What is Massage?
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts and has been used by many different cultures. Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use, the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. It is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs and massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness and generally improve your sense of wellbeing.
So What is Massage Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 200 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners use multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.
Some of the most common types of massage are: Acupressure, Aromatherapy Massage, Biodynamic Massage, Ayurvedic Massage, Baby Massage, Balinese Massage, Breathing Massage, Budzek Medical Massage, Doula Massage, Seated Massage, Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Tui Na Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Holistic Massage, Indian Head Massage, Lymph Drainage Massage, Zen Chi Aerobic Massage, Remedial Massage, Massage for Men, On Site Massage, Sports MassageMassage Therapy Connection
Website devoted to the World of Massage Therapy and US Directory of Schools,
Therapists and Services.