Without a doubt, massage is a relaxing experience and has many benefits. The use of massage therapies for medical purposes has been recorded in the ancient civilizations of India, Greece, Roman and Egypt- the oldest being in Egypt. It has become quite popular all over the world. But there are some myths associated with massage therapy. Here we have compiled a list of 5 most common body massage related myths and facts.
Myth 1: All massages are the same!
This is a very common myth. It is untrue that all massages serve the same purpose. Therapeutic massages are not as easy as a back rub.
Fact: Different massages serve different purposes. For instance, aromatherapy massage suits people looking for emotional healing and mood upliftment. On the other hand, sports massage is for the ones who are prone to injuries, like sportspersons.
Myth 2: If you don’t feel sore, massage was not worth it!
Some people believe if they don’t feel their muscles sore the next day of the massage, it didn’t go the right way. Though some forms of massage do cause slight discomfort such as deep tissue massage and trigger point massage. But pain or discomfort is not the only indicator of a ‘good massage’.
Fact: Soreness after a massage especially a deep tissue massage is a result of your muscles working out by the way of stretching. As a matter of fact, it is completely normal, too, not to have sore muscles the next day after a fruitful massage.
Myth 3: Massage helps get rid of the cellulite.
This is yet another massage related myth. People have this misconception that spending thousands will give them cellulite-free skin someday.
Fact: Cellulite is fat underneath the skin that is linked to heredity. It is natural and experienced by almost 80-90% of women. It can never be prevented completely, according to science. And not at all by massage therapies. Also, cellulite is NORMAL!!
Myth 4: Massages help to release toxins.
There is no proven medical fact about massages helping release toxins from the body. Though it may increase the blood flow to all the parts of the body.
Fact: Toxins are harmful substances that can damage or harm the body, present in the blood stream. Human bodies are naturally designed with the ability to eliminate toxins. Neither special diets and drinks nor massages can aid the release of toxins. It is the healthy bodily functions that remove toxins from the body, not massage.
Myth 5: Massage is unsafe for the foetus of a pregnant woman.
It is a false belief that massaging releases certain hormones that can cause miscarriage or early labour.
Fact: Massage helps to relieve aches experienced during pregnancy and reduce stress and anxiety. In fact, doctors advise prenatal massage to pregnant women to improve overall well-being. In fact, the risk of miscarriage is the highest during the first trimester (first three months) and most therapists give massage to women in second & third trimesters.
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