Therapeuric Massage

Therapeutic Massage

What is a massage? “Massage, or systemic rubbing and manipulation of the tissues of the body, is probably one of the oldest of all means used for the relief of body infirmities” (J. H. Kellogg).  A massage is performed by rubbing, pinching, kneading or stroking with the hands, fingers or an instrument (Inc). “Massage therapy dates back thousands of years” (Sherman, Ezzo and Khalsa). According to Chinese Literature, massage has been used since

4000 years ago and it still continues to be an important part of the Traditional Chinese

Medicine (TCM). “The Cong-Fou of the Tao-Tse”, an ancient Chinese Book was the foundation for both modern massage and the Swedish Massage (J. H. Kellogg). In fact, references of massage have appeared in writings from India, Japan, Egypt and Greece (Hippocrates)1. In 1850, two American physicians introduced a contemporary form of massage called Swedish Massage in the United States and it became very popular and was promoted to be useful for a variety of health purposes (Sherman, Ezzo and Khalsa). By the end of the 19th Century, the first massage therapy clinic was opened in the United States and a significant number of American doctors were practicing this manual technique. However, in the 20th century there was a rise in pharmaceutical drugs and technology which began to overshadow the field of massage therapy. Nevertheless, by1970, both the general populous, especially athletes, and medical technicians began to realize the benefits of alternative medicine, massage therapy (Ehrlich).

Massage Therapy has a long history in cultures around the World. Today, people use many different types of massage therapy for a variety of health-[pic 1]

1 Hippocrates defined medicine as “the art of rubbing”. He was a great Greek physician. (J. Kellogg)

related purposes.  In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of the Complementary and Alternative (CAM), although it does have some conventional uses (Sherman, Ezzo and Khalsa).

A Therapeutic Massage is a massage that is performed for therapeutic purposes and health benefits, rather than just a pure “relaxation massage” (Brown). Moreover, it can be used to promote general well-being and enhance self-esteem while boosting circulatory

and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion and skin

tone (Holistic Online). Therapeutic Massage is a holistic drug that is beneficial to improving health and well being in adults.

There are ten (10) most common types of therapeutic massages being practiced today: Swedish massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Sports Massage and Back Massage (Wong).    Swedish Massage, the most common of them all is popular in most countries, especially the United States. This massage is applied by using circular movements, long smooth strokes and kneading over the superficial layers of the skin. This type of massage is very gentle and relaxing (Wong). Aromatherapy Massage is a type of massage in which one or more scented essential oils are incorporated into the massage. Oils selected can be energizing, relaxing, stress-reducing, and balancing to name a few.

Next, is the Hot Stone Massage. Hot Stone Massages are done by placing heated, smooth stones on certain parts of the body to[pic 2][pic 3]

warm, loosen and balance tight muscles. These

Figure 1: Hot Stone Massage

stones are placed cautiously and gently on the person’s body while applying pressure with the stones.  The warmth from the stones is very comforting (Wong). In a Deep Tissue Massage, focus is primarily on the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.   This type of massage helps to release tension in the body. It is applied by using deep finger pressure and slower strokes or friction along the grain of the muscle (Wong).

Shiatsu, a form of Japanese bodywork, uses localized, gentle finger and hand pressure applied to specific points on the body. Shiatsu is used to enhance the flow of energy (known as qi) through the body’s energy pathways (called meridians). This type of massage is widely used in TCM (Ehrlich). Then, there is the Thai Massage. This type of massage like Shiatsu, aligns the energies of the body by using gentle pressure on specific body points and it is the most energizing of all massages. During a Thai Massage, your body is moved and stretched into a sequence of moves and positions and postures.  Thai

massage is also comparable to yoga, except it does not involve any work (Wong).

Pregnancy Massage, also referred to as prenatal massage is becoming more popular amongst expecting mothers. These are tailored to the expected mothers needs and special care is taken into consideration as far as the proper body positions and support (Wong).

Reflexology, another common type of massage is sometimes referred to as the foot massage (Ehrlich).

However, it is more

Figure 2: Diagram Showing Reflexology Pressure Points and Corresponding

Organs[pic 4][pic 5]

than just a simple foot massage. In reflexology, specialized finger and thumb techniques are used to apply pressure to the hands and feet (Ehrlich). At each point of application on the hands and/or feet, the points are connected or correspond to a particular organ and systems in the body (Wong). Hence, reflexology is very soothing and relaxing.  Popular among professional athletes and other persons who partake in physical activity is the

Sports Massage (Ehrlich). The focus of the Sports Massage is not to promote relaxation, but

rather to prevent and treat injuries as well as to improve performance (Wong). Last, the Back Massage is a type of massage that mainly focuses on the back of the body. These massages are requested by the client and are usually for 15-30 minutes (Wong).

Many professionals practice therapeutic massage. According to the NCCAM2, “Massage therapists work in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals, nursing homes, studios, and sport and fitness facilities.” Some of these professionals are mobile massage therapists who travel to the patient’s home or workplace (Sherman, Ezzo and Khalsa).  To add, as a certified nail technician and esthetician myself, I have incorporated therapeutic massage in my services to help relax the client.