What is massage?
Massage
is a "hands-on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles
and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well-being.
Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of
muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. Massage
has been practiced as a healing therapy for centuries in nearly
every culture around the world. It helps relieve muscle tension,
reduce stress, and evoke feelings of calmness. Although massage
affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity
of the musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems.
What is the history of massage?
The use of massage for healing purposes dates back 4,000 years
in Chinese medical literature and continues to be an important
part of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
A contemporary form of massage, known as Swedish massage, was
introduced in the 1850s.
By the end of the 19th century, a significant number of doctors
were practicing this manual technique, and the first massage
therapy clinic had opened its doors to the public.
In the early 20th century, the rise of technology and prescription
drugs began to overshadow massage therapy. For the next several
decades, massage remained dormant, with only a few therapists
continuing to practice the "ancient" technique.
During the 1970s, however, both the general public and the medical
profession began to take notice of alternative medicine and
mind-body therapies, including massage therapy.
Today, massage therapists practice privately or in Spa's worldwide.
Their numbers are growing rapidly to keep up with the more than
800 million massage therapy appointments people make every year.
Are there many types of massage?
in our program
here
There
are nearly 100 different massage and body work techniques.
Each technique is uniquely designed to achieve a specific
goal. The most common types practiced include:
- Aromatherapy massage
- Reflexology
- Thai Massage
- Sports massage
- Swedish massage
- Face Massage
- Trigger point massage
How does massage work?
For centuries, human touch has been shown to be emotionally
and physically healing. Particular massage techniques
may either stimulate or calm the body's muscles and
tissues to create a desired effect.
When a therapist massages soft tissue, electrical signals
are transmitted both to the local area and throughout
the body. These signals, in combination with the healing
properties of touch, help heal damaged muscle, stimulate
circulation, clear waste products via the lymphatic
system, boost the activity of the immune system, reduce
pain and tension, and induce a calming effect.
Massage may also enhance well-being by stimulating the
release of endorphins (natural painkillers and mood
elevators) and reducing levels of certain stress hormones.
What happens during a massage therapy session?
At your first massage therapy session, the therapist
will ask you about any symptoms you may have (like
low back pain) and will also ask questions about
your medical history.
The therapist may also
initiate a discussion about what you expect to achieve
from the massage session. The therapist leaves the
room while you undress and lie down on the massage
table. A towel or sarong is draped over your body during the
session and moved only to expose the part of the
body being worked on at any given time. Massage
oil or lotion is used to reduce friction between
the therapist's hands and your skin.
The room
is kept cool and free of distractions, soft music may be playing in the
background. The therapist will ask whether she is applying too much or too
little pressure.
Your massage session can last from 15 - 90 minutes
and may include a schedule of follow-up visits.
