Massage may well be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Paintings of people giving and receiving them have been found in Egyptian tombs. The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a primary form of medical treatment and the Chinese had documented the benefits as far back as 3,000BC. Today’s massage therapists practice a wide variety of techniques originating from ancient methods. From those roots, they remain inspired by a goal nurtured centuries ago – to help others heal their physical and emotional well-being and experience a higher quality of life. Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes just to name a few. Most American hospices have some kind of bodywork therapy available, and it is frequently offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics. Continue reading