Massage therapy has a rich and diverse history dating back over 3,000 years. The ancient Egyptians, Indians, Chinese and Japanese are just some of the nations who practised the art to both heal and treat injuries, while fostering a general sense of well-being.

It began in India, where it was used in Ayurvedic “life health” medicine and was considered a sacred system of natural healing.

Subsequently, massage made its way to China, where it was combined with traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts and yoga.

Chinese Buddhist monks took it to Japan, putting their ‘own spin’ on the therapy, calling it ‘anma’ and later ‘shiatsu’. This technique was developed to strengthen the organs of the body.

The ancient Egyptians later added their own bodywork techniques and are credited with introducing reflexology, where pressure is applied to areas of the hand and feet to bring about healing.

The Greeks and Romans, influenced by the Egyptians, used massage in different ways. And the Greek, Hippocrates, is said to be the first person to introduce a combination of fresh air, exercise, diet and even music, to promote “health balance.”

Greek athletes used massage to tone their bodies and wealthy Romans began to enjoy massages in their homes.

When its popularity declined in the West, Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling is credited with reviving massage through the Swedish Movement Care, which gave way to what is currently known as Swedish massage.

Now, massage therapy is widely used in countries around the world and Guyana is no exception. With the general evolution in health and beauty treatments, massage is recognised as an effective means of enhancing health and promoting physical and mental wellness.

Massage parlours today are also designed to create an atmosphere which encourages relaxation and a space where patrons can escape from the pressures of daily life and work.

It is with this in mind that Olivia Dos Santos recently opened her “boutique studio” – Touch of Paradise Massage Therapy – on the Soesdyke/Linden highway.

“Every detail of my private studio is intentional,” she says, “I wanted to create a peaceful, personalised environment where clients can step away from their busy lives and truly feel catered for.”

With 10 years in the field of aviation as a flight attendant, Olivia knows about hectic schedules, long hours of trans-continental travel and the toll this takes both physically and mentally.

As wife and mother, she spent 10 years juggling her personal and professional life, while also battling health challenges. This has imbued her with an innate understanding of, particularly, a woman’s need for support and comfort and fuelled her decision to get into massage therapy.

So, when her career in aviation ended, three years ago, she decided to continue studying in earnest, completing a journey she began years earlier with her first massage course.

“After leaving aviation, I decided to fully commit to this path,” says this energetic young woman, who now has certification in massage, facial and body treatment and body contouring. She also participated in the Road to Growth programme for Women in Business.

Her desire to create a space of her own grew from her experience at massage facilities she visited in various countries during the course of her career.

While she acknowledges that some of the treatments were good, she pointed out that she never had a moment where she could say “Wow, this is an experience”, Olivia muses.

“That stayed with me,” she says, adding, “I knew that one day , if I created my own space, I wanted it to be more than just a service – I wanted it to feel like a true escape.”

The day came last March 8th, when Olivia held the opening ceremony for Touch of Paradise Massage Therapy, offering an escape to tranquillity.

“My goal is to help women, especially moms, feel like themselves again – rested, confident and supported,” says a smiling Olivia Dos Santos.

Her boutique studio offers stone and deep-tissue treatments, Swedish Bliss massage and ‘Glow-Up’ facials and is open daily except Wednesdays and Sundays.

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited.