Massage therapy is one of the oldest medical treatments. There are records of this treatment being practiced almost 4,000 years ago. Admittedly it was a fairly simple form of treatment at this time and was referred to as "rubbing." Modern massage therapy has now evolved to incorporate many techniques and is a recognized form of alternative treatment. It is all part of a holistic approach to medicine that looks at the entire overall health of the patient.
Basic massage: pressure, tension, motion, or vibration is applied to the soft tissues of the body. This can also include lymphatic vessels, joints, ligaments, muscles, connective tissue and tendons. It can be applied to the whole body or parts of it. There are many reasons for using massage therapy, a few common ones are; to help heal the body after injury, relive stress, manage pain, or improve circulation.
The patient is treated by, sitting in a massage chair, lying on a massage table, or lying on a pad on the floor. They are generally unclothed, or disrobed, with their body "draped" in towels or sheets. How the body is "draped " depends on where in the world you are having this treatment done. The therapy begins with the patient lying on their back and continues with them face downward. Relaxation is necessary for massage therapy to be effective.
Oils are sometimes used to increase the effects of massage therapy. Different oils are supposed to induce different reactions in the body. Massage therapy can also be practiced with no oil. Hot steam or sauna baths are often taken prior to massage therapy. This will help the patient to get warmed up and relax so that treatment can be more effective.
There are several different types of massage that are used in massage therapy. Here are some common ones:
Barefoot Deep Tissue: This is a combination of Eastern and Western techniques. The patient is loosely clothed and lain on their back or side, on a mat on the floor. No oil is used in this technique.
Bowen Technique: This is a rolling technique movement that is done to the fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.
Breema bodywork: This is also performed on the floor with the subject fully clothed. It is composed of gentle leans and stretches, to aid deep relaxation. Sessions typically last for about 50 minutes.
Chair massage: This can be done either manually or by mechanical means, motors in the actual chair.
Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage and involves pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle. Zhi Ya is another form of Chinese massage based on acupuncture. It involves pinching and pressing the acupuncture points.
CranioSacral Therapy: This, as the name applies, is the gentle massage of the head and spine.
Deep muscle therapy: this technique is generally focused on increasing blood and lymphatic flow to the muscles. It is often used to promote healing and help manage back and neck pain.
Deep tissue techniques: This massage therapy concentrates on specific sets of muscles, or joints. An experienced massage therapist should do this as when it is misapplied or done too quickly this massage can cause more problems and not help the patient.
Effleurage: This form of massage is almost like stroking and is used to calm the muscles. It is often performed around the heart to help circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Esalen Massage: This style of massage therapy uses traditional methods in a gentle manner. This will relax the body and help muscles and circulation.
Foot massage: The Chinese have different points on the sole of the foot that they associate with different organs of the body. This is to do with nerve endings in the sole and in theory is related to acupuncture and acupressure. This requires the patient to soak their foot in a foot bath of warm water and herbs before having this massage therapy done.
As you can see there are many types and styles of massage therapy. It is best to have this done by a licensed therapist who will know what combination of techniques to apply to your particular situation.
Related Articles
Swedish Massage or Acupressure
By: Zach Thompson | 11/01/2007 | Non-Fiction
Swedish massage has many uses, two of which are helping a patient recover from injuries, and aiding in strengthening muscles. It will also help to cut down stress and tension. The second type of massage we will examine - Acupressure massage - can be used by a layperson and does not require a professional therapist.
Bowtech: a New Holistic Therapy
By: George Kakaris | 18/06/2007 | Alternative Medicine
Do you suffer from backache, myalgia, neck syndrome, migraine or allergies? Bowen Technique can cure your condition with only few sessions and without any medicine, by activating the human body’s self healing mechanism.
Why You Need to Have an Essential Oil Box
By: Jordan Matthews | 30/03/2008 | Health
It’s not difficult to find essential oil storage boxes. Many internet retailers sell them, as do some health food stores, and shops specialising in holistic or natural avenues.
Which Essential Oils are Used in Aromatherapy
By: Zachary Thompson | 14/01/2007 | Health
There are many essential oils that can be extracted from plants flowers, roots and herbs. Many of them are therapeutic and can be used to promote healing in patients. They can be used for massage but should be used by professionals as when used incorrectly can harm and burn the...
Aromatherapy Skin Care - Refill your Beauty Without Losing the Tenderness of your Skin!
By: Neelima Reddy | 22/01/2008 | Alternative Medicine
Aromatherapy skin care is a wonderful method of making your skin look beautiful and young. The key to aromatherapy skin care is to match the individual skin type with the essential oils and enhance the beauty of the skin with these benefits.
How To Use Aromatherapy To Keep Your Home Clean And Smelling Fresh
By: Stacy Richford | 28/08/2006 | Non-Fiction
If your going to clean your home, why not make the most of it and reap the benefits of aromatherapy while you clean!
Enjoy Exotic Tastes In Your Everyday Cooking With The Power Of Aromatherapy
By: Stacy Richford | 29/08/2006 | Non-Fiction
Anyone who is at least a beginner when it comes to cooking in the kitchen has more then likely already incorporated many of the elements of aromatherapy into some the dishes they have created.
Aromatherapy | Tips And Information.
By: MalcyM | 06/04/2007 | Health
Aromatherapy massage is a holistic and natural for of massage, which treats the whole person not just one aspect. Aromatherapy actually treats and helps to balance the mind, body and spirit of a person, and also looks after their overall health. The various areas that are looked at and check...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Kahuna massage London
By: Guy | 03-07-2008
where can I find a good kahuna massage practitioner in London?
Seeking Synthesis Repertorium, condensed paperback version
By: Homeopathic Studies | 02-07-2008
Please advcise if you have information and pricing to obtain Synthesis Repertorium, condensed paperback version. Thanks.
What are the standards for chromatographic ...
By: Michael | 30-06-2008
what are the standards for chromatographic fingerprinting in the herbal supplement market, specific to turmeric and green tea?
Massage Therapy National Exam
By: Tina | 26-06-2008
What is the best material to get for passing the National's the first time around. Best Flashcards?Best Review Book?Best CD Rom? Best Audio? Best Online Class?THANK YOU!
Is garlic really good for your health?
By: Roody | 16-04-2008
Is garlic really good for your health?I hear it goes back thousands of years where even the ancient Egyptians used it.
Massage problem
By: hotkit22f | 09-04-2008
Why is it that massage thearapists require cancer patients to have a Dr's note before they will give them a massage? I went to get a massage and was turned away when they found out that i have had cancer in the past and I didnt have a Dr's note.
Q&A Powered by:
More from Zachary Thompson
Why Real-World Training For MLM?
By: Zachary Thompson | 23/06/2008 | Marketing
When you are looking to make big money using any kind of marketing to generate wealth, it pays to have the guidance of an expert. While there are a lot of MLM marketing "gurus" in this world, there is no question that one expert who tops the list is Robert...
Who is Robert Blackman?
By: Zachary Thompson | 12/06/2008 | Leadership
It is inspirational to look at a brilliant career of someone who really blazed a new trail in their field. Those are the kinds of leaders who show us all the way to success if we feel our field of expertise will be in the same area as that great...
"I Want You" - To Work From Home
By: Zachary Thompson | 14/02/2008 | Business
Are you looking for real freedom? Do you want more time for your family and hobbies?
Why would a Waiora Distributorship have anything to do with your financial freedom and your dreams?
Waiora Inc., a 3 year old nutritional company, is widely known for its product, Natural Cellular Defense also known as...
Considerations For Business Startups
By: Zachary Thompson | 11/02/2008 | Business
Do you want to start a new business? There are many different things that you need to consider with business startup. Planning ahead will help you become very successful in your new business.
No matter what the business, you need to have a goal for the business. Yes, we all want...
Business Opportunities For The Fitness Industry
By: Zachary Thompson | 11/02/2008 | Business
There are many business opportunities in the fitness industry today. Often people overlook the various business opportunities because they do not know about them. Focusing on the various business opportunities is a great way to expand your marketability in the fitness industry.
You might be wondering what exactly a business opportunity...
Benefits Of A Wellness Home Business
By: Zachary Thompson | 11/02/2008 | Business
There are many benefits of a home business in the wellness industry. The wellness industry is one of the fastest growing markets today. Many entrepreneurs are reaping the benefits of a home business in this industry.
One of the benefits of a home business it the ability to set your own...
Choosing A Good Multi-level Marketing Company For Your Business
By: Zachary Thompson | 01/02/2008 | Business
One of the important things you need to consider when you look into network marketing is choosing a good Multi-level marketing company. There are many companies out there but not all of them are legal and above board. Some are run by rank amateurs others by unscrupulous scammers. However not...
Starting A Small Business With Info Products
By: Zachary Thompson | 01/02/2008 | Business
With the way that things are going in the corporate world, job security is not what it used to be. Now companies are downsizing, going to temporary employees, hiring outsources and on tighter employee budgets. It is more important than ever to begin building your retirement yourself. One...
Health 
