Per Henrik Ling developed his system of massage and gymnastics as a result of curing his own rheumatism by using percussive taps to his arm. Today, the applications of massage have greatly expanded. Some people use massage as part of their health maintenance routine, to flush out metabolic toxins and to teach the body deep relaxation. Athletes and dancers find that it increases stamina and flexibility. People with high-pressure jobs and busy lives use it as a respite from the cumulative tension in their lives.
People have an hour of quiet in a warm atmosphere, where they can simply be alone with themselves.
The experience of nourishing touch and solitude has prompted many unhappy people to get out of the rat race. Clients who use massage on a regular basis learn to tune in and listen to their bodies better. Many of these massage enthusiasts also report increased levels of physical energy, mental clarity, focus and drive, and emotional fulfillment, all enhanced by a new feeling of calm alertness. Massage can also be helpful for many cases of chronic pain, physical rehabilitation and recovery from surgical precedures. Massage has also been of clinical value as an adjunct to psychotherapy for victims of physical and sexual abuse.