Massage Therapy
Massage is a systematic, therapeutic stroking and kneading of
the soft tissues of the body. The word is derived from the Greek 'masso', to knead
and the Arabic 'mass', to press gently. It has been used as a form of therapy
for thousands of years and touch is the most instinctive response to pain. Touch
is an essential requirement for healthy development in early life and research
has shown the babies who have received massage from their mothers have increased
weight gain, increased nerve and brain cell development and better hormonal functioning
and cell activity. Earliest records of the use of massage as a therapy come from
China over 5,000 years ago. The use of massage in the West became more popular
in the 16th Century when a French doctor, Ambroise Pare incorporated
a more anatomical and physiological approach. A Swede, Per Henrik Ling, developed
a system of massage and gymnastics in the early 19th Century which
became what we now know as Swedish Massage. There are many different types of
massage that have been developed; some approaches focus on the physical effects
that the massage techniques have on the body, whilst others focus attention on
the flow of 'energy' within the body. All types of massage can have an effect
on the skin, muscles, blood vessels, lymph, nerves and some of the internal organs.
How Does Massage Work?
The relationship between the exterior and interior of the body
is closely interlinked via the nervous system and it has been found that by stimulating
specific areas on the surface of the body can have a corresponding effect on the
internal organs and systems of the body. The dermis layer of the skin contains
nerve endings which respond to touch and, on stimulation, the receptor nerves
relay impulses via the spinal cord back to the brain. The brain then relays messages
back to the area involved. The effects may include the relaxation of voluntary
muscles, the sedation of nerve sensors and improved blood circulation to the area.
The receptor nerve endings affected by touch travel more quickly than those involved
in chronic pain and can reduce the brain's perception of the amount of pain from
the affected area. Chemicals known as endorphins are also released from the brain
and act as the body's natural painkillers. These help to counter the sensation
of chronic pain and give a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
The following gives a brief description of some of the various
types of massage available:
Anma
This is a traditional Japanese massage that works tsubos or acupressure
points on the body. Anma became the basis of energy-based body techniques like
shiatsu, tuina and Kahuna.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the combination of healing massage with the medicinal
properties of essential oils from plant extracts. The essential oils are absorbed
through the skin during massage and also by inhalation through the nose.
Aston Patterning
Developed in America by Judith Aston and has its roots in Rolfing,
Aston Patterning is a system of massage, soft tissue bodywork, fitness training
and movement education. It can be helpful in alleviating pain and improving posture
by encouraging fluid body movements and even distribution of body weight.
Ayurvedic Massage
This is the massage aspect of Ayurvedic medicine. It is based
on affecting the flow of 'prana' through the 107 'marma' points on the body. This
is very similar to the approach used by Oriental Medicine as in Acupuncture. Depending
on the constitution and the 'dosha type' of the client according to the principles
of Ayurvedic Medicine, suitable oils are chosen to be used in the massage. There
is also a form of massage for self-use.
Biodynamic Massage
Developed in the 1960's by a Norwegian physiotherapist and psychologist,
Gerda Boyesen. The therapy aims to release energy believed to be trapped in the
muscles and gut causing physical and emotional pain. Techniques can be soothing
or more vigorous and Swedish massage is used together with other methods like
'lifting' the limbs to free trapped 'bio-energy' which is then released via the
abdomen. Discussion is encouraged if the treatment raises any issues.
Chavutti Thirumal
Chavutti Thirumal comes from southern India and is part of the
Ayurvedic system. It is said to have developed to promote suppleness to traditional
dancers and martial art practitioners and is regarded as a specialised form of
massage to aid the circulation, lymphatic system and digestion. The therapist
is suspended above the client using a rope, and uses his or her feet and toes
to apply firm, continuous strokes to stimulate the body's energy lines.
Hellerwork
Developed by Joseph Heller, an American engineer and Rolfing Practitioner,
in the 1970's, it could be described as a blend of Rolfing, Alexander Technique
and the Feldenkrais Method. It has three components: bodywork, movement education
and verbal dialogue. The bodywork is a deep massage to the fascia which is where
Joseph Heller believes stiffness and tension accumulate. Movement education is
Indian Head Massage (Champissage)
Traditionally practised in India to the head and hair in order
to keep hair lustrous and healthy, it has been extended and enhanced to include
deep and relaxing massage to the upper back, shoulders and neck which is an area
susceptible to the build-up of tension. It helps to relax the thin layer of muscle
covering the head, improving blood flow, nourishing the hair follicles and alleviating
anxiety and stress.
Kahuna
An ancient Hawaiian system of massage that aims to help clients
accept their own body and love themselves. Connection to one's own self-love is
believed to strengthen the ability to recognise the beauty in our life and surroundings.
The treatment involves the practitioner using long rhythmical strokes over a two
hour period with the client lying naked on a treatment table. The massage increases
the vibrational rate of the cells of the body
Lomi
A deep tissue massage based on a Hawaiian Kahuna tradition.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
A very light pressure massage is used on the skin to encourage
and stimulate the superficial lymphatic system in order to assist the removal
of toxins from the body via the lymphatic nodes. Dietary correction can also be
advisable.
Remedial Massage
This is a corrective massage to encourage muscular alignment to
muscle groups that are strained from overuse. The massage is deep and specific,
concentrating on the muscles that are tight and stiff.
Rolfing
Rolfing (or Structural Integration) is a system of manipulation
designed to bring the body into correct alignment.
Sports Massage
This is ideal for loosening muscle groups to regain flexibility
and prevent strains occurring. It focuses on muscle recovery rate and helps to
cleanse the muscles of toxins allowing less muscle fatigue after exercise. Deep
massage is applied to the muscle groups.
Thai Massage
Thai massage is a blend of Chinese and Ayurvedic systems. It uses
gentle stretching, bending and pulling techniques to affect the flow of 'prana'
or vital force in the body. Treatment is focused on the massage channels and points
on the body and a practitioner will use hands, feet and elbows to affect this
flow and help to restore harmony to the body.
Therapeutic Massage (Swedish Massage)
Is the manipulation of the soft tissues (skin, muscles, tendons
and ligaments) of the body. It is a firm massage and has a set routine of techniques
that vary from deep pressure to stimulate the body's systems, to a slower, more
superficial movement to assist relaxation. There are four basic movements used
in Therapeutic Massage:
Effleurage: relaxes and stretches the superficial muscles
of the body.
Petrissage: kneading and squeezing of superficial and
deeper muscles and soft tissue.
Friction: breaks down adhesions between tissues and relaxes
muscle fibres.
Tapotement: a variety of percussive strokes to stimulate
skin and muscles to increase blood flow.
Zero Balancing
It was developed in the 1970's by Dr Fritz Smith, an American
doctor, osteopath and acupuncturist and is a touch technique that combines Eastern
and Western medicine. Treatment aims to restore a smooth flow of energy throughout
the body paying attention to 'foundation' joints that act as shock absorbers for
the weight distribution of the body and to breathing patterns, eye movements and
stomach rumbles. The improvement to the energy flow can help to improve posture,
increase harmony and the body's own self-healing ability. The practitioner uses
gentle touch via the fingers to stretch and hold the client, who lies fully clothed
on a treatment table.
See also the following links for more information on therapies
based on touch:
Acupressure
Aromatherapy
Bowen Technique
Chiropractic
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranio-sacral Therapy
Do-In
Johrei
Manual Lymph Drainage
McTimoney Chiropractic
Metamorphic Technique
Osteopathy
Polarity Therapy
Osteopathy
Reflexology
Shiatsu
Thai Yoga Massage
Thought Field Therapy
Trager Work
Zero Balancing
Useful Organisations:
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