The popularity of massage and its relevance to IBS symptoms
Massage has been a popular form of relaxation for many years but there are many other benefits of massage that we are only beginning to understand. In the East where massage has been a part of everyday life for much longer it has long been viewed as an essential part of ensuring the body's well being. One of the first groups of people in the West to see the other practical uses of massage were athletes who noticed the invigorating effect of massage on tired limbs as tissue and sinew are manipulated. There have subsequently been indications of its practical medical applications and benefits in a whole range of conditions which have been part of traditional healing employed around the orient. For those that suffer ibs symptoms or problems with digestion the mixture of yoga and massage that makes up Thai massage may be of use.
Villagers in the rural parts of the country have traditionally suffered from constipation problems due to their diet of glutinous rice. The posturing and massage techniques of their form of massage have been used by generations of Thais to relieve their constipation and help with their digestion. Although massage falls below the "golden standard" of proven medical treatments, it seems that the potential could be there for its recognition one day in the future. But in the meantime, a massage is at least a great way to relax which has to be good for anyone especially if they are tired or under the weather.