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Massage is the practice of applying structured pressure, tension, motion or vibration- manually or with mechanical aids- to the soft tissues of the body, including Muscle s, Connective Tissue , Tendons , Ligaments , and Joints , to achieve a beneficial response. 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 , and improve Circulation . Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or Manipulative Therapy . A Massage Therapist may assess clients by conducting range of motion and muscle testing and propose treatment plans; treat Soft Tissue and Joints of the body through soft tissue manipulation, Hydrotherapy , remedial exercise programs and client self help programs; provide courses of treatment for medical conditions and injuries or wellness maintenance; maintain records of treatments given; and may work with other healthcare professionals as part of a team that facilitates an environment that promotes health and overall wellness. {Link without Title} A massage therapist is not licensed to diagnose, perform manipulations or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, diagnose, prescribe or provide any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice chiropractic, osteopathy, physical therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, psychotherapy, acupuncture, dermatology, cosmetology, or any other profession or branch of medicine unless specifically licensed to do so. In commercial settings, massage techniques involve the client being treated lying down on a massage table or in a massage chair, or on a mattress on the floor. Except for modalities such as Thai Massage or Barefoot Deep Tissue , the massage subject is generally Unclothed , and the body may be "draped" with Towel s or sheets. This also helps keep the client warm. In some jurisdictions it is required that certain areas such as the genitals on both genders and the breast/nipple area on women be draped at all times. Due to the necessary physical contact between the practitioner and the client, Sexual Arousal (or signs of it) is possible, but rarely intentional. Massage can also be a part of lovemaking for many couples (see Erotic Massage ), and often takes place in the context of Sex Work . As massage is a lightly regulated industry, clients are advised to get references, ask questions and judge for yourself. Relaxation is necessary for the maximum benefits to be achieved. In Swedish, the most popular style in the USA, the treatment may start with the client face up or down for the first part of the session: the client then rolls over (draped by the towels or sheets) for the second half of the session. MASSAGE BASICS 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. Pressure Most types of massage can be performed with pressure ranging from superficial to deep. The ideal amount for therapeutic massage is when the receiver experiences some discomfort ("hurts good"), which activates the body's natural healing response. If it is too deep, the result may be another trauma to the body. Some soreness after the massage is acceptable if it lasts less than one or two days, but if the soreness lasts longer, it usually means the massage was too deep. TYPES OF MASSAGE There are well over 150 types of massage therapy. Various styles of massage have developed from a number of sources. Barefoot Deep Tissue Barefoot Deep Tissue is a blend of Eastern barefoot techniques with Western manual medicine. Because the therapist can apply a broad range of pressure with ease and does not have to strain, more effort and concentration can be used to manipulate tissue, release fascia, as well as search for and attack trigger points and other problems, regardless of client's size or build. Clients remain loosely clothed and no oil is used, yet the therapeutic results are greater than that from Swedish massage techniques. Sessions may last 2 minutes or well over an hour. There is no walking on the back. John Harris, who worked in the 1984 Olympics developed it. Paul Svacina has a technical explanation of the benefits at svacina.com Bowen therapy Unlike and form of massage, the Bowen Technique involves a rolling type movement of key points to stimulate energy flow. The practitioner may stimulate several points in a session, identifying, as in other forms of massage, areas of built-up stress in the muscles. The major difference occurs when the therapist leaves the room in between sets of moves. Breema Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches which leads to deep relaxation, increased vitality, and stimulation of the self-healing processes of the body. Sessions can be any length of time, although 50 minutes is common. There are also self-Breema exercises. The essence of Breema is expressed in the Nine Principles of Harmony . The Breema Center is located in Oakland, California, and there are Breema practitioners and instructors in many locations around the world. Chair massage A Chair Massage is, by far, the most convenient method of massage therapy. Chair massages last about 15 minutes and are done while fully clothed. A chair massage promotes better circulation and muscle stimulation. This form of massage reduces tension in the back, neck and shoulders providing deep relaxation. A short chair massage revitalizes the anatomy and encourages overall well-being. Chair massages are also advantageous because chair massage practitioners will sometimes make work or housecalls. Chair massage can also be found in hotels, airports and convention centers. Chinese Tui Na massage (推拿) Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage (按摩) that is similar to Zhi Ya, but focusing more on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle. Chinese Zhi Ya massage (指壓) Zhi Ya is a form of Chinese massage based on Acupressure . It is similar to Tui Na massage except it focuses more on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Deep muscle therapy Deep muscle therapy (created by Therese Pfrimmer ), is a massage technique that focuses on using a very specific set of movements applied to all muscles and concentrating on all layers of the muscle that have become depleted of their regular blood and lymphatic flow. This technique aims to restore the circulation with its healing properties to the cellular level. Deep muscle therapy is widely used to treat the following ailments: carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, headaches, poor circulation, whiplash, and more. Deep tissue massage Deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. This is the recommended approach in this modality since each person experiences pressure differently. If the pressure is applied too deeply or too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little Lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin. The most commonly used 'tools' during deep tissue massage may include, 3 and 6 fingers, reinforced fingers, a flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of the hand or foot, and the forearm. See also: Myofascial Release Erotic massage Erotic massage is a form of massage that includes the genitals and leads to sexual arousal and (sometimes) Orgasm . Widely practiced by couples as part of lovemaking. Also sometimes practiced commercially, which may be illegal in some jurisdictions. See also Tantramassage . Foot or sole massage Foot massage, as practiced by the Chinese is performed in the context of Chi , in that each spot on the sole of the Foot corresponds to an internal organ, and the applied therapy is healing to one's overall well being. The theory supposes that an ailment of an internal organ will be associated with the Nerve ending on the sole of the foot. Before the massage, the patient's feet are soaked for about ten minutes in a foot bath, typically a dark colored solution of hot water and Chinese herbs. The massage therapist uses liberal amounts of medicated cream, to moisturize the foot and to provide lubrication. The knuckles on the therapist's hand are usually used to provide a hard and smooth implement for the massage. As pressure is applied to the sole, theory holds that a healthy patient should not feel any strong pain. Painful spots, reflexologists believe, reflect illnesses of other parts of the body. The practitioner rubs and massages the painful spots to break down rough spots and accumulated ''crystals'' and increase circulation. The ailments are healed when the sore spots of the sole are treated and removed by massage. Based on this theory, some Shoe liners are made with pressure points to stimulate the soles of the feet to promote better health of the overall body. The nature of these "crystals" has yet to be elucidated or demonstrated scientifically. Regardless of the actual correlation of reflexology to internal organs, many enjoy it for the mix of stimulation and relaxation. Lomilomi — Traditional Hawaiian Massage Lomilomi massage is an ancient art from the Hawaiian healing specialists. They were taught their art over 20 years and received their last instructions from their master on his death bed. Today there are many styles of Lomilomi, the main ones being the style of Big Island (Lomilomi Bis Island style) which was passed on by Aunty Margaret Machado, and Maui style form Uncle Kalua Kaiahua. On the island of Kaua'i, Kahu Abraham passed on what is today called Kahuna Bodywork or the temple style lomilomi. MA-URI massage MA-URI is a new form of massage introduced by Hemi Hoani Fox in 1990, who cites as its roots Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Nui dance, claiming increased so-called energy flow within the body and mind. Focus is internal, upon breathing, intent, and concentration. Claimed benefits include mental and physical health. Study and advocation is primarily carried out at the MA-URI Institute , headed by Hemi and Katja Fox. It is currently difficult to find practitioners, though this may change as it grows more popular. Myofascial release Myofascial Release refers to the manual technique for stretching or releasing the Fascia with the aim to balance the body. Injuries, stress, trauma, overuse and poor posture can cause restriction to fascia. The goal of myofascial release is to release fascial restriction and allow the muscles to move freely. This is usually done by applying shear, compression or tension in various directions. Myoskeletal alignment technique Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT) identifies postural distortions to improve and prevent pain conditions. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and myofacial techniques are used to lengthen tight/facilitated muscles while fiber activation techniques tone weak/inhibited muscles. MAT was developed by Erik Dalton . Neuromuscular therapy Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is used for pain relief and specific problems. Structural and postural imbalances are identified through an initial postural assessment. These are then addressed through systematic and site specific massage. NMT reduces pain, tension, postural imbalance, and lengthens and strengthens tissues. NMT was developed by Paul St. John . Scalp massage In some barber shops in Hong Kong, scalp massage often lasts 30 minutes to 45 minutes during shampooing of the hair. Shiatsu (指圧) Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage based on Acupressure . It is uncertain whether it originated from Chinese Zhi Ya. Soft Tissue Therapy The Assessment, Treatment and Management of Soft Tissue Injury, Pain and Dysfunction. Treatment techniques include:
Stone massage Massage in which hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body. Structural muscular balancing A gentle and effective technique that releases chronic contraction in the muscles. The nervous system is triggered to release contractions through compression applied to muscles placed in a shortened position. Swedish massage This style utilizes long, flowing strokes, often but not necessarily in the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is designed to increase circulation and blood flow. There are six basic strokes: Effleurage , Petrissage , friction, Tapotement , compression and Vibrations . Oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce friction and allow smooth strokes. This style of massage is generally attributed to the Swedish fencing master and gymnastics teacher Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). However, it was in fact the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger ( 1838 - 1909 ) who adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under which he systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic massage. Somehow, the term Swedish Movement System was transposed to Swedish Massage System sometime during the second half of the 19th century. Ling’s system was the Swedish Movement System or Swedish Gymnastic Movement System. This may be how he has become incorrectly associated for so long with Swedish massage (see {Link without Title} ). In Sweden, the term "Swedish massage" is not used. Tantramassage (Tantric massage) Original Tantramassage is a new form of massage developed in the early 80's by Andro, Andreas Rothe an experienced Tantra and Bodywork Teacher in Berlin / Germany. The method includes various massage techniques, elements from Bioenergetic, Yoga and Sexualtherapy. The word "Tantra" emphasizes the connection with the old Indian cultural background where the body is seen as the temple of the soul. Clients are in a passive role, supported by breathing techniques they experience a very deep and intense journey through their own body. Every Massage session lasts 90 Minutes or longer. The Tantramassage movement is very popular in Germany and Switzerland, some practitioners are organized in the Association of Tantramassage in Germany. (Note: Tantramassage in itself is not to be confused with prostitution; it does not include sexual exchange or sexual favors for money.) Thai massage Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran, IPA ), correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage, and also known as Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga massage, yoga massage, Thai classical massage, Thai bodywork, passive yoga, or assisted yoga. It is usually soothing because of its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda, and then becoming popular in Thailand. The massage taker changes into pajamas and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. (It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large room.) The massage giver leans on the taker's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the taker's body. In some gestures, legs and feet of the giver are used to fixate the body or limbs of the taker. In other gestures, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. Usually no oil is applied. A full course of Thai massage typically lasts two hours or more, and includes pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the knuckles, walking on the taker's back, arching the taker's back in a rolling action etc. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage. Sometimes in a large group massage, the practitioners do the procedures in unison. A full massage in Thailand of typically two hours costs around 300 Thai Baht (US$ 8 in 2005) depending on location (it may cost 5 times more inside a five star hotel). Note: The traditional therapeutic practice of Thai massage should not be confused with the service of the same name that is available in some hotels and brothels. Trigger point therapy A Trigger Point is an area of a muscle (about 50 cells) that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy applies manual pressure, or CO2 injections, to these points. With the proper pressure, duration and location, immediate release of tension and improved muscular functioning may occur. This therapy has been known to diminish migraine pain, mock sciatica, mock carpal tunnel syndrome and other pain syndromes, and other symptoms that may have been misdiagnosed. This work is based upon the trigger point research and manuals of Dr. Janet Travell , President Kennedy's physician. A technical explanation can be found at www.svacina.com/triggerpoints.html Sometimes this work is incorporated into other styles of massage therapy such as Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) or even Swedish. MAYAN UTERINE MASSAGE WATSU JANZU MASSAGE THERAPIST ORGANIZATIONS International
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