Nytimes: Massage, it does nothing :-)

[Rod Hagen]

I was always honest with massage clients who asked as to the benefits of Massage.  I'd tell them the data is thin, that the common line is that it helps circulation, but that too is thin.  You should not get a massage directly over an acute injury, and a masseur should not be so greedy as to tell you that working on a recent injury will be helpful (it's harmful).   

It's easier to get a massage than to exercise. 

It's easier to get a massage than it is to work on stability. 

It's easier, but it's not better.  Exercise is a pillar of Healthspan and Lifespan, Massage is a nice way to relax.

Massage Can Help After a Workout, But Not for the Reason You Think - The New York Times

WWW.NYTIMES.COM

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There’s no question it feels good and relaxes you. But does massage really affect sore muscles?

 

Edited April 12 by Rod Hagen

[Nightowl]

30 minutes ago, Rod Hagen said:

I was always honest with massage clients who asked as to the benefits of Massage.  I'd tell them the data is thin, that the common line is that it helps circulation, but that too is thin.  You should not get a massage directly over an acute injury, and a masseur should not be so greedy as to tell you that working on a recent injury will be helpful (it's harmful).   

It's easier to get a massage than to exercise. 

It's easier to get a massage, than it is to work on stability. 

It's easier, but it's not better.  Exercise is a pillar of Healthspan and Lifespan, Massage is a nice way to relax.

Massage Can Help After a Workout, But Not for the Reason You Think - The New York Times

WWW.NYTIMES.COM

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There’s no question it feels good and relaxes you. But does massage really affect sore muscles?

 

For me therapeutic massage is primarily temporary muscle loosening and stress relief.  When I’m at a nice hotel, getting a massage at the hotel spa is also an indulgence.  I know the benefits of the massages I get are fleeting but I still enjoy the experience.  Erotic massages serve additional purposes, of course.

[mtaabq]

1 hour ago, Rod Hagen said:

Massage is a nice way to relax.

And I agree with that 100%. I really don't want anything more, from therapeutic massage, than to relax. The major benefit, for me, is touch. I am a man who needs and wants to be touched by another man. (Nothing against women; one of my 5 best massages ever was from this tiny woman in Santa Fe. She was bleeping amazing.)

 

43 minutes ago, Nightowl said:

Erotic massages serve additional purposes, of course.

Yes, yes, they do. As a fat man that "additional purpose" is not always available or offered to me, but it is nice when that is agreed upon and provided. That additional "release" adds to the overall relaxation. 

[jeezifonly]

It’s been way too long since I had a massage, but I compare appreciation of massage to having an appreciation of live performance. Over time, you learn what combo of techniques/talents (music, words, musicians) result in your feeling relieved or rejuvenated afterwards, and although you remember it, it’s in the moment of experience where the magic lies, when you are present and participating. 
But if you’re not into it the first time, it’s maybe just not for you. 

Edited April 12 by jeezifonly

[Nightowl]

14 minutes ago, jeezifonly said:

It’s been way too long since I had a massage, but I compare appreciation of massage to having an appreciation of live performance. Over time, you learn what combo of techniques/talents (music, words, musicians) result in your feeling relieved or rejuvenated afterwards, and although you remember it, it’s in the moment of experience where the magic lies, when you are present and participating. 
But if you’re not into it the first time, it’s maybe just not for you. 

You’ve beautifully—and poetically—captured the feeling.