Massage has a fascinating history dating back 4000 years, and evidence of the beneficial effects of massage on animals is not difficult to find; we need only look at animals to understand the importance they place on the use of massage through mutual (allogrooming), or self-grooming. Among dogs, an individual suffering from a sore, or some other form of injury, will often have the affected area roughly licked by another pack member. This action, which resembles rubbing, is, in effect, a form of muscle massage.
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