathing and keep us healthy and alert.
The sensuous touch of the hand, coupled with the right pressure in the right places, makes
the visit to the therapist an enjoyable experience. It releases tensions and engenders mental
well-being. A regular massage strengthens and tones the entire body and helps to prevent
injuries and other problems that might occur due to any stressor tension. While eliminating
anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can help
manage stress by decreasing anxiety, enhancing sleep quality, improving concentration and
reducing fatigue.
Massage is also known to have helped overcome the problems of allergies, anxiety, arthritis,
asthma, bronchitis, carpal syndrome, chronic and temporary pain, circulatory problems,
depression, digestive disorders, headache and muscle pain, sports injuries and
temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Massage also does wonders for depression, insomnia
and digestive problems. It reduces muscular tension, and also enhances tissue elasticity and
flexibility, and improves the range of motions on joints.
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout
the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with regular massage, arthritis
sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain, asthmatic children show better
pulmonary function and increased peak air flow, burn injury patients report reduce pain,
itching, and anxiety, high blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure,
anxiety, and stress hormones, premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water
retention and cramping and preterm infants have improved weight gain.
However, there are certain precautions to take when pregnant women go for massages. The
therapist needs to be informed of the pregnancy. Similarly, the therapist needs to be extra
careful of any burns or open wounds on the area to be massaged. Those who have had a
recent heart attack, cancer, deep vein thrombosis, unhealed fractures and severe
osteoporosis should consult a qualified therapist before taking up any massage sessions.

Source:
Choo Wan Yat, Y. W. (2008). Ace Ahead MUET. Shah Alam, Selangor: Oxford Fajar Sdn. Bhd.

Main point:
1. In ancient time, massage is used enhance the effect during healing process.
- It can reduce pain and has the benefit of relaxing the body.
- Nowadays, massage also used as a part of therapy and practised in all over the
world.
2. Body parts involved during massage is mainly muscles under skin but also affect
organs.
- When the muscles and organs being massaged, blood circulation and the
elimination of waste material from body are improved.
- Increase in rate of metabolism can manage a better sleep and emotion, thus can
have a better concentration.
3. Massage can help to reduce the chance of suffer from health problems and diseases.
- It can reduce the anxiety of muscular and joints tension, thus one will not get hurt
easily.
4. Psychological and chemical changes happened as a response to the massage.
- According to researches, patients experience fewer aches after having massage.
- Hormones in body produce regularly results in a healthier body and better
emotion.
5. As a remind, pregnant women should consult to the experts and therapist before
massage is carried out.
- Same goes to those who are under health treatment and severe disease, they
should be careful and have permission from their consultant.
- Any mistake happened during massage may aggravate patient’s illness.
Write a short paragraph of about 100 words to explain the importance of the
information to the readers.
Massage is a traditional form of therapy hand down by generations. It has been
enhanced and modified for different purposes. In the context of substituting massage in
treatment, it can enhance the healing process and achieve a better result. Massage can
improve blood circulation and make one’s organ healthier. For athletes, massage helps to
relieve muscle cramp. Massage regularly improve the condition of muscle and joint if it is
practiced for long term. However, there is a remark for pregnant women and patient with
severe disease. They should consult to specialist before go for massage. Any mishap during
massage can cause serious consequences.
(103 words)