MANY know massage as a tool to relieve the body of stress and pain, setting the mind and spirit at ease; but few are aware that massage is an ancient practice used by the Chinese, Indians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and the Japanese.

It was first utilised by civilisations in the East and West some 5000 years ago as a natural healing for injuries, a reliever of pain, and a cure for illnesses.
However, modifications and innovations over the centuries have moved massage from being a sacred system of healing into a system associated with sensuous indulgence.
However, the practice has grown in popularity because its stress relieving aspect has been coupled with that aspect of pleasurable absolution.

Massage Therapist Sally Habeeb, with over 15 years’ experience, has said that massage is about more than providing relaxation. She pointed out that massage increases blood circulation, allowing the tired or distressed recipient to feel refreshed and re-energised.

Habeeb is a certified therapist from the American Peace University located on Sheriff Street, Georgetown. She operates out of her 234 Munipur Street, Prashad Nagar residence, and specialises in two types of massage: Swedish, and Deep Tissue Massage.

RECOGNITION
Swedish Massage, the most recognised and widely used, involves techniques that vary from light to vigorous strokes, and include sliding and kneading, rhythmic tapping and vibration or shaking. It reduces pain and stiffness in the joints.

Deep Tissue Massage, on the other hand, focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is recommended for persons with chronic aches and pains; stiff neck; upper and low back pain; leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

The movement of strokes applied are slower, but the pressure is deeper and is concentrated on areas of tension and pain in order to reach the sub-layer of muscles and the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles).

This type of massage, Habeeb says, is applied to athletes and persons who engage in intense physical activity. Persons who complain of mental stress, she says, are given a light body massage.

Massages can be applied by the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, feet, or by a massage device. There are numerous types of massage. Among them are the Anma Massage: a Japanese tradition involving various kneading, rubbing, tapping and shaking; the Balinese Massage: which involves the application of gentle strokes geared to make the patient feel relaxed and calm; Foot Massage: which is done both for recreational and relaxation purposes; Craniosacral therapy: the releasing of tension in the body by applying light touches to the skull, face, spine, and pelvis; and Infant Massage: which uses complementary and alternative treatments for infants.

FEELING COMFORTABLE
Ms Habeeb told the Guyana Chronicle that massage is all about bringing relief to the client, but it first begins with making the recipient feel comfortable and relaxed.

This is done by creating a serene atmosphere. Habeeb says it happens through the playing of light music, the use of candles instead of florescent lamps, and the burning of sweet-smelling aroma sticks.

Prior to being certified as a therapist, Habeeb disclosed, she worked as a masseuse; and upon certification, she practised her trade for a few years in Barbados.
She said that like any seasoned practitioner, over time, through years in practice, therapists develop their own techniques and quickly internalise their clients’ problems by listening to and observing their expressions.
Massage therapy by nature is private business, but with some probing, and with great reluctance, the therapist said most of her clients are successful businesspersons, including top gun athletes, teachers, labourers and carpenters.

Naming no one, she said that although she had been approached by a prominent doctor and a former magistrate, her services were never solicited by a politician.
This newspaper was told that, contrary to popular belief, politicians are folks who generally are not too stressed out, but are among the happiest bunch of persons.
Nevertheless, those who get burned out from time to time do go for relaxation therapy at the high-end clinics, where they are well treated and pampered.

Habeeb said that although she enjoys what she does, having to deal with confused persons can be a challenge.

HAPPY-ENDING BUSINESS
She said that sometimes she is bombarded with calls from persons who believe that she is involved in the “happy-ending business”.
Those kinds of massages, she said, include Exotic Massage, the American-Style Massage, and the Twosome Massage. The Guyana Chronicle has learnt that the three mentioned massages involve sensual pleasure, and the last one is applied by two naked women.

Those pollutants, the therapist said, soil the real purpose of massages, which among other things include easing muscle pains, soothing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, boosting immunity, and relieving headaches.

Habeeb said that before she became a full-time therapist, she worked as a Dental Nurse, but she left the profession to pursue a passion that was closer to her heart.
She said the switch has been somewhat of a challenge, and pointed out that more persons are interested in the pleasure business than in the real massage business. However, she said, she remains available to help athletes, labourers, teachers and businesspersons; and interested persons can visit her Facebook page — Serenity Massage — for more details.
This therapist is a former columnist of this newspaper. She says that doctors do not really appreciate massages, but a massage can help to prevent many illnesses related to blood flow or blood circulation.

The American Psychological Association Inc says peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety.

By Tajeram Mohabir