Massage basics and more...

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain. Massage envy.

Ancient and medieval times
Writings on massage have been found in many ancient civilizations including Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt, Mesopotamia and India. A biblical reference from c.493 BC documents daily massage with olive oil and myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes. (Esther, 2:9-12) Hippocrates wrote in 460 BC that "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing."

The ancient Chinese book called Huangdi Neijing by the Yellow Emperor recommended "massage of skin and flesh." In Romania some illnesses were treated by a massage in which the client was trodden on by a tame bear.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Modern times
China: Since the time of the Mao Zedong massage has continued to develop absorbing western ideas into the traditional framework. It is widely practiced and taught in hospital and medical schools and is an essential part of primary healthcare.

United States: Massage started to become popular in the United States in the middle part of the 1800s and was introduced by two New York physicians based on Per Henrik Ling's techniques developed in Sweden. During the 1930s and 1940s massage's influence decreased as a result of medical advancements of the time, while in the 1970s massage's influence grew once again with a notable rise among athletes. Massage was used up until the 1960s and 1970s by nurses to help ease patients’ pain and help them sleep.

United Kingdom: Massage is popular in the United Kingdom today and gaining in popularity. There are many private practitioners working from their own premises as well as those who operate from commercial venues. Massage in sports, business and organizations: The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta was the first time that massage was offered as a core medical service. [8] Massage has been employed by businesses and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing and Reebok.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Tables and chairs
Massage table used in Kerala-style Ayurveda Abhyanga massage. Mechanical massage chairs at VivoCity in Singapore.Specialized massage tables and chairs are used to position clients during massages. A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable. An orthopedic pillow or bolster can be used to correct body positioning. Ergonomic chairs serve a similar function as a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or portable models. Massage chairs are easier for the practitioner to transport than massage tables, and clients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Oil
Many different types of oils can be used including fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Aromatherapy oils such as neroli oil and pine oil can also be mixed with carrier oils. Salts are also used in association with oils to remove dry skin.

Massage methods and contraindications
Massage can be performed by a massage therapist, or by other health care professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, and/or physical therapists. Massage therapists work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses. Contraindications to massage include deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever.

Prima massage

Acupressure Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Main article: Acupressure

Shiatsu Shiatsu massage is an eastern (oriental) born therapy that is designed to rebalance your physical being by rebalancing your energy field ("shi" meaning finger and "atsu" meaning pressure.) A shiatsu uses pressure applied with thumbs, fingers and palms to specific pressure points of the body. It also uses techniques such as rolling, brushing, vibrating, grasping and in one particular technique developed by Suzuki Yamamoto, pressure is applied with the feet on the persons back, legs and feet (special set up is required for the "foot" Ashiatsu.)

Ayurvedic massage Traction Massage in marma therapy given in Sreepathy cvn kalari for inter vertebral disc prolapseAyurveda is a natural health care system originating in India that incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils based on the ayurvedic system of humors.

Balinese massage Balinese massage techniques are gentle which makes the patient feel relax and calm throughout. The techniques include skin rolling, kneading, stroking, etc...The masseuse applies aromatheraphy oil througout the massage. Patient's blood, oxygen and energy flow increases. Balinese hot stones are an option.

Bowen therapy Main article: Bowen Technique Bowen technique involves a rolling movement over fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. It is said not to involve deep or prolonged contact with muscle tissues as in most kinds of massage, but claims to relieve muscle tensions and strains and to restore normal lymphatic flow. It is based on practices developed by Australian Tom Bowen.[14]

Breema Main article: Breema Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches. .

Champissage Champissage) in Mumbai, Maharashtra.Main article: Champissage Champissage is a massage technique focusing on the head, neck and face that is believed to balance the chakras. [edit] Esalen Massage Main article: Esalen Massage Esalen Massage was developed by Charlotte Selver and works with gentle rocking of the body, passive joint exercises and deep structural work on the muscles and joints, together with an energetic balancing of the body.

Hilot Main article: Hilot Hilot is an ancient healing technique from the Philippines that also includes massage techniques. The massage techniques relax stressed muscles. Hilot also includes joint manipulations to help relax stressed muscles. Hilot encompasses a wide variety of techniques beyond the treatment of stressed muscles. Hilot is used to reset dislocated and sprained joints, diagnose and treat musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments, and even aid in the giving birth of babies.

Jacuzzi Jacuzzi Brothers, Italian immigrants, introduce the invention in California back in 1968. Jacuzzi was used for hydrotheraphy and as a personal high-end relaxation hot tub with jets and pumps for both indoor and outdoor. Physical therapist and masseuse have incorporate the famous jacuzzi to their profession in homes and in clinics. Today, virtually every resort, casino and hotel has a Jacuzzi SPA to relax into and enjoy with pleasure.

Lomi Lomi Main article: Lomi Lomi Massage in Tarifa, Spain.Lomilomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii. As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family. Lomi Lomi practice by Kahunas(healers) in Polynesia and in Micronesia.

Medical massage Massage used in the medical field includes decongestive therapy used for lymphedema which can be used in conjunction with the treatment of breast cancer. Carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia. It, like the valsalva maneuver, is a therapy for SVT. However, it is less effective than management of SVT with medications.

Myofascial release Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

Prima massage

Anma Main article: Anma Anma is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work. [edit] Reflexology massage Main article: reflexology Pebble massage sandals from Dalian, China.Reflexology involves massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet, hands and ears with a goal of encouraging health throughout the body. This theory is based on a perceived energetic flow of "meridians" in the body, and is considered pseudoscientific.

Russian Massage Russian Massage has three phases. The first phase is gentle, slow and mild. The second phase is hard, deep and fast. The third phase is similar to the first phase which is slow and gentle. The massage therapist applies honey.

Shiatsu Main article: Shiatsu Shiatsu (??) is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching.

Stone massage Main article: stone massage A hot stone massage.A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.

Structural Integration Main article: Structural Integration Structural Integration's aim is to unwind the strain patterns residing in your body's myofascial system, restoring it to its natural balance, alignment, length, and ease. This is accomplished by deep, slow, fascial and myofascial manipulation, coupled with movement re-education. Various brands of Structural Integration are Kinesis Myofascial Integration and rolfing

Swedish massage Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are effleurage (light touch), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (compression), and vibration. Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. A Swedish massage is not related to the country of Sweden, where massages are quite uncommon. Most Swedes have in fact never heard of a Swedish massage.

Thai massage Thai Massage Drawings of accupressure points on Sen lines at Wat Pho temple in Thailand.Main article: Thai massage Known in Thailand as ??????????? (Nuat phaen boran, IPA [nu?t p??n bora?n]), meaning "ancient/traditional massage", Thai massage originated in India and is based on ayurveda and yoga. The technique combines massage with yoga-like positions during the course of the massage; the northern style emphasizes stretching while the southern style emphasizes acupressure.

Traditional Chinese massage Two types of traditional Chinese massage exist - Tui na (??) which focusses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle and Zhi Ya (??) which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Trager Approach Main article: Trager Approach The Trager approach combines movement, massage and education.

Trigger point therapy Also called a pressure point massage, this involves stimulating hypothetical trigger points that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Manual pressure is applied to these points. Trigger point therapy was founded by Janet G. Travell and David Simons.

Visceral manipulation One form is Mayan abdominal massage which is practiced in many countries in Latin America. This type of massage was developed by Elijio Panti of Belize and brought to the United States by Rosita Arvigo. Even though Panti was a respected and well known user of Mayan massage, he did not develop this modality. "Mayan Massage" techniques have been used since before the spanish conquest and is still practiced today by many Sobadores or Hueseros.

Watsu Massager Jacuzzi in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.Main article: Watsu Watsu is the combination of hydrotherapy and shiatsu developed by Harold Dull. The work is done in skin temperature water with both the therapist and practitioner in the water, usually a pool which is between 3.5 ft to 4 ft (100–120 cm) deep. The work entails much movement in the water and practitioners believe that it incorporates the activation of the energy lines derived from shiatsu.

Meso-America In Meso-America as in other areas of the world an indigenous form of soft tissue and structural work was devised. Today this art survives thanks to the many Sobadoras/es or Hueseros/as that have been handed these techniques via oral tradition. In the book "Wind in the Blood" there is an instance where a yucatec maya was treated by an illiterate sobador for a broken arm using the Meso-American techniques and when he was X-rayed months later the arm had only miniscule signs of damage.

Associated methods Many types of practices are associated with massage and include Bodywork (alternative medicine), manual therapy, energy medicine, and breathwork. Other names for massage and related practices include hands-on work, body/somatic therapy, and somatic movement education. Body-mind integration techniques stress self-awareness and movement over physical manipulations by a practitioner. Therapies related to movement awareness/education are closer to Dance and movement therapies. Massage can also have connections with the New Age movement and alternative medicine as well as being used by mainstream medical practitioners.

Beneficial effects Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety.

Theories behind what massage might do include blocking nociception (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep but such effects are yet to be supported by well designed clinical studies. Massage is hindered from reaching the gold standard of scientific research which includes placebo-controlled and double blind clinical trials. Developing a "sham" manual therapy for massage would be difficult since even light touch massage could not be assumed to be completely devoid of effects on the subject. It would also be difficult to find a subject that would not notice that they were getting less of a massage and it would be impossible to blind the therapist. Massage can employ randomized controlled trials which are published in peer reviewed medical journals. This type of study could increase the credibility of the profession because it displays that purported therapeutic effects are reproducible.

Remember these basic positive aspects.

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue

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