Massage: Difference between revisions

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Content deleted Content added
Extended confirmed users
63,776 edits
Extended confirmed users
63,776 edits
→‎Types and methods of massage: remove entirely unsourced material to Talk page
Line 96: Line 96:


[[File:Tractionmassage.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Indian Traction Massage for [[Spinal disc herniation|intervertebral disc prolapse]]]]
[[File:Tractionmassage.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Indian Traction Massage for [[Spinal disc herniation|intervertebral disc prolapse]]]]

===Breast massage (Lymphatic breast massage)===
Lymphatic breast massage is a type of breast massage designed to stimulate lymphatic movement in the breast tissue.


=== Anma massage ===
=== Anma massage ===
Line 104: Line 101:
Anma is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work.
Anma is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work.


=== Aqua Massage ===
Aqua Massage is a dry-water [[hydrotherapy]] massage that involves the client laying down on a mattress, water jets pummel on the client, while keeping them dry. [[File:Aqua massage Fargo IMG 1198.JPG|thumb|right|180px|An Aqua Massage in a shopping mall]]


=== Balinese massage ===
=== Balinese massage ===
Line 133: Line 128:
=== Chua K'a ===
=== Chua K'a ===
{{Main|Chua_K'a}}
{{Main|Chua_K'a}}

=== Couples massage===
Couples massage is a service offered by some spas and massage parlors where two people (usually, but not always, couples), are massaged side-by-side on separate tables and by separate providers. It adds a social element to massage.

=== Deep tissue massage ===
{{unreferenced section|date=August 2012}}
Deep tissue massage is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue or [[fascia]]. This type of massage focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Deep tissue massage is often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (such as athletes), and patients who have sustained a non-recent physical injury. It is not uncommon for receivers of deep tissue massage to have their pain replaced with a new muscle ache for a day or two.

The term “deep tissue” is often misused to identify a massage that is performed with sustained deep pressure. Deep tissue massage is a separate category of massage therapy, used to treat particular muscular-skeletal disorders and complaints and employs a dedicated set of techniques and strokes to achieve a measure of relief. It should not be confused with “deep pressure” massage, which is one that is performed with sustained strong, occasionally intense pressure throughout an entire full-body session, and that is not performed to address a specific complaint. Deep tissue massage is applied to both the superficial and deep layers of muscles, fascia, and other structures. The sessions are often quite intense as a result of the deliberate, focused work. When a client asks for a massage and uses the term “deep tissue”, more often than not he or she is seeking to receive a full-body session with sustained deep pressure throughout. If a practitioner employs deep tissue techniques on the entire body in one session, it would be next to impossible to perform; it might lead to injury or localized muscle and nerve trauma, thereby rendering the session counterproductive.


=== Esalen massage ===
=== Esalen massage ===
Line 183: Line 169:
{{Main|Lomi Lomi}}
{{Main|Lomi Lomi}}
''Lomilomi'' is the traditional massage of [[Hawaii]]. As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family. The word ''lomilomi'' also is used for massage in [[Samoa]] and East Futuna. In Samoa, it is also known as ''lolomi'' and ''milimili''. In East Futuna, it is also called ''milimili, fakasolosolo, amoamo, lusilusi, kinikini, fai’ua.'' The [[Māori people|Māori]] call it ''roromi'' and ''mirimiri''. In [[Tonga]] massage is ''fotofota, tolotolo,'' and ''amoamo.'' In [[Tahiti]] it is ''rumirumi.'' On [[Nanumea]] in [[Tuvalu]], massage is known as ''popo'', pressure application is ''kukumi'', and heat application is ''tutu''. Massage has also been documented in [[Tikopia]] in the [[Solomon Islands]], in [[Rarotonga]] and in [[Pukapuka]] in [[Western Samoa]].<ref>Chai, R. Makana Risser, ed. ''Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: Traditions of Hawaiian Massage and Healing'', Bishop Museum, 2005; Parsons, Claire D. F., ed. ''Healing Practices in the South Pacific'', 1985, The Institute for Polynesian Studies; Tregear, Edward. ''Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary''. Lyon and Blair, Wellington NZ, 1891</ref>
''Lomilomi'' is the traditional massage of [[Hawaii]]. As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family. The word ''lomilomi'' also is used for massage in [[Samoa]] and East Futuna. In Samoa, it is also known as ''lolomi'' and ''milimili''. In East Futuna, it is also called ''milimili, fakasolosolo, amoamo, lusilusi, kinikini, fai’ua.'' The [[Māori people|Māori]] call it ''roromi'' and ''mirimiri''. In [[Tonga]] massage is ''fotofota, tolotolo,'' and ''amoamo.'' In [[Tahiti]] it is ''rumirumi.'' On [[Nanumea]] in [[Tuvalu]], massage is known as ''popo'', pressure application is ''kukumi'', and heat application is ''tutu''. Massage has also been documented in [[Tikopia]] in the [[Solomon Islands]], in [[Rarotonga]] and in [[Pukapuka]] in [[Western Samoa]].<ref>Chai, R. Makana Risser, ed. ''Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: Traditions of Hawaiian Massage and Healing'', Bishop Museum, 2005; Parsons, Claire D. F., ed. ''Healing Practices in the South Pacific'', 1985, The Institute for Polynesian Studies; Tregear, Edward. ''Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary''. Lyon and Blair, Wellington NZ, 1891</ref>

=== Lymphatic drainage massage ===
Massage technique used to gently work and stimulate the lymphatic system, to assist in reduction of localized swelling. The lymphatic system is a network of slow moving vessels in the body that is responsible for the removal of cellular waste and toxic microbes from the body. The Lymphatic drainage massage is believed to help in detoxification of the body and in stimulating the body's immune system.


=== Medical massage ===
=== Medical massage ===
Line 193: Line 176:


A 2004 systematic review found single applications of massage therapy "reduced state anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate but not negative mood, immediate assessment of pain, and cortisol level", while "multiple applications reduced delayed assessment of pain", and found improvements in anxiety and depression similar to effects of psychotherapy.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moyer|first=CA|coauthors=Rounds, J; Hannum, JW|title=A meta-analysis of massage therapy research.|journal=Psychological bulletin|date=January 2004|volume=130|issue=1|pages=3–18|pmid=14717648}}</ref> A subsequent systematic review published in 2008 found that there is little evidence supporting the use of massage therapy for depression in high quality studies from [[radmonized controlled trials]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Coelho|first=HF|coauthors=Boddy, K; Ernst, E|title=Massage therapy for the treatment of depression: a systematic review.|journal=International journal of clinical practice|date=February 2008|volume=62|issue=2|pages=325–33|pmid=18081800}}</ref>
A 2004 systematic review found single applications of massage therapy "reduced state anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate but not negative mood, immediate assessment of pain, and cortisol level", while "multiple applications reduced delayed assessment of pain", and found improvements in anxiety and depression similar to effects of psychotherapy.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moyer|first=CA|coauthors=Rounds, J; Hannum, JW|title=A meta-analysis of massage therapy research.|journal=Psychological bulletin|date=January 2004|volume=130|issue=1|pages=3–18|pmid=14717648}}</ref> A subsequent systematic review published in 2008 found that there is little evidence supporting the use of massage therapy for depression in high quality studies from [[radmonized controlled trials]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Coelho|first=HF|coauthors=Boddy, K; Ernst, E|title=Massage therapy for the treatment of depression: a systematic review.|journal=International journal of clinical practice|date=February 2008|volume=62|issue=2|pages=325–33|pmid=18081800}}</ref>

=== Mesoamerican massage ===
In Mesoamerica as in other areas of the world an indigenous form of soft tissue and structural massage has developed. Today this art survives thanks to the many Sobadoras/es or Hueseros/as that have handed-down these techniques via oral tradition.


=== Metamorphic Technique ===
=== Metamorphic Technique ===
{{Main|Metamorphic Technique}}
{{Main|Metamorphic Technique}}
The Metamorphic Technique is a gentle form of foot, hand and head massage that can be carried out by anyone with a brief training in the technique. It draws on reflexology in its theory and approach.
The Metamorphic Technique is a gentle form of foot, hand and head massage that can be carried out by anyone with a brief training in the technique. It draws on reflexology in its theory and approach.

=== Mobile massage ===
Given some of the main benefits of massage, many people prefer to have a therapist come to them to perform the treatment as opposed to visiting the therapist. Amongst other things, this type of treatment has the benefits of allowing the recipient to remain in their own environment with which they are likely most comfortable, to avoid the pre and post stresses of travelling to the therapist to receive their massage and of course to retire directly to a place of rest immediately following their massage. Therapists can bring a dedicated table with them on which to perform the massage or perform the treatment on the floor or the client's own bed. Mobile (or outcall) massages are particularly popular in big cities around the world where life can be more hectic than elsewhere and there are many operators of such services in places like London and New York.


=== Myofascial release massage ===
=== Myofascial release massage ===
{{Main|Myofascial release}}
{{Main|Myofascial release}}
Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for [[stretching]] the [[fascia]] and releasing bonds between fascia, [[integument]], and [[muscle]]s 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.
Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for [[stretching]] the [[fascia]] and releasing bonds between fascia, [[integument]], and [[muscle]]s 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.

=== Myomassology ===
An integration of techniques including basic [[Swedish massage]], [[aromatherapy]], [[reflexology]], shiatsu, energy balancing, tuina Chinese medical massage, acupressure and [[craniosacral therapy]] along with other modalities in conjunction with instruction in nutrition, meditation and [[yoga]]. The term Myomassology was coined by [[Irene Gauthier]] to describe her combined work of [[Swedish massage]], craniosacral therapy, reflexology and body mechanics.


=== Pediatric massage ===
=== Pediatric massage ===
Line 225: Line 199:
{{Main|Prostate massage}}
{{Main|Prostate massage}}
Prostate massage was once the most popular therapeutic maneuver used to treat prostatitis. According to the Prostatitis Foundation "it used to be, in the age before antibiotics (before about 1960 for prostatitis), doctors performed massage when their patients had prostatitis. In some cases it was enough to cure them of the disease. ... it fell out of common practice with the advent of antibiotics."
Prostate massage was once the most popular therapeutic maneuver used to treat prostatitis. According to the Prostatitis Foundation "it used to be, in the age before antibiotics (before about 1960 for prostatitis), doctors performed massage when their patients had prostatitis. In some cases it was enough to cure them of the disease. ... it fell out of common practice with the advent of antibiotics."

=== Reciprocal inhibition technique ===
Reciprocal inhibition involves locating specific muscles that are in spasm and then actively contracting the opposing muscle groups. This causes the tight muscles to reduce by limiting nervous system input, allowing relaxation and reducing pain. Reciprocal inhibition technique takes advantage of the neurological mechanism that exists naturally. It is effective in treating acute spasm and joint inflammation, especially in the lumbar and cervical spine.


=== Reflexology massage ===
=== Reflexology massage ===
{{Main|Reflexology}}
{{Main|Reflexology}}
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body.
Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body.

=== Remedial massage ===
Massage techniques such as sports massage, trigger point therapy and PNF stretching combined for an overall curative approach.

=== Self massage ===
A few various techniques that are practiced on oneself, such as stroking the temples with strong pressure from front to back, rubbing the bottoms of the feet with one's knuckles or a wooden massage tool, and circular movement with thumb on palm of hand.


=== Shiatsu ===
=== Shiatsu ===
Line 262: Line 227:


[[File:Thaimassage.jpg|thumb|right|Thai Massage]]
[[File:Thaimassage.jpg|thumb|right|Thai Massage]]

=== Tandem massage ===
A massage by two or more therapist. It is occasionally called a four hand massage. Therapist usually work simultaneously in a rhythmic fashion providing a great relaxing stimuli on the nervous system.


=== Tantric massage ===
=== Tantric massage ===
Line 292: Line 254:
=== Trigger point therapy ===
=== Trigger point therapy ===
Sometimes confused with pressure point massage,<ref name=nccam/> this involves deactivating [[trigger points]] that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by [[Janet G. Travell]] (President Kennedy's physician) and [[David Simons]]. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electrically.<ref>David G Simons, Siegfried Mense and IJ Russell, Muscle Pain: Understanding Its Nature, Diagnosis and Treatment Chapter: Myofascial Pain Caused by Trigger Points p.205–288 (1st hardcover edition), 2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins</ref> and in 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI.<ref>Chen et al., p.2 2007, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation</ref> These points relate to dysfunction in the [[myoneural junction]], also called [[neuromuscular junction]] (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage.
Sometimes confused with pressure point massage,<ref name=nccam/> this involves deactivating [[trigger points]] that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by [[Janet G. Travell]] (President Kennedy's physician) and [[David Simons]]. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electrically.<ref>David G Simons, Siegfried Mense and IJ Russell, Muscle Pain: Understanding Its Nature, Diagnosis and Treatment Chapter: Myofascial Pain Caused by Trigger Points p.205–288 (1st hardcover edition), 2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins</ref> and in 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI.<ref>Chen et al., p.2 2007, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation</ref> These points relate to dysfunction in the [[myoneural junction]], also called [[neuromuscular junction]] (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage.

=== Visceral manipulation ===
One form is Mayan abdominal massage which is practiced in many countries in Latin America. This type of massage may have been developed by [[Elijio Panti]] of Belize and brought to the United States by Rosita Arvigo.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}


=== Watsu ===
=== Watsu ===
Line 300: Line 259:


In a related type of [[hydrotherapy]] called [[waterdance]], the receiver is taken underwater during the therapy to increase the sensations of peace, relaxation and weightlessness. (A [[noseclip]] is used to increase comfort, and touch signals are used to communicate when the receiver is to be submerged.)
In a related type of [[hydrotherapy]] called [[waterdance]], the receiver is taken underwater during the therapy to increase the sensations of peace, relaxation and weightlessness. (A [[noseclip]] is used to increase comfort, and touch signals are used to communicate when the receiver is to be submerged.)

=== Zoku Shin Do ===
Zoku Shin Do is an ancient Chinese system of foot massage that claims to treat the foot as a system related to the whole body and stimulate energy flow.


== Equipment ==
== Equipment ==

Revision as of 10:26, 18 March 2014

Massage
Frankfurt, Germany
.
  • NCCAM
  • Manipulative and body-based methods
  • Modality
  • Professionalized
This article is part of the branches of
Complementary and alternative medicine
series.

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability,[1] promote relaxation and well-being,[2][3] and as a recreational activity.

The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading", or from Arabic massa meaning "to touch, feel or handle" or from Latin massa meaning "mass, dough",[4][5] cf. Greek verb μάσσω (massō) "to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough".[6] In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis,[7] and the Latin was frictio.

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include

gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, or feet
.

In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor, while in amateur settings a general purpose surface like a bed or floor is more common. The massage subject may be fully or partially clothed or unclothed.

History

accupressure points on Sen[disambiguation needed] lines at Wat Pho temple in Thailand

Ancient and medieval times

Archaeological evidence of massage has been found in many ancient civilizations including China, India, Japan, Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

BC 2330: The Tomb of Akmanthor [8] (also known as "The Tomb of the Physician") in Saqqara, Egypt depicts two men having work done on their feet and hands, presumably massage.

Akmanthor

BC 722-481: Huangdi Neijing is composed during the Chinese Spring and Autumn period (the beginning of recorded history). The Nei-jing is a compilation of medical knowledge known up to that date, and is the foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Massage is referred to in 30 different chapters of the Nei Jing. It specifies the use of different massage techniques and how they should be used in the treatment of specific ailments, and injuries. Also known as "The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon", the text refers to previous medical knowledge from the time of the Yellow Emperor (approx 2700 BC), misleading some into believing the text itself was written during the time of the Yellow Emperor (which would predate written history).[9]

BC 700 Bian Que, the earliest known Chinese physician uses massage in medical practice.

BC 500 Jīvaka Komarabhācca, also known as Shivago Komarpaj, the founder of

Buddha's physician. He codified a healing system that combines acupressure, reflexology, and assisted yoga postures. Traditional Thai massage (Nuad Boran) is generally based on a combination of Indian and Chinese traditions of medicine. Jivaka is known today as "Father Doctor" in Thailand
.

BC 493: A possible biblical reference documents daily "treatments" with oil of myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes (Esther, 2:12).[10]

BC 460: Hippocrates wrote "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing".[11]

BC 300

Sanscrit
records indicate that massage had been practiced in India long before the beginning of recorded history.

AD 581: Dr Sun Si Miao introduces ten new massage techniques and systematized the treatment of childhood diseases using massage therapy.

AD 581: China establishes a department of massage therapy within the Office of Imperial Physicians.

Middle-Ages: Medical knowledge, including that of massage, made its way from Rome to Persia in the Middle Ages. Many of Galen's manuscripts, for instance, were collected and translated by Hunayn ibn Ishaq in the 9th century. Later in the 11th century copies were translated back into Latin, and again in the 15th and 16th centuries, when they helped enlighten European scholars as to the achievements of the Ancient Greeks. This renewal of the Galenic tradition during the Renaissance played a very important part in the rise of modern science.

One of the greatest Persian medics was Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, who lived from 980AD to 1037AD. He was the foremost philosopher of medieval Islam and also a great philosopher, logician and medic. His works included a comprehensive collection and systematisation of the fragmentary and unorganised Greco-Roman medical literature that had been translated Arabic by that time, augmented by notes from his own experiences. One of his books, Al-Qānūn fī aṭ-Ṭibb (The Canon of Medicine) has been called the most famous single book in the history of medicine in both East and West. Avicenna excelled in the logical assessment of conditions and comparison of symptoms and took special note of analgesics and their proper use as well as other methods of relieving pain, including massage.

AD 1150: Evidence of massage abortion, involving the application of pressure to the pregnant

bas reliefs decorating the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It depicts a demon performing such an abortion upon a woman who has been sent to the underworld. This is the oldest known visual representation of abortion.[12]

AD 1776: Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, and Pierre-Martial Cibot, French missionaries in China translate summaries of Huangdi Neijing, including a list of medical plants, exercises and elaborate massage techniques, into the French language, thereby introducing Europe to the highly developed Chinese system of medicine, medical-gymnastics, and medical-massage. [9]

AD 1776

erroneously
credited for having invented "Classic Massage" aka "Swedish Massage", and has been called the "Father of Massage".

AD 1779: Frenchman Pierre-Martial Cibot publishes ‘Notice du Cong-fou des Bonzes Tao-see' also known as "The Cong-Fou of the Tao-Tse", a French language summary of medical techniques used by Taoist priests. According to Joseph Needhan, Cibot's work "was intended to present the physicists and physicians of Europe with a sketch of a system of medical gymnastics which they might like to adopt—or if they found it at fault they might be stimulated to invent something better. This work has long been regarded as of cardinal importance in the history of physiotherapy because it almost certainly influenced the Swedish founder of the modern phase of the art, Per Hendrik Ling. Cibot had studied at least one Chinese book, but also got much from a Christian neophyte who had become expert in the subject before his conversion.” [13]

AD 1813 The Royal Gymnastic Central Institute for the training of gymnastic instructors was opened in Stockholm, Sweden, with

Kung-Fu based Tui na
massage. Ling died in 1839, having previously named his pupils as the repositories of his teaching. Ling and his assistants left little proper written account of their methods. [14]

AD 1878: Dutch massage practitioner Johan Georg Mezger takes a sub-set of techniques from Dr. Ling's system, and coins the phrase "Swedish massage system". Notably, Ling's techniques, having been borrowed by Mezger, are still known by their French names (effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (lifting and kneading the muscles), friction (firm, deep, circular rubbing movements), tapotement (brisk tapping or percussive movements), and vibration (rapidly shaking or vibrating specific muscles)). Each of these techniques are fundamental elements of Tui na, and had been practiced in China for several thousand years prior.

Modern times

Marathon runners receiving massages at the 2004 ING Taipei International Marathon

China: Massage has developed continuously in China for over 5000 years.[citation needed] Western ideas are considered within the traditional framework. It is widely practiced and taught in hospital and medical schools and is an essential part of health maintenance and primary healthcare.[15]

United States: Massage started to become popular in the

Per Henrik Ling's techniques developed in Sweden.[11]

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.

nurses to help ease patients’ pain and help them sleep.[16] The massage therapy industry is continuously increasing, with a projected 19% increase between 2008 and 2009. U.S. consumers spend between $4 and $6 billion on visits to massage therapists, as of 2009.[17]

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: Massage developed alongside athletics in both

gymnastic movements, while Ancient Greek Olympians used a specific type of trainer ("aleiptes")[18][19] who would rub their muscles with oil. Pehr Ling's
introduction to massage also came about directly as a result of his study of gymnastic movements.

The

have personal massage therapists that at times even travel with them.

Types and methods of massage

Acupressure massage

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

Indian Traction Massage for intervertebral disc prolapse

Anma massage

Anma is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work.


Balinese massage

Balinese massage techniques are gentle and aim to make the patient feel relaxed and calm throughout. The techniques include skin folding, kneading, stroking,and other techniques. The massage therapist applies aromatheraphy oil throughout the massage. A patient's blood, oxygen and energy flow is said to increase due to the treatment.[citation needed] Balinese hot stones are an option.

Barefoot deep tissue massage

Barefoot deep tissue, also known as barefoot compressive deep tissue, or barefoot sports massage, is a blend of Eastern barefoot techniques, such as barefoot Shiatsu massage, coupled with a Western manual medicine, encompassing deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, transverse friction, compression, tension, shear,

proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), stretching, as well as parasympathetic response, on clothed clients using no oil. Dara Torres, 41-year-old Olympian, received barefoot compression massage on a daily basis in her training program.[22]

This modality typically uses the heel, sesamoid, arch and/or whole plantar surface of foot, and offers large compression, tension and shear forces with less pressure than elbow or thumb, and is ideal for large muscles, such as in thigh, or for long-duration upper trapezius compressions.[23] The unclothed cousins of this modality are Keralite, Barefoot Lomi Lomi, Chavutti Thirummal.

Bowen therapy

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. Because this technique is so gentle, Bowen Therapy can be suitable for newborn baby to elderly. It is based on practices developed by Australian Tom Bowen and the practitioners are all over the world. [24]

Breema massage

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

Champissage massage

Champissage is a massage technique focusing on the head, neck and face that is believed to balance the chakras.

Chua K'a

Esalen massage

Esalen Massage was developed at the Esalen Institute based on a combination of many massage and bodywork techniques. The two main influences were Swedish massage and the Sensory Awareness work of Charlotte Selver. Esalen Massage 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.

Foot massage

While various types of reflexology related massage styles focus on the feet, massage of (usually) the soles of the feet is often performed purely for relaxation or recreation.

See also

Thai Foot Massage

Thai Foot Massage is the therapeutic massage of particular areas of the soles of the feet, and to a lesser extent the lower legs. The aim is to stimulate reflex points or lines – "sen" in Thai – that correspond to other parts of the body: to the internal organs, the glands, and the senses. The overall goal is to improve blood and lymph circulation, and to stimulate and improve the workings of the body’s internal organs.[25][26]

Thai Foot Massage is based on the theory that there are zones and reflex areas in the feet which correspond to all glands, organs, senses and systems of the body. The act of reading signs on the feet, of understanding the client as much as possible, and of applying pressure using the thumb, finger and hand techniques through specialized combinations of pressure is the art at the foundation of this 2,000-year old massage technique.[27]

Hilot massage

Hilot is a traditional 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 can be used to reset sprained joints, diagnose and treat musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments, and even to aid in giving birth and to induce abortion.

Dislocated joints can also be reset by hilot after an X-ray has been done on affected body parts and medical experts advised that the same body parts are safe to be massaged.

After giving birth, hilot can be done on the mother and the baby born of normal delivery for 10 consecutive days so that they may recover easily. Hilot should not be done on mothers who deliver via caesarian section.

Hilot also uses banana leaves and herbs for enhanced efficacy.

Tarifa, Spain

Infant massage

cf Pediatric massage

Infant massage is a type of complementary and alternative treatment that uses massage therapy for human infants. This therapy has been practiced globally, and has been increasingly used in Western countries as a treatment for infants.

Kum Nye

Kum Nye and sKu-mNyé are a wide variety of Tibetan religious and medical body practices. The two terms are different spellings in the Latin alphabet of the same Tibetan phrase (Wylie: sku mnye), which literally means "massage of the subtle body". Some systems of sku mnye are vaguely similar to Yoga, T'ai chi, Qigong, or therapeutic massage. "Kum Nye", Ku Nye, and Kunye are also used to transcribe the Tibetan phrases dku mnye ("belly massage") and bsku mnye ("oil massage"), which are pronounced identically to sku mnye. dKu mnye and bsku mnye manipulate the physical body, rather than the subtle (energetic) one.

Lomi Lomi and indigenous massage of Oceania

Lomilomi is the traditional massage of

Western Samoa.[28]

Medical massage

Medical Massage is a controversial term in the massage profession.[29] Many use it to describe a specific technique. Others use it to describe a general category of massage and many methods such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release and triggerpoint therapy as well as osteopathic techniques, cranial-sacral techniques and many more can be used to work with various medical conditions.

Massage used in the medical field includes decongestive therapy used for lymphedema[10] which can be used in conjunction with the treatment of breast cancer. Light massage is also used in pain management and palliative care. 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.[30] However, it is less effective than management of SVT with medications.[31]

A 2004 systematic review found single applications of massage therapy "reduced state anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate but not negative mood, immediate assessment of pain, and cortisol level", while "multiple applications reduced delayed assessment of pain", and found improvements in anxiety and depression similar to effects of psychotherapy.[32] A subsequent systematic review published in 2008 found that there is little evidence supporting the use of massage therapy for depression in high quality studies from radmonized controlled trials.[33]

Metamorphic Technique

The Metamorphic Technique is a gentle form of foot, hand and head massage that can be carried out by anyone with a brief training in the technique. It draws on reflexology in its theory and approach.

Myofascial release massage

Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for

equilibrioception
. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

Pediatric massage

cf Infant massage

Pediatric massage is the complementary and alternative treatment that uses massage therapy, or "the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being" for children and adolescents.

Postural integration (PI)

Postural Integration (PI) is a process-oriented bodywork combining deep tissue massage with breathwork, body movement and awareness as well as emotional expression.

Prostate massage

Prostate massage was once the most popular therapeutic maneuver used to treat prostatitis. According to the Prostatitis Foundation "it used to be, in the age before antibiotics (before about 1960 for prostatitis), doctors performed massage when their patients had prostatitis. In some cases it was enough to cure them of the disease. ... it fell out of common practice with the advent of antibiotics."

Reflexology massage

Reflexology is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that relate to every organ, gland, and system of the body.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu (指圧) (shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure) is a type of alternative medicine consisting of finger and palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques. There is no convincing data available to suggest that shiatsu is an effective treatment for any medical condition.[34]

A hot stone massage
Massage trainer teaches sports students how to do massage (Leipzig, German Democratic Republic)

Sports massage

Also known as manual therapy, manipulative therapy, or manual & manipulative therapy, this is a physical treatment primarily used on the neuromusculoskeletal system to treat pain and disability. It most commonly includes kneading and manipulation of muscles, joint mobilization and joint manipulation.

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. The hot stones used are commonly Basalt stones (or lava rocks) which over time have become extremely polished and smooth. As the stones are placed along the recipient's back, they help to retain heat which then deeply penetrates into the muscles, releasing tension.[citation needed]

Structural integration

Kinesis Myofascial Integration and Rolfing
.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The five basic strokes are

Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes.[37]
The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Elsewhere (including Sweden) the style is referred to as "classic massage".

Thai Massage

Tantric massage

A massage technique popularized by the neotantra movement, and drawing on modern interpretations of tantra.

Thai massage

Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran, IPA:

Thai massage
(Nuad Boran) is generally based on a combination of Indian and Chinese traditions of medicine.

Thai massage – or Nuat Thai – is unique among massage therapies in combining both physical and energetic aspects. It is a deep, full-body massage progressing from the feet up, and focusing on sen or energy lines throughout the body, with the aim of clearing blockages in these lines, and thus stimulating the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. By the end, one feels both relaxed and energized, in an almost dreamlike state, and typically without pain.[38]

Thai culture is the wellspring of modern massage therapies, and is much more than what is typically considered massage in the West, which accounts for its appeal and attraction to visitors. It combines many different techniques into one all-encompassing system, drawing particularly on acupressure, reflexology, and assisted yoga postures. In short, it is a unique form of Buddhist physiotherapy that blends yoga, acupressure and reflexology.

Traditional Chinese massage

Two types of traditional Chinese massage exist -

Traditional Chinese Medicine
. Though in the Western countries Tui Na is viewed as massage, it is not. Massage of Chinese Medicine is known as Anmo (按摩), which is the foundation of Japan's Anma.

Within the foundation of Tui Na, Traditional Chinese Medicine principles are followed, from Meridian Applications to Herbal Formulas, Qigong Therapy and heated herbal application (Moxa). Technique applications such as friction and vibration are used as well.

Trager approach

The Trager approach combines movement and touch to educate the body/mind.

Trigger point therapy

Sometimes confused with pressure point massage,

myoneural junction, also called neuromuscular junction
(NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this modality is different from reflexology, acupressure and pressure point massage.

Watsu

Watsu is the combination of

fibromyalgia syndrome,[42] and rehabilitating patients after a stroke.[43]
Practitioners may believe that it incorporates the activation of the "energy lines" derived from shiatsu.

In a related type of hydrotherapy called waterdance, the receiver is taken underwater during the therapy to increase the sensations of peace, relaxation and weightlessness. (A noseclip is used to increase comfort, and touch signals are used to communicate when the receiver is to be submerged.)

Equipment

Massage tables
Massage chairs in use

Tables and chairs

Specialized massage tables and chairs are used to position recipients 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, while home versions are often lighter weight or designed to fold away easily. 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 to transport than massage tables, and recipients 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.

Vichy shower

A Vichy shower is a form of hydrotherapy which uses a series of shower nozzles which spray large quantities of water over the client while they lie in a shallow wet bed, similar to a massage table, but with drainage for the water. The nozzles may usually be adjusted for height, direction, and temperature to suit the clients needs.

Dry-water massage bed

A dry-water massage bed uses jets of water to perform the massage of the client's muscles. These beds differ from a Vichy shower in that the client usually stays dry. Two common types are one in which the client lies on a waterbed-like mattress which contains warm water and jets of water and air bubbles and one in which the client lies on a foam pad and is covered by a plastic sheet and is then sprayed by jets of warm water, similar to a Vichy shower.[44] The first type is sometimes seen available for use in malls and shopping centers for a small fee.

Lubricant

Many different types of oils can be used including jojoba oil, fractionated

almond oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, mustard oil[45] and (mineral) baby oil.[46] Each oil has different properties and serves different purposes.[47] Lotions, cremes and gels may also be used. Each lubricant has slightly different properties, and the choice tends to be a therapist’s preference. There are different views about the extent to which various oils and other substances are absorbed into the body through the skin.[48]
Salts are also used in association with oils to remove dry skin.

Body Tools

A body rock is a serpentine-shaped tool, usually carved out of stone. It's used to amplify the therapist's strength and focus pressure on certain areas. It can be used directly on the skin with a lubricant such as oil or corn starch or directly over clothing.

Bamboo and rosewood tools are also commonly implemented. They originate from practices in southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma. Some of them may be heated, oiled, or wrapped in cloth.

Venues

Much massage takes place in homes or other informal settings for relaxation or as part of a sexual relationship. A wide range of books, videos, classes, oils, and other equipment is marketed at informal recreational massage. Commercial or therapeutic massage may take place in a setting hotel, spa, or massage parlor (typical of relaxation focussed or recreational massage), or in a therapist's practice (typical of therapeutic massage).

Therapeutic or medical use

The main professionals that provide therapeutic massage are massage therapists,

fractures, bruising, and fever.[10]

Practitioner associations and official recognition of professionals

The US based National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recognizes over eighty different massage modalities.[10] The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical effectiveness.[49]

Associated methods

Many types of practices are associated with massage and include bodywork, 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

Le massage: scène au Hammam by Edouard Debat-Ponsan (1883)

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 of anxiety.[50] 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,[10]
but such effects are yet to be supported by well-designed clinical studies.

Massage is hindered from reaching the

peer reviewed medical journals.[51] This type of study could increase the credibility of the profession because it displays that purported therapeutic effects are reproducible.[52]

Single dose effects

Mechanical massage chairs at VivoCity in Singapore
  • Pain relief: Relief from pain due to
    musculoskeletal injuries and other causes is cited as a major benefit of massage.[10] Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic Swedish massage in relieving back pain.[53] However, a meta-study conducted by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign failed to find a statistically significant reduction in pain immediately following treatment.[50]
  • State anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce state anxiety, a transient measure of anxiety in a given situation.[50]
  • Blood pressure and heart rate: Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate as temporary effects.[50]

Multiple dose effects

  • Pain relief: When combined with education and exercises, massage might help sub-acute, chronic, non-specific low back pain.[53] Furthermore, massage has been shown to reduce pain experienced in the days or weeks after treatment.[50]
  • Trait anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce trait anxiety; a person's general susceptibility to anxiety.[50]
  • Depression: Massage has been shown to reduce subclinical depression.[50]

Neuromuscular Effects

Massage has been shown to reduce neuromuscular excitability by measuring changes in the

Hoffman's reflex (H-reflex) amplitude. A decrease in peak-to-peak H-reflex amplitude suggests a decrease in motoneuron excitability.[54] Others explain, "H-reflex is considered to be the electrical analogue of the stretch reflex...and the reduction" is due to a decrease in spinal reflex excitability.[1] Field (2007) confirms that the inhibitory effects are due to deep tissue receptors and not superficial cutaneous receptors, as there was no decrease in H-reflex when looking at light fingertip pressure massage.[55] It has been noted that "the receptors activated during massage are specific to the muscle being massaged", as other muscles did not produce a decrease in H-reflex amplitude.[54]

Massage and proprioception

Proprioceptive studies are much more abundant than massage and proprioception combined, yet researchers are still trying to pinpoint the exact mechanisms and pathways involved to get a fuller understanding.[56] Proprioception may be very helpful in rehabilitation, though this is a fairly unknown characteristic of proprioception, and "current exercises aimed at 'improving proprioception' have not been demonstrated to achieve that goal".[57] Up until this point, very little has been studied looking into the effects of massage on proprioception. Some researchers believe "documenting what happens under the skin, bioelectrically and biochemically, will be enabled by newer, non-invasive technology such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and continuous plasma sampling" .[55]

Regulation

Because the art and science of massage is a globally diverse phenomenon, different legal jurisdictions sometimes recognize and license individuals with titles, while other areas do not. Examples are:

  • Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Canada
  • Remedial Massage Therapist (RMT) New Zealand
  • Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) New Zealand
  • Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)
  • Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
  • Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) North Carolina

In some jurisdictions, practicing without a license is a crime.

Canada

In Canada only three

provinces regulate massage therapy:[58] British Columbia, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.[59] The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) has set a level of 2,200 practice hours in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, and 3,000 hours in British Columbia, which has the highest education standard in North America.[58] Quebec
has a voluntary registration under the Quebec Federation of massage therapists (FMQ) or the Alliance Québécoise des Thérapeutes Naturels (AQTN), but neither are regulated by provincial law.

China

Most types of massage, with the exception of some traditional Chinese medicine are not regulated in China. Although illegal in China, some of the smaller massage parlors are fronts for prostitution.[60] These are called falangmei (发廊妹 "hairdressing salon sisters").

France

France requires three years of study and two final exams in order to get a license [61]

Germany

In Germany massage is regulated by the government on a federal and national level. Only someone who has completed 3,200 hours of training (theoretical and practical) can use the professional title "Masseur und Medizinischer Bademeister" or Medical Masseur and Spa Therapist. This person can prolong his training depending on the length of professional experience to a Physiotherapist (1 year to 18 months additional training). The Masseur is trained in Classical Massage, Myofascial Massage, Exercise and Movement Therapy. During the training they will study: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Gynecology, Pediatry, Psychiatry, Psychology, Surgery, and probably most importantly Dermiatry and Orthopedics. They are trained in Electrotherapy, and Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy includes: Kneipp, Wraps, underwater Massage, therapeutic washing, Sauna and Steambath. A small part of their training will include special forms of massage which are decided by the local college, for example: Foot reflex zone massage, Thai Massage etc. Finally a graduate is allowed to treat patients under the direction of a doctor. He is regulated by the professional body which regulates Physiotherapists. This includes the restriction on advertising and oath of confidentiality to clients.[citation needed]

India

In India, massage therapy is licensed by The Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) under the

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) in March 1995. Massage therapy is based on Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system that evolved around 600 BC. In ayurveda
, massage is part of a set of holistic medicinal practices, contrary to the independent massage system popular in some other systems. In Siddha, Tamil traditional medicine from south India, massage is termed as "Thokkanam" and is classified in to nine types, each for specific variety of disease.

Japan

In Japan, shiatsu is regulated but oil massage and Thai massage are not. Although prostitution is illegal, prostitutes posing as massage therapists in

pink salons
are fairly common in the larger cities.

Mexico

In Mexico massage therapists, called "sobadores", combine massage using oil or lotion[62] with a form of acupuncture and faith.[63] Sobadores are used to relieve digestive system problems as well as knee and back pain.[62][63] Many of these therapists work out of the back of a truck, with just a curtain for privacy.[63] By learning additional holistic healer's skills in addition to massage, the practitioner may become a curandero.[64]

In many parts of Mexico prostitution is legal and prostitutes are allowed to sell sexual massage. These businesses are often confined to a specific area of the city, such as the

Zona Norte in Tijuana
.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, massage is unregulated. There are two levels of registration with Massage New Zealand, the professional body for massage therapists within New Zealand, although neither of these levels are government recognised. Registration at the Certified Massage Therapist level denotes competency in the practice of relaxation massage. Registration at the Remedial massage therapist denotes competency in the practice of remedial or orthopedic massage. Both levels of registration are defined by agreed minimum competencies and minimum hours.

South Korea

In South Korea, blind and visually impaired people can become licensed masseurs.[65]

Thailand

In

Thai massage is officially listed as one of the branches of Thai Traditional Medicine, recognized and regulated by the government. It is considered to be a medical discipline in its own right and is used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Massage schools, centers, therapists, and practitioners are increasingly regulated by the Ministries of Education and Public Health in Thailand.[66][67]

United Kingdom

There are no national regulations relating to commercial massage or massage therapy in the UK, although various jurisdictions have licensing requirements for businesses performing massage.

United States

According to research done by the American Massage Therapy Association, as of 2012 in the United States there are between 280,000 and 320,000 massage therapists and massage school students.

legal issues, and hands on practice along with continuing education requirements if regulated.[10]
The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is one of the organizations that works with massage schools in the U.S. and currently (Aug 2012) there are approximately 300 schools that are accredited through this agency.

Forty-three states, the District of Columbia and five Canadian provinces currently offer some type of credential to professionals in the massage and bodywork field---usually licensure, certification or registration.

District of Columbia require some type of licensing for massage therapists.[71] In the US, 32 states use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's certification program as a basis for granting licenses either by rule or statute.[72] The National Board grants the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). There are two tests available and one can become certified through a portfolio process with equivalent training and experience.[73] Between 10% and 20% of towns or counties regulate the profession.[59] The National Certification offered by the NCBTMB does not mean that you can practice massage in any state.[74] These local regulations can range from prohibition on opposite sex massage, fingerprinting and venereal checks from a doctor, to prohibition on house calls because of concern regarding sale of sexual services.[59][75]

In the US,

licensure is the highest level of regulation and this restricts anyone without a license from practicing massage therapy or by calling themselves that protected title. Certification allows only those who meet certain educational criteria to use the protected title and registration only requires a listing of therapists who apply and meet an educational requirement.[75] It is important to note that a massage therapist may be certified, but not licensed. Licensing requirements vary per state, and often require additional criteria be met in addition to attending an accredited massage therapy school and passing a required state specified exam (basically the certification requirements in many states). As of March 2014, some states still do not require a license or a certification. However, this is thought to change eventually as more regulatory bodies governing the profession of massage are established in each state. Another important relevant fact to this topic is that of reciprocation between states. Some states allow license reciprocity where massage therapists who relocate can relatively easily obtain a license in their new state. Not all states provide this option. [76]

In late 2007, the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards launched a new certification exam titled the MBLEx. Currently, 41 states have accepted this certification exam.

In 1997 there were an estimated 114 million visits to massage therapists in the US.[69] Massage therapy is the most used type of alternative medicine in hospitals in the United States.[49] Between July 2010 and July 2011 roughly 38 million adult Americans (18 percent) had a massage at least once.[77]

People state that they use massage because they believe that it relieves pain from

stress and enhances relaxation, rehabilitates sports injuries, decreases feelings of anxiety and depression, and increases general well being.[10]

In a poll of 25- to 35-year-olds, 79% said they would like their health insurance plan to cover massage.

JC Penney, Kimberly-Clark, Texas Instruments, and Yahoo!. In 2006 Duke University Health System opened up a center to integrate medical disciplines with CAM disciplines such as massage therapy and acupuncture.[78] There were 15,500 spas in the United States in 2007 with about a third of the visitors being men.[71]

The number of visits rose from 91 million in 1999 to 136 million in 2003, generating a revenue that equals $11 billion.[79] Job outlook for massage therapists is also projected to grow at 20% between 2010 and 2020 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or faster than average.[80]

References

  1. ^
    PMID 15730338. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help
    )
  2. ^ "Definition of ''massage'', Prescottlmt.com". Medterms.com. 2012-03-19. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  3. ^ "What is Massage Therapy?". Altmedicine.about.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  4. ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary, massage". Etymonline.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  5. ^ "Merriam Webster Dictionary Online, massage". M-w.com. 2012-08-31. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  6. ^ μάσσω, Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon, on Perseus
  7. ^ Calvert, R. (2002-04-01). The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from Around the World. Healing Arts Press.
  8. ^ "File:Akmanthor.jpg - Wikimedia Commons". Commons.wikimedia.org. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  9. ^ a b 1895: "The art of massage" By J.H. Kellogg MD (page 9). 2002: "The History of Massage" By Robert Noah Calvert (page 35). 2003: "Careers in Alternative Medicine" By Alan Steinfeld (page 48). 2010: "Body Work" By Thomas Claire.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Massage Therapy as CAM". The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  11. ^ a b "Massage Therapy". Harvard Men’s Health Watch. 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2007-09-26. 11 (2) pp.6-7[dead link]
  12. ^ Potts, Malcolm, & Campbell, Martha. (2002). History of contraception[dead link]. Gynecology and Obstetrics, vol.6, ch.8.
  13. ^ Science and Civilization in China by Joseph Needham, Vol. 5, page 17
  14. ^ 1886: Chamber's Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts, Volume 3 By William Chambers, Robert Chambers (page 594). Body Work By Thomas Claire (page 13)
  15. ^ "What is Traditional Chinese Massage?". 365tcm.com. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  16. ^ MacGregor, H. (2004-12-28). "Hospitals Getting a Grip: Massage Therapy Finds Place in Patient Care for FM and More". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
  17. ^ "The Growing Massage Therapy Industry". Central Maryland School of Massage. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  18. ^ "Aleiptes - Encyclopedia". Encyclo.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  19. ^ "CTCWeb Glossary: A (abnocto to aveste)". Ablemedia.com. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  20. ^ a b "Massage Facts". National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  21. ^ Goodman, T. (2000-12-28). "Massage craze: Hands-on therapy attracting more patients". CNN. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
  22. ^ Aug. 15: Spoiler alerts! From ESPN bureau producer Justine Gubar
  23. ^ Fix Pain: Bodywork Protocols for Myofascial Pain Syndromes Author: John Harris, Fred Kenyon ISBN 978-0-9665843-1-8 - ISBN 0-9665843-1-7 Publication Date: 2002
  24. ^ Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia[dead link]
  25. ^ "Thai Foot Massage - Eternal Aquarius". Eternalaquarius.webs.com. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  26. ^ "Wellness Spa Seekers : Find Natural Home in Thailand" (PDF). Thailandmedtourism.com. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  27. ^ "Thai Foot Massage, in Bideford, Barnstaple, North Devon - What is Thai Foot Massage?". Bodyandmindzone.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  28. ^ Chai, R. Makana Risser, ed. Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: Traditions of Hawaiian Massage and Healing, Bishop Museum, 2005; Parsons, Claire D. F., ed. Healing Practices in the South Pacific, 1985, The Institute for Polynesian Studies; Tregear, Edward. Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Lyon and Blair, Wellington NZ, 1891
  29. ^ "Medical Massage Controversy". Massage-career-guides.com. 2013-02-06. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  30. PMID 9437338.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link
    )
  31. PMID 15288158.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link
    )
  32. PMID 14717648. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help
    )
  33. PMID 18081800. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help
    )
  34. .
  35. ^ "Swedish Massage". Massagereister.com. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  36. ^ Robertshawe P. (June 2007). "Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee". Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. 13 (2): 87.
  37. ^ Calver, R. "Pages from history: Swedish massage". Massage Magazine. Retrieved 2006-12-25.
  38. ^ "Benefits of Thai Massage". Jongrakthaimassage.com. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  39. ^ David G Simons, Siegfried Mense and IJ Russell, Muscle Pain: Understanding Its Nature, Diagnosis and Treatment Chapter: Myofascial Pain Caused by Trigger Points p.205–288 (1st hardcover edition), 2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
  40. ^ Chen et al., p.2 2007, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  41. ^ Dull, H. (2008). Watsu: freeing the body in water', 4th edition', Watsu Publishing; ISBN 978-1605853710.
  42. fibromyalgia syndrome: Watsu and Aix massage
    ", J. Bodywork & Movement Therapies 9(3): 202–210.
  43. hemiparetic patients with stroke
    ", Physiotherapy Res. Int. 14(2): 128–136.
  44. ^ "Using a Water Massage Machine". Circlesoflight.com. 2007-03-16. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  45. ^ Kathy Wong (19 September 2011). "Which Massage Oil is Best?".
  46. ^ "Oils for baby massage". Babycentre.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  47. ^ Properties of Massage Oils
  48. ^ martin watt. "Essential Oils Lack Of Skin Absorption". Aromamedical.org. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  49. ^ a b c "Policy for Therapeutic Massage in an Academic Health Center: A Model for Standard Policy Development". The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-26. 13 (4) pp.471-475
  50. ^ a b c d e f g "A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Research" (PDF). Psychological Bulletin. 2004. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  51. ^ a b c d Evans, R. (2006). "What Does the Research Say?". Regents of the University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
  52. ^ a b Muscolino, J. (2004). "Anatomy Of A Research Article" (PDF). Massage Therapy Foundation. Retrieved 2007-12-06.
  53. ^
    PMID 18843627.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link
    )
  54. ^ .
  55. ^ .
  56. .
  57. .
  58. ^ a b Verhoef, M. (2005-06-10). "Overview of Manual Therapy in Canada". The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  59. ^ a b c "Massage Therapy Law and Licensure and States Regulating Massage". Natural Healers. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  60. ^ "About.com - Traveler Warning: Prostitution in China". Gochina.about.com. 2012-04-10. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  61. ^ "Décret n° 2009-494 du 29 avril 2009 relatif aux études préparatoires et au diplôme d'Etat de masseur-kinésithérapeute" (in Template:Fr icon). Legifrance. Retrieved 2013-02-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  62. ^ a b Christopher Howard (2010-05-24). "What the heck are sobadores and pegas?". Liveincostarica.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  63. ^ a b c Associated, The (2009-03-24). "Mexican tradition of massage lives on in Tijuana". Nydailynews.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  64. ^ Vanderbilt, Shirley. "Curanderismo: Mexican Folk Healers". Massagetherapy.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  65. ^ "Blind S Korea masseurs win case". BBC News. 2008-10-30. Retrieved 2010-04-05.
  66. ^ "Only in Thailand… You can get a Thai massage for under $5". Chiangrai Bulletin. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  67. ^ "Contemplating Thai Massage Regulation". Massagetoday.com. 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  68. ^ "2012 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet". American Massage Therapy Association. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  69. ^ a b Kahn, J. (2005-06-10). "Overview of Manual Therapy Use in the U.S". The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Retrieved 2007-09-26.
  70. ^ "Massage License Requirements". Massageregister.com. Retrieved 2013-02-26.
  71. ^ a b Stellin, S. (2007-07-15). "Beyond the Body Wrap: What Makes a Spa Stand Out?". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
  72. ^ "States that require NCBTMB exams". National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  73. ^ "What you need to know". National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  74. ^ "Massage Therapy Certification in the US". Massage-career-guides.com. Retrieved 2012-08-15.
  75. ^ a b Walsh, K. "Massage craze: Hands-on therapy attracting more patients". Massage Magazine. Retrieved 2007-08-31.
  76. ^ Lyons, Neal. "MTSI Institute". MTSI. Retrieved 2013-08-3. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  77. ^ "2012 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet — American Massage Therapy Association". Amtamassage.org. 2012-02-17. Retrieved 2013-10-18.
  78. ^ "First-of-its-Kind Center Treats the Whole Person". Massage Magazine. January 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-27.
  79. ^ Ellin, A. (2005-07-21). "Now Let Us All Contemplate Our Own Financial Navels". New York Times. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
  80. ^ "Massage Therapists". Bureau of Labor Stats. Retrieved 8 July 2013.

External links