I need a massage.

Recently on Diva Days we ran a poll on what you would do with your free time if you had any. The overall winner by a clear majority was “Have a massage”. What a great choice that is. Not only does it relax you, but it has other benefits too.

Massage has probably been around as long as human have. What mother hasn’t instinctively rubbed the back of her baby or child to help soothe it? There is written evidence dating from 5000 years ago that massage was used in ancient China, and later in India and Egypt. In the early 19th century Per Henrik Ling developed the system of massage that we are familiar with today, often called Swedish massage.

Massage has physical and psychological benefits and is something that we should experience regularly. Massage stimulates circulation and boosts the immune system. It aids in digestion and can ease respiratory complaints. It helps to flush toxins out of our systems, and above all it relieves tired and stressed muscles. Reflexology, reiki and shiatsu are different forms of massage but all rely on the power of touch. Massage for relaxation should be gentle and soothing, and conducted in a soft and serene environment. It is a technique that should be used with care as the hands become instruments of healing.

Today we live our lives at such a hectic pace that our bodies carry the stresses of the mind every day. Depression, heart attacks, back pain and general bodily pain or stiffness are common throughout society. Our minds never stop working as we rush through the days. Massage can soothe the mind and ease bodily tension which, in turn, will help to stop the onset of physical and nervous diseases. It is a preventative tool as much as a treatment and is something that we really should schedule into our week. Yes, I said schedule. If you don’t mark it in you won’t make the time for it in your busy day.

Prevention is better than a cure, particularly in this case. Why wait for ‘if we have the time’? Perhaps a better question would be ‘Why don’t you make the time?”