The Benefits of Massage for Men

Massage Therapy is one of the most powerful healing arts still in use today.

It’s use is documented in Chinese records from as long as 3,000 years ago. The Egyptians, Hindu’s and Persians all used massage as a treatment for a variety of ailments, and the Greek Physician Hippocrates wrote papers recommending using friction and rubbing as an aid to circulation and easing joint problems nearly 2,500 years ago. However while massage has been widely embraced by women, male massage is much less commonplace. There are several reasons for this which stem from the expectations of men in society, and the mindset that has developed as a result of this.

Various research has shown that the differences between the male and female brain begin developing before birth as a result of the amounts of testosterone the fetus becomes exposed too. Too understand why male massage is much rarer than female massage, we need to understand the roles that the genders have traditionally served.

The primary job of the male was to hunt and protect his family and clan. The primary role of the female was to nurture and develop the emotional wellbeing of the family and tribe. In modern society the male need to provide is usually served through dedication and drive in the workplace. Men like to see themselves as independent and capable of dealing with problems themselves. Comparatively, women are more willing to seek assistance, as they don’t see this as a weakness, but rather the more efficient way of getting things done.

When we take these simplified profiles of men and women, the net result is that women have no problem justifying receiving a massage or spa treatment, because they see it as a healing social experience, whereas male massage is rarer, because to men it is showing they have a need they cannot fill themselves. In reality, the male thought process, while natural, is also short sighted.

Doctors will tell you that around 90% of diseases are caused or aggravated by high stress levels. Stress effects concentration and energy levels, personal contentment and productivity. Men consider male massage to be self-indulgent, because it is very relaxing and feels nice, but by denying themselves the ‘treat’ of a massage they are actually retaining higher stress levels. The stress leads to increased anxiety and a lower level to deal with new problems and challenges in the most productive way possible.

Male massage is a proven stress reliever, with benefits proven by dozens of independent studies. Men will experience a reduction in anxiety levels as a result of receiving male massage, ad the lower anxiety will reduce stress build up, which in turn makes new problems less stressful, which continues a beneficial spiral in the reduction of anxiety and stress. Failure to experience stress relief in a form such as male massage will cause the opposite spiral - an increase in stress making the man more anxious about new challenges.

After receiving male massage, men will experience higher sleep quality. Estimates say as many as 80% of us do not experience 5 or more ‘good nights’ sleep per week, and the numbers are even higher for men in high stress jobs. A good nights sleep after a massage results in dozens of direct benefits, including higher energy levels and greatly enhanced concerntration and productivity. Ironically it is the male desire to be more productive which makes it harder for them to accept male massage as a ‘constructive use of time’ but rather regards it a self indulgence.

The health benefits to men can also not be discounted, with the endorphins released by male massage being part of a chemical change which has been shown to profoundly effect the body in many of the following ways:

• Sufferers of Arthritis report fewer aches and pains, as well as less stiffness in joints
• Asthmatics, particularly children show enhanced pulmonary functions, and higher ‘peak flow meter’ scores
• Pain, itching, discomfort and anxiety is reduced in severe burn victims
• High blood pressure is relieved

Apart from an innate ‘martyr complex’ men’s other major concern with receiving male massage is the cost of seeing a professional practitioner. This is a more legitimate complaint, with the cost of seeing a professional practitioner regularly likely to put a serious dent in the bank account. However the concept of amateur masseurs trading massage is becoming increasingly popular. It has become relatively easy to find someone in your local area who is also looking to trade massage. If you have never had a male massage before, then give yourself a treat and see a professional to see what’s involved. When you discover the many benefits, and realize that regular massage enhances these benefits, you will quickly realise that finding a partner to trade massage with is not only a great way of receiving male massage, but will also be extremely beneficial to your work and other areas of your life.

Other Web Geek Enterprises sites:-

Massage Videos at VideoCage.com
Male Massage Instruction Videos