Learn about the History of Massages and How being a Masseur is an Increasingly Popular Career

In its most basic form, a massage involves the manipulation of muscles and connective tissue so that relaxation, healing and overall well-being can be promoted. A massage therapist can go into the superficial or the deeper layers of the muscles depending on the technique that is being used.  Here, we will take a look at the brief history of massages in general, and how male massage sets itself apart from other types of massages.

In its most basic form, a massage involves the manipulation of muscles and connective tissue so that relaxation, healing and overall well-being can be promoted. A massage therapist can go into the superficial or the deeper layers of the muscles depending on the technique that is being used.  Here, we will take a look at the brief history of massages in general, and how male massage sets itself apart from other types of massages.

A Quick Glimpse at the History of Massages

First, let’s have a quick look at the history of massages. The word comes from the French term massage which means “the friction of kneading”.  Its origin can also be traced to the Greek verb “masso” which means to handle, touch or work with the hands.

Again, the level of pressure applied when kneading or manipulating the muscles depend on the technique used. There are basically three general types of massages including Asian or Eastern, Western and erotic or sensual. Eastern massages are more focused on healing while Eastern massages use a more scientific approach so that medical results can be obtained. Meanwhile, erotic or sensual massage has benefits which pertain to one’s sexual being.

So how did all of these techniques start? The history of massages can be traced back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations wherein the powerful healing of touch was used as part of a woman’s beauty regimen. Back then, the oil of myrrh was used by those who are providing massages to women, and the results have something more to do with vanity than healing or anything else.

From there, the popularity of massages has spread to other parts of the world. It was in the late 19th century that massages became popular in the US. When athletes attained a celebrity status back in the 1970s, sports massages were given to athletes to help them recover from intense physical workouts. The United Kingdom and other parts of the world also caught on the rage of getting massages which are administered by trained female or male massage therapists.

How Male Massages Came to Be & the Popularity of Masseurs

It was only during the past decade or so that the popularity of getting male massages has soared. Before that, there were sexual connotations that clients associated with receiving a massage from a male therapist. They either automatically assumed that the masseurs are less than respectable in the sense that sexual advances might occur – or happy endings might be requested. Although there are instances when these happen, being a masseur is a professional career.

Masseurs can actually provide better service to clients in the sense that they have greater muscle power as compared to masseuses. This allows them to provide better deep-tissue massages to clients. That extra strength can also help them manipulate body parts which a female massage therapist may not necessarily be adept at doing. Male massage therapists usually also have a wider ‘portfolio’ when it comes to the massage techniques that they can perform because the deeper pressure required is not a problem at all for them.

Less than 20% of the bodywork and massage industry consists of male massage therapists. But now that more and more masseurs are building a reputation as excellent massagers, you should not be surprised if the figures soar over the next few years.

Article Tags: Male Massage Therapists, Male Massage, Massage Therapists

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