Massage - Communication. Good communication is essential to effective massage. In a commercial setting, the client is encouraged to communicate the type of treatment expected, for example relaxation or pain relief, full body massage or focus on a specific area, the amount of pressure that is comfortable, preferred techniques, and past medical history and current physical condition.

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - The ABMP, Massage - The AMTA, Massage - The AMTWP, Massage - The CMTA, Massage - The CMTO, Massage - The CSMTA, Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Massage Basics

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - International, Massage - United States, Massage - Canada

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Massage Basics

Massage - The ABMP. The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) an international, for-profit, organization of professional massage therapists and bodyworkers. Massage - The AMTA. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is the largest non-profit professional organization of massage therapists in the United States, although there are other professional organ ...

See also:

Massage, Massage - Massage Basics, Massage - Communication, Massage - Pressure, Massage - Types of massage, Massage - Breema, Massage - Chair massage, Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿, Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓, Massage - Deep muscle therapy, Massage - Deep tissue massage, Massage - Erotic massage, Massage - Foot or sole massage, Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage, Massage - MA-URI massage, Massage - Myofascial release, Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique, Massage - Neuromuscular therapy, Massage - Scalp massage, Massage - Shiatsu 指圧, Massage - Stone massage, Massage - Structural muscular balancing, Massage - Swedish massage, Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage, Massage - Thai traditional massage, Massage - Trigger point therapy, Massage - Massage therapist organizations, Massage - The ABMP, Massage - The AMTA, Massage - The AMTWP, Massage - The CMTA, Massage - The CMTO, Massage - The CSMTA, Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia II - Massage - Massage therapist organizations

Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therape ...

Including:

• Massage - Massage Basics
• Massage - Communication
• Massage - Pressure
• Massage - Types of massage
• Massage - Breema
• Massage - Chair massage
• Massage - Chinese Tui Na massage 推拿
• Massage - Chinese Zhi Ya massage 指壓
• Massage - Deep muscle therapy
• Massage - Deep tissue massage
• Massage - Erotic massage
• Massage - Foot or sole massage
• Massage - Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage
• Massage - MA-URI massage
• Massage - Myofascial release
• Massage - Myoskeletal alignment technique
• Massage - Neuromuscular therapy
• Massage - Scalp massage
• Massage - Shiatsu 指圧
• Massage - Stone massage
• Massage - Structural muscular balancing
• Massage - Swedish massage
• Massage - Tantramassage Tantric massage
• Massage - Thai traditional massage
• Massage - Trigger point therapy
• Massage - Massage therapist organizations
• Massage - The ABMP
• Massage - The AMTA
• Massage - The AMTWP
• Massage - The CMTA
• Massage - The CMTO
• Massage - The CSMTA
• Massage - The NCBTMB

Read more here: » Massage: Encyclopedia - Massage

Swedish Massage: The best known form of massage in the United States uses five basic strokes, including soothing, tapping, rubbing, pummeling and kneading, to relieve sore muscles and joints.

(See also: Swedish Massage, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

RUSSIAN MASSAGE (RUSSIAN SPORTS MASSAGE)

This technique alters the basic strokes of classical massage so each stroke provides the client with the least invasive and most comfortable treatment.

Each stroke in Russian massage has a known physiological effect on a healthy or dysfunctional body. Therapists don’t use their wrists or single digit pressure, instead opting for shoulders or elbows as the primary sources of strength for deep work.

(See also: RUSSIAN MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

SWEDISH MASSAGE

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.

Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed.

Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin.

The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

(See also: SWEDISH MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE

Combining some elements of sports and medical massage, orthopedic massage integrates 10 modalities to treat soft tissue pain and injury.

Emphasis is placed on understanding both the injury and its rehabilitation criteria. Three basic elements adhered to, despite the technical diversity in treatment, are assessment, matching the treatment to the injury, and adaptability of treatment.

(See also: ORTHOPEDIC MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

MASSAGE

Hands-on manipulation for healing is probably older than any other healing tradition. The oldest written records of massage go back three thousand years to China, but it is much older than that. Touch and the laying on of hands are human tendencies that seem to be in our genetic makeup.

Perhaps the most basic principle in this field is that improved blood circulation is beneficial for virtually all health conditions. Tension in the muscles and other soft tissues can impair circulation, resulting in a deficient supply of nutrients and inadequate removal of wastes or toxins from the tissues of the body. This in turn can lead to illness, structural and functional problems, or slower healing. Recognition of the importance of blood circulation is implicit in all forms of massage and bodywork.

Massage includes a number of disciplines that share the use of pressure, friction and strain upon the muscles and joints of the body for therapeutic or physical responses. Swedish massage (which is a proper name, not a reference to Sweden) refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Shiatsu (pronounced shee-OTT-sue), on the other hand, is a system based on the body's energy meridians. Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed and involve pressing points on the body and stretching and opening of the energy meridians. 

There are massage therapists experienced in working with the elderly and terminally ill, the chronically ill and disabled, and those persons recovering from trauma as well as infants. A range of gentle and noninvasive techniques tailored to each client group and treatment includes the therapist's sensitivity, responsiveness, and presence through subtle touch. Ill children feel better when touched in just the right way.

(See also: MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Holistic Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Swedish Massage: A classical European massage technique of the muscles with special oils by therapeutic stroking and kneading of muscle tissue to promote stress relief.

It is used to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and tension, increase flexibility and induce relaxation. It combines three basic strokes to the skin: long, firm strokes; kneading strokes; and small circles. This is the most requested and one of the most enjoyable massages.

(See also: Swedish Massage, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

AYURVEDIC MASSAGE

An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system.

With the client’s permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects upon the mind and nervous system - calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace. The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage.

The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha - the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.

(See also: AYURVEDIC MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Swedish Massage: While the healing power of touch is an ancient concept, this technique is named after Swedish massage pioneer, Peter Ling (1776-1839).  This technique emphasizes that all strokes go toward the heart.  Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of the blood through the soft tissue of the body.

Theory Swedish Massage

By stroking and kneading the body, metabolic processes and blood circulation are stimulated.  Basic Swedish massage is a relaxing massage that relieves stress, improves sleep, and enhances circulation by improving muscle tone and flexibility.

Techniques of Swedish Massage

Stroking with a light pressure is repeated rhythmically.  Fresh blood flows to the tissues, nourishing them with increased oxygen and other nutrients.

Petrissage or Kneading

Picking up the muscles by squeezing and pressing.  Petrissage helps reduce edema and decongests muscles by encouraging the expulsion of fluids from the muscle.

Friction or Rubbing

Circular or transverse strokes.  Friction massage helps free muscles from scar tissue formed after an injury.  It also helps loosen joints and tendons.

Tapotement or Percussion

Performed by cupping or clapping.  It can be light or deep.

Range of Motion

Mobilizes joints.  Parts of the body are rotated, flexed, and extended.

(See also: Swedish Massage, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Massage and its remedial effects

Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.

The literal meaning of 'massage' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.

Procedure

According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.

According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchakarma treatment. Panchakarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:

·      Vamana (emesis)

·      Virechana (puragation)

·      Nruha (medicated anema)

·      Anuvasana (unctuous anema -

·      preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)

·      Nasya (inhalation therapy)

Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchakarma treatment.

Benefits

1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,

 adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve

 muscle tone.

2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores

 of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.

3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling

 (oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.

4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.

Rules on massage oil

1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.

2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.

3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.

4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use

 Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.

5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba

 Taila and Bakuchi Taila.

Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.

Contraindications

1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.

2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.

Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.

(See also: Massage, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Massage and its remedial effects

Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat. It also speeds up blood circulation.

The literal meaning of 'massage' is manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands. In naturopathy, massage occupies a very important place in the treatment of diseases of all kinds. For centuries, massage has been used as a remedy in India, Greece, Rome, China, Egypt and a host of other countries.

Procedure

According to the modern system of physiotherapy, the process begins with massaging upper limbs (arms) and lower limbs (legs) followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips, and ending with the face and the head. As far as possible, massage with the hands to derive complete benefit.

According to modern therapy, the massage strokes are directed towards the heart. According to Ayurdeva, massage is known as snehan (oleation) and should be given to a patient before panchkarma treatment. Panchkarmas are the five basic principles to clean and detoxify or purify the body. They are:

·      Vamana (emesis)

·      Virechana (puragation)

·      Nruha (medicated anema)

·      Anuvasana (unctuous anema -

·      preparation with oil or other unctuous substance)

·      Nasya (inhalation therapy)

Massage should always be followed by svedana (fermentation). Snehana and svedana are the two purvakarmas that should be given before panchkarma treatment.

Benefits

1. Massage is used to improve blood circulation, to reduce oedema,

 adhesions in tissues after injury, reduce muscular spasm and improve

 muscle tone.

2. Massage reduces muscle-tension and relieves pain, opens the pores

 of the skin, thus eliminating poisons from the body through sweat.

3. It also speeds up blood circulation, hence reducing swelling

 (oedema), relieving tension of the nerves and soothing them.

4. It stimulates the digestive system and activates the urinary system.

Rules on massage oil

1. For patients with pains, use Narayan Taila, or Mahanarayan Taila.

2. For weakness, use Narayan Taila, Chandan Bala Lakshdi Taila.

3. For patients with joint pains (rheumatism), use Saindhavadi Taila.

4. For patients with burning sensation problems and sleeplessness, use

 Bhringraj Taila and Brahmi Taila.

5. For patients with skin diseases, use Kushthararakshas Taila, Nimba

 Taila and Bakuchi Taila.

Massage produces heat. After half an hour of getting a massage done, a hot water bath or shower can be taken. The head should be bathed with lukewarm water.

Contraindications

1. Massage is not recommended in any type of fevers.

2.Massage is not recommended during pregnancy.

3.Abdominal massage should be avoided in case of diarrhoea, ulcers, appendicities and tumours in the abdomen.

Excessive oil after massage should be removed with gram flour (besan) and not with soap. Peeli mitti (Indian yellow clay) is also excellent for washing the body. It has a cooling effect on the skin and nerves.

(See also: Massage, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Dictionary, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

VIBRATIONAL HEALING MASSAGE THERAPY

Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy (VHMT) is a bodywork therapy designed to restore one to fluidity. It is like massage therapy, providing touch techniques and distinctions that help a person live in their body as a liquid process, freeing pain as we have known it.

Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy works with the physical structure to free up past tensions and stresses that have been held in the body. This reawakening of the nervous system restores circulation to injured areas, moves energy and emotions, and helps in the letting go of chronic pain or stiffness. There are approximately 16 basic techniques that serve to align, loosen, and connect the body so tensions can reverberate freely.

Special sensitive stretching, rebounding, and torquing are some of the techniques helping clients to become aware of where they have been holding. Practitioners and recipients alike begin to feel not only their vibrations move within them, but also new circulation of their basic metabolic fluids flowing again to once-rigid areas. As they listen to people’s body rhythms and frequencies, practitioners of Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy facilitate a clothes-on massage therapy that is rhythmic and fun, like playing a fine-tuned violin or guitar.

Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy includes new distinctions of awareness in thinking, speaking, walking, standing, and sitting which allow for fully-connected and communicative bodies. These concepts are: The Fluid Body Model - a body of knowledge where we experience being in our bodies in a whole new way, acknowledging and honoring the fluid, evolving processes that we are; Disease as a Strategy - a self-responsible way of thinking that allows us to access self-healing and growth; and The Language of Healing - a way of speaking responsibly about our bodies and lives, so that when we speak, we are causing and accessing healing and transformation to happen.

(See also: VIBRATIONAL HEALING MASSAGE THERAPY, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

MASSAGE: See Swedish Massage and Sports Massage

(See also: MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

MASSAGE, BODYWORK AND SOMATIC THERAPIES

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies is the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body.

The application of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapy techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, pressure, and those techniques based on manipulation or the application of pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body.

This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, powders, or other lubricants may also be included.

Massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation, or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure, or therapy that requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.

(See also: MASSAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Massage: There are over 80 types of massage in use today. They are as many reasons to seek massage as there are types. In general, massage is based on concepts of human function, anatomy, and physiology and uses a wide variety of soft tissue and manipulative techniques. A masseur is male massage therapist. A masseuse is a female massage therapist.

(See also: Massage, Alternative Health, Body Mind and Soul)

Psychic Massage

A New Age healing system that uses touch to harmonize or balance the physical, etheric or astral vehicles. It was developed almost simultaneously in three locations - California, Australia and Arizona. See Psychic Massage.

(See also: Psychic Massage, New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

SPIRITUAL MASSAGE HEALING

Spiritual massage healing is a form of divinely inspired and divinely guided religious healing. It consists of prayer, love, anointing with oil, and movements derived from the laying-on of hands.

It is the practice of one’s religious faith and conscience, and it is a mode of worship. Without prayer, there is no spiritual massage healing. However, each practitioner does spiritual massage healing their own way, which may vary from one client to another.

(See also: SPIRITUAL MASSAGE HEALING, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)