A pharmaceutical company does not go to South America and just start grabbing plants at random to test. Instead they go to the local Shaman to learn which plants are used medicinally. They then test those plants to verify the medical claims. So folklore is a very important part of science. I totally agree.
Massage is very healing for both the receiver and giver.
In fact I prefer to give massages rather than to recieve them. It is very relaxing. People think I am nuts, so I have them close their eyes and lightly stroke my forearm. What i find really interesting is that we will stroke our pet dog or cat because it is relaxing, but we will not dothe same to another human.