What is massage?
From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
Massage is the practice of
applying structured or unstructured pressure, tension, motion,
or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft
tissues of the body, including
muscles,
connective tissue,
tendons,
ligaments,
joints,
lymphatic vessels, organs of the
gastrointestinal system to achieve a beneficial response.
Massage Therapy is performed primarily by a professional
Massage Therapist but is often used as a form of
therapy by other Healthcare practitioners such as
Chiropractors,
Osteopaths and
Physical Therapists.
Massage can be applied to parts of
the body or successively to the whole body, to aid the process
of
injury healing, relieve psychological
stress, manage
pain, and improve
circulation. Where massage is used for its physiological,
mental, and mechanical benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic
massage" or
manipulative therapy.
Massage can also be a part of
lovemaking (see
erotic massage) and often takes place in the context of
sex work.
In professional settings, massage
involves the client being treated while lying on a
massage table, sitting upright in a
massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. Except for
modalities such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tui Na,
Thai Massage, or
Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is generally
unclothed or partially unclothed, also referred to as
disrobed, and their body would be "draped" with
towels or sheets. The practice of covering the parts of the
body that are not being massaged is referred to as draping and
its practice varies from one part of the world to another. In
addition to making a professional statement and providing a
boundary, draping helps keep the client warm which aids in the
relaxation response. In some countries it is required that
certain areas such as the genitals on both genders and the
breast/nipple area on women be draped at all times. In the
United States draping is a standard of the profession, while in
other parts of the world, such as some parts of Europe, it is
not practiced at all. In most forms of massage, the session
begins with the client face up, referred to as supine, or face
down, referred to as prone, for the first part of the session
and then the client rolls over for the second half. Relaxation
is necessary for benefits to be achieved.
Acupressure
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key
points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural
self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release
muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's
life force (sometimes known as qi or chi) to aid healing. Acupuncture
and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles,
while acupressure uses the gentle, but firm pressure of hands and feet.
Acupressure, continues to be the most effective method for
self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and
sensitivity of the human hand. Acupressure can be effective in helping
relieve headaches, eye strain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches,
arthritis, muscle aches, tension due to stress, ulcer pain, menstrual
cramps, lower backaches, constipation, and indigestion. Self-acupressure
can also be used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep. There are also
great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and
maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension,
increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By
relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and
promotes wellness. In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an
expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache,
for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus,
acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort, as well as
responding to tension, before it develops into a disease—before the
constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. The origins of
acupressure are as ancient as the instinctive impulse to hold your
forehead or temples when you have a headache. Everyone at one time or
another has used their hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful
places on the body. More than five thousand years ago, the Chinese
discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where
it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body more remote from
the pain and the pressure point. Gradually, they found other locations
that not only alleviated pain, but also influenced the functioning of
certain internal organs. (Definition, in part, from the book
Acupressure's Potent Points, by Michael Reed Gach, director of the
Acupressure Institute, Bantam, 1990.)
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CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating
and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system
called the craniosacral system—comprised of the membranes and
cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and
spinal cord. CranioSacral therapy is most often utilized to
treat neurological disorders including ADHD, autism, and acute
stress disorders.
Deep
Tissue Massage
Used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more
direct pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.
This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or
painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper
layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle
tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to
various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are
also used for releasing muscular congestion.
The use of heated stones upon the human body as a tool for
healing has been used by various cultures for thousands of
years. The application of heat to the body and the relaxing
effects this has on muscles and the nervous system has been
recognized by numerous ancient civilizations. Heated stones were
used by Egyptians in their ceremonies, and heated stones have
also been used by Native American Indians and in Lomi Lomi
massage in Hawaii.
However, it was 1994 that the use of heated stones as part of a
full body massage began. Mary Nelson, a massage therapist from
of Tucson, Arizona spent 3 years researching and developing the
LaStone massage method. She then began sharing her knowledge and
began training the massage staff at numerous resorts and spas
throughout the southwest states of America. As more and more
tourists experienced the LaStone Massage, word spread throughout
the spa and healing arts industry and today hot stone massage
can be found on the menu of spas and resorts in all corners of
the globe. Mary's staff of professional instructors have trained
thousands of massage therapists in 3 to 5 day long classes,
worldwide.
During an authentic
hot stone massage, stones are heated in hot water and then
used in two ways. Some stones will be laid under a towel or
pillowcase placed under the back along both sides of the spine
and ontop of the torso (on a towel) to heat the chakra centers.
Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands
of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes of the
muscle tissues. The heat from the stones helps to relax the
muscles which then permits greater overall results for the
massage experience.
Kinesiology/Applied Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the study of the principles of mechanics and
anatomy related to human body movement, specifically the action
of individual muscles or groups of muscles that perform specific
movements. Applied kinesiology involves muscle testing to assess
a client's condition.
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Lomilomi massage is an ancient art from the Hawaiian healing
specialists. They were taught their art over 20 years and
received their last instructions from their master on his death
bed. There are hundreds of styles of Lomilomi, the main ones
being the style of Big Island which was passed on by Aunty
Margaret Machado, and Maui style from Uncle Kalua Kaiahua. On
the island of Kaua'i, Kahu Abraham passed on what is today
called Kahuna Bodywork. It is not clear if other current
practices—temple style, lomi lomi nui and others—are from Native
Hawaiian practitioners or are modern adaptations.
Myofascial
Release
Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of
sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order
to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence
of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer
relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made
by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation
of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating
an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the
direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective
therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain,
fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction
of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
Ortho-Bionomy
Ortho-Bionomy was developed by the British osteopath Dr. Arthur
Lincoln Pauls in the 1970s and has since been refined into a
comprehensive system of bodywork that includes a person's
energetic and emotional well-being, in addition to addressing
the physical body. Pauls combined his understanding and
techniques of osteopathy with the principles of martial arts and
the philosophy of homeopathy to stimulate the organism's
self-healing reflexes without needing to use force or painful
manipulation. The term Ortho-Bionomy loosely translates from the
Greek into the correct application of the laws of life to
indicate Pauls did not invent something entirely new, but
returned to a way of understanding the body and energetic field
that had been known for centuries, but had fallen into disuse by
modern medicine. On a physical level, a practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy
uses comfortable positions and gentle movements to ease the body
into releasing tension and pain and to reestablish structural
realignment. Proprioceptive nerve activity and stretch reflex
action are stimulated to educate the body about its own patterns
and to support the organism's ability to find balance, rather
than forcing change from the outside. Since the changes that
take place come from within, the results of the work tend to be
long-lasting and affect not only the body, but the overall
well-being of the client. The energetic and emotional aspects of
the client are included to facilitate balance and release of
mental and emotional holding patterns closely associated with
physical imbalance or trauma. Participation of the client is
always welcome in Ortho-Bionomy, and sessions are often
educational in character. Often, awareness alone will change a
pattern, but specific exercises are also a part of what Ortho-Bionomy
can offer a client.
Pohaku (Stone) Healing
Pohaku Healing is the process of rhythmic tapping of the
muscles from one connective point to the other connective point moving
eventually all the way to the bone. By tapping the muscle with a
smooth stone shaped to fit the affected area, the muscile is freed from
the other muscles around it as well as being freed from the bone.
This process is popularly known as "rolfing". Pohaku Healing is
far less painful because the stones go deeper than fingers and move
faster with far less discomfort. Scar tissue prevents muscles from
having natural elasticity. When pressing muscles to the extreme,
scar tissue is often uncovered. Using Pohaku Stones, scar tissue
can be broken up to promote the growth of new tissue to replace old,
worn-out tissue. Water is often retained at connective tissues
such as the back of the knees, ankles, wrists and pelvis because water
cannot fit through the tight squeeze of the connective tissue. Tapping
these areas with stones releases water which allows it to get through to
the muscles. The muscle then absorbs the moisture and expands to
its original size.
Polarity
A holistic approach to natural health care. It asserts that energy
fields exist everywhere in nature, and that the flow and balance of this
energy in the human body is the underlying foundation of health. Stress,
tension, pain, inflexible thinking, and environmental stimuli are among
many factors that can contribute to the restriction of this energy flow
in the human body. According to Polarity therapists, such energy blocks
can be released by the use of four therapeutic methods: bodywork, diet,
exercise and self-awareness.
Pregnancy
Massage
Pregnancy massage focuses on
the special needs of the mother-to be, as her body progresses through
the dramatic changes, of the childbirth experience - pregnancy, birth,
and post-partum. Some of the possible benefits of pregnancy massage
include relaxation, a calm effect, even blood flow, reduced stress,
relief of muscle spasms, cramps and myofacial pain. Also relief of
back, neck, hip and leg pain. Improved blood and lymphatic
circulation. Easing of musculoskeletal pain caused by stress on
weightweight-bearing joints. Reduced constipation,
gas, and heartburn. Developed kinesthetic awareness. Body
sensory awareness which enhances a woman's ability to focus on the
infant within, to count baby's kicks and monitor his or her movement and
position. Improved sleep. Enhanced ability to
relax deeply which is a technique that's useful between
contractions during labor.
Postpartum massage is
designed to help restore the body to it's pre-pregnancy condition and to
address the stress of carrying and caring for a newborn. It can speed
recovery by bringing relief to sore muscles and helping the mother to
relax. Abdominal massage can help shrink the uterus and relieve
subcutaneous scar tissue.
Reflexology
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation
of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to
other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this
bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to
stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to
acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to
stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This
technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate
circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in
stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also
convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased
to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
Shiatsu
A system based on the body's energy meridians. Shiatsu massages are
normally done fully clothed and involve pressing points on the body and
stretching and opening of the energy meridians. Shiatsu is somewhat
related to acupuncture, which is a form of anesthesia and therapy used
in Chinese hospitals for surgery. Its proponents view it as a form of
treatment alternative to medicine or surgery.
Sports Massage
Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery.
There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an
athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. Pre-event massage
is delivered at the performance site, usually with the athlete fully
clothed. Fast-paced and stimulating, it helps to establish blood flow
and to warm up muscles. During the massage, the athlete generally
focuses on visualizing the upcoming event. Post-event massage is also
delivered on site, through the clothes. The intent here is to calm the
nervous system and begin the process of flushing toxins and waste
products out of the body. Post-event massage can reduce recovery time,
enabling an athlete to resume training much sooner than rest alone would
allow. When an athlete sustains an injury, skillful massage therapy can
often speed and improve the quality of healing. Click
here to find a Sports Massage practitioner.
Swedish Massage
(A proper name, not a reference to Sweden) refers to a collection of
techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to
them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction
as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins
(which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather
than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply
light pressure in the opposite direction. Friction is reduced by oil,
lotion or a massage gel. Some practitioners claim benefits from
vegetable rather than mineral oil while others disagree. Swedish massage
can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste
products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better
awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The
strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as
having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of
Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish
Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the
tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves
circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments
and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the
skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves
themselves. As it can help reduce emotional and physical stress it is
often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management. It
also has specific clinical uses in a medical or remedial therapy.
Thai massage
Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran, IPA
[nuɑt pʰɛn boraːn]),
which correctly translates only as ancient massage or
traditional massage, this form of massage is also known as Thai
ancient massage, traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga massage,
yoga massage, Thai classical massage, Thai bodywork, passive
yoga or assisted yoga. It is usually soothing because of its
emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back
far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda,
and then becoming popular in ancient Siam, now known as
Thailand.
Originating in India and drawing from Ayurveda, it has
inevitably incorporated modalities like yoga. The receiver is
put into many yoga like positions during the course of the
massage. In the northeren style there are a lot of stretching
movements unlike the southern style where pressure is emphasised.
It was believed that the massage art was brought over to
Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Kumarabhacca), a
contemporary of Lord Buddha over 2500 years ago.
The massage recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothes
and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. (It can be done
solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large
room). The massage practitioner leans on the recipient's body
using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to
almost every part of the recipient's body. The massage generally
follows the Sen lines on the body-somewhat analogous to Chinese
Meridians and Indian nadis. In some gestures, legs and feet of
the giver are used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient.
In other gestures, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the
massaging action. Oil is not used in traditional Thai Massage. A
full Thai massage session typically lasts two hours or more, and
includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body;
this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the
knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, arching the
recipient's back in a rolling action etc. There is a standard
procedure and rhythm to the massage.
Note: The traditional therapeutic practice of Thai massage
should not be confused with the sexual service of the same name
that is available in some hotels and brothels. Sometimes the
traditional therapeutic Thai Massage, or ancient massage, is
referred to as "old lady massage," while the sexual practice,
which has nothing to do with therapeutic traditional massage is
called "young lady massage."
Trigger Point Myotherapy
Trigger point myotherapy is a noninvasive therapeutic modality for the
relief and control of myofascial pain and dysfunction. The goal of
treatment is the client's recovery from or a significant reduction in
myofascial pain. The treatment goal is achieved through a systematized
approach. Treatment consists of trigger point compression, myomassage,
passive stretching, and a regime of corrective exercises. Success may be
measured subjectively by the level of pain reduction experienced by the
client and objectively through increased range of motion, strength,
endurance, and other measures of improved function. Trigger point
myotherapy relies heavily on client-therapist interaction, including
verbal and nonverbal elements. The myotherapist encourages the client to
be personally responsible for their improvement, with attention to such
factors as nutritional intake, stress, proper exercises, mechanical
abnormalities, and other physical components. These elements protect the
client from delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, or contraindicated
treatment, which are the concerns of first order. Trigger point
myotherapy is an integrating approach to myofascial pain and
dysfunction.
HAWAII---Legal
definition
The statute states: " 'Massage', 'massage therapy', and 'Hawaiian
massage' commonly known as lomilomi, means any method of treatment of
the superficial soft parts of the body, consisting of rubbing, stroking,
tapotement, pressing, shaking, or kneading with the hands, feet, elbow,
or arms and whether or not aided by any mechanical or electrical
apparatus, appliances, or supplementary aids such as rubbing alcohol,
liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments, or
other similar preparations commonly used in this practice. Any
mechanical or electrical apparatus used as described in this chapter
shall be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration."
HAW. REV. STAT.
§452-1 (1995).
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