Massage has been used to improve health for over 5,000 years and can be traced back to the Egyptians, Romans, Chinese and Greeks. Today's massage techniques were begun in the 19th century by a Swede, Peter Ling, who developed a series of massage techniques and combined them with gymnastics in a new health care system he termed "The Swedish Movement Cure." Now known simply as the Swedish massage, this invigorating treatment helps circulation, aids digestion, relieves tension and stimulates the nervous system, increases joint mobility, and reduces swelling and pain, as well as improves overall blood circulation.
How the healing therapy works:

There are many massage techniques and what works best for each individual depends upon one's health condition. The therapist uses five basic movements or actions to soothe and tone muscles during a Swedish massage. Effleurage, a stroking motion; Petrissage, the gentle grabbing and lifting of muscle tissue away from the bone; Friction, use of the fingers to work deep into the tissue and stimulate blood flow; Tapotement, the chopping, tapping and beating strokes that are a major part of Swedish massage; Vibration, the use of the hands and fingers to shake the tissue for several seconds.
Healing applications:

Massage therapy has many forms: deep tissue massage, sports massage, Rolfing, neuromuscular massage, Hellerwork, craniosacral therapy, Trager, Felsenkrais and Aston-patterning are just a few. If you cannot find a massage therapist or cannot afford the sometimes expensive series of treatments, a book on self massage can show you how to relieve many of the day-to-day aches and pains. Massage classes for couples are another popular option. Massages should be done in a warm, quiet place using light oil on the skin.