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		History of Massage				Purpose of Massage

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History of Massage Therapy
Originating as early as 2700 BC, massage is thought to be the oldest form of medical treatment practiced on the human body. From Greece and Rome, to the ancient Far East, many techniques and varieties of massage therapy have entered into the world of massage today. Egyptian tombs show images of royalty being massaged, and traditional Indian physicians employed a variety of massage techniques, aromatherapy, and oil treatments.

Perhaps the most significant development in massage therapy – at least the foundation of western massage – came from Sweden. Swedish massage, originally introduced in the 19th century, took the ancient techniques employed in traditional China, India, Greece, and Rome, and combined them, creating the first comprehensive massage technique. From there, massage spread throughout Europe, and was well on its way to becoming the break through in health that we are experiencing today.

Purpose of Massage Therapy
People seek massage therapy as a means to treat problematic injuries, not only in the back, but also the thighs, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, and even ovaries. There is a large field of specialty massage therapists with a variety of strengths, and finding the right masseuse can make all the difference between a life-time injury and a fast recovery. Massage therapy is also a means to deal with stress or anxiety; the massaging of the muscles releases negative emotions and allows the body to relax, cleansing itself of stress, tension, and negativity. A good massage therapist can read deeply into the muscles of a client to determine where, what, and why problems exist in the body and mind.

Like a symphony, the human body produces beautiful work only when all its parts are in complete accord. This is one of the focuses of massage therapy – to unify each “instrument” or function of the body, working through knots and out-of-tune muscles to help the body achieve perfect harmony.

According to the AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association), massage therapy has been scientifically proven to treat or cure many illnesses and muscle problems, as well as boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, soothing joint and muscle pain, combating depression and withdrawal symptoms, lowering stress and anxiety levels, and rehabilitating patients with serious injuries

 

How Do I Choose a Massage Therapist?

Massage therapists are trained in anatomy, physiology, and pathology, addressing soft tissue dysfunctions, stress-related conditions, and energy imbalances. Training also includes kinesiology, therapeutic evaluation, first aid, business, ethical, and legal education, and hands-on practice. When choosing a massage therapist, ask about her training, experience, and licenses or credentials.

There are currently 70 programs for massage therapy in the United States accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, COMTA ensures that massage therapy programs meet educational, legal, and ethical standards. One such accredited program is the American Massage Therapy Association, which represents about half of all certified massage therapists in the U.S. Massage therapists can become nationally certified by meeting specific standards of education, experience, and training, and passing a certification exam.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also suggests informing your therapist of any medical conditions you have or have had; ask her if she has training or experience with these conditions. Also find out how many treatments you might need, the cost for each one, and whether they’re covered by insurance. back

Professional Credentials for Massage Therapists

Thirty-eight states regulate or license physical therapists, and each of these states has different laws regarding the practice. Accredited massage therapy educational programs have been developed recently. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, regulates the educational standards of accredited massage therapy programs. There are currently 70 programs in the U.S. accredited by COMTA. The American Massage Therapy Association, (AMTA), is one such organization formed to promote massage therapy and represents about half of all certified massage therapists in the U.S. AMTA also strives to maintain legal, ethical and educational standards for its certified members. Massage therapists can become nationally certified by meeting specific standards of education, experience, training and, ultimately, by completing a certification exam.

CMT
In most states, certified massage therapists must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The CMT must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LCMT
In most states, a licensed certified massage therapist must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LCMT must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LMP
In most states, the licensed massage practitioner must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LMP must then pass a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork exam.

LMT
In most states, the licensed massage therapist must complete academic coursework in anatomy and physiology, as well as additional coursework on the application of massage and bodywork, business and ethics, and specialized massage techniques. The LMT must then pass a certification exam.

NCTMB
This certification is awarded to individuals who have graduated with at least extensive formal training at an established school of massage or bodywork. Or, the individual must demonstrate that their training and experience is equivalent to that of a formal program. After this, the individual can become certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. However, this is not required for a license. back

What Type of Massage Is Right for Me?

Massage ameliorates chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, low immunity, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. A rubdown also relieves pain and swelling, and it releases serotonin and endorphins that combat stress. It can also boost the immune system by increasing white blood cells and natural killer T cells—immune cells that attack viruses and other foreign pathogens.

There are many types to choose from, starting with Swedish massage, which is the most widely used method today. Also commonly practiced are techniques from the Far East as well as contemporary approaches. Sports massage, for example, concentrates on the toll athletic activities can take on the body, while deep tissue massage focuses on problem areas and delivers pressure deep within muscles to relieve chronic pain.

The Chinese integrate acupuncture theory in massage. While using techniques like kneading, shaking, rocking, gliding, and friction, pressure is applied to specific points believed to stimulate the body's energy flow. The same can be found in Japanese massage, where pressure points are held with a light touch. This releases energy blockages to restore the internal flow of energy throughout the body. back

Types of Massage Therapy

La Stone Therapy
La Stone Therapy is the official name of hot stone massage. This technique is used for relaxation and rejuvenation of muscles; it can also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The stones provide heat to expand blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Chilled stones are also used to contract blood vessels. The temperature of the stones ranges from 32 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Heated stones include basalt and jade; chilled stones include marble and jade.

Lomilomi
In Lomilomi or traditional Hawaiian massage, practitioners use knuckles, thumbs, elbows, and forearms to relax the nervous system, increase circulation, and relieve pain. Lomilomi is especially popular in Hawaii, Japan, and Europe. Patients may be asked to pray, meditate, change their diets, and engage in other self-help activities to complement massage treatments.

Ma-Uri Massage
The Ma-Uri practitioner uses massage to circulate blood and lymph through the body, in an attempt to rejuvenate and to relieve stress. This technique is also said to eliminate toxins from the body and to regulate metabolism. Ma-Uri was introduced in the 1990s and grew out of traditional Hawaiian Lomilomi massage.

Manual Lymph Drainage
Manual lymph drainage is a gentle massage used to guide lymph away from swollen areas, often after surgery or an injury. The proper flow of lymph is important to a healthy immune system.

Muscle Energy Technique
"Muscle energy technique" is an umbrella term for stretching and relaxation approaches that aid stiff joints. A whole body examination is conducted to locate the joints that need attention. The patient is asked to contract certain muscles to restore motion.

Myoskeletal Alignment Technique
Myoskeletal alignment technique relieves and prevents neck and back pain. It combines deep tissue massage, assisted stretching, and spinal alignment.

Neuromuscular Integration and Structural Alignment
In neuromuscular integration and structural alignment, the practitioner promotes muscular elasticity by stretching the tissues that surround muscles and organs. The result is correct posture that relieves the patient of pain and restricted movement.

Neuromuscular Therapy
In neuromuscular therapy, the practitioner works with soft tissue to treat back pain caused by muscle strain. The practitioner uses his fingers, knuckles, or elbows to apply pressure in varying degrees to areas suffering muscle spasm.

On-site Massage
On-site massage refers to massage therapy that can be done outside the practitioner's office. Often, an ergonomically designed massage chair is brought on-site. With this chair, a practitioner can perform seated acupressure. The patient does not need to disrobe and oils are not used.

Prenatal/Pregnancy Massage
Designed specifically for pregnant women, this massage reduces stress, decreases swelling in the arms and legs, and relieves pain in the back, muscles, and joints. The patient is appropriately propped with pillows during the session.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a stretching technique that increases strength, flexibility, and range of movement. The practitioner focuses on specific muscle groups and provides resistance as the patient contracts the correct muscles, often in 30 second intervals.

Rolfing
Rolfing is soft tissue manipulation similar to deep tissue massage. Rolfing is used to realign the body; it is also called structural integration.

Scalp Massage
A scalp massage increases blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. It also promotes relaxation and can help relieve headaches.

Shiatsu/Acupressure
Shiatsu/Acupressure is a traditional Japanese massage therapy in which the practitioner uses fingers (especially thumbs) and palms to locate areas of stiffness and stress. The practitioner rubs, squeezes, and applies pressure to areas needing attention.

Sports Massage
Sports massage reduces pain, promotes relaxation, and prevents injury in athletes. It incorporates deep tissue massage, as the pressure applied may be stronger than other forms of massage. Sports massage can be used before, during, or after a sporting event.

Stone Massage
Stone massage is a method that combines heated basalt stones with traditional Swedish massage. The technique reduces stress, anxiety, aching muscles, and depression. The stones are heated in hot water and are placed on the spine and/or between the toes. This expands blood vessels and allows blood to flow. In some versions of stone massage, cooled stones are placed on the body after heated stones.

Strain/Counter Strain
Strain, or counter strain, is used to restore normal motion to a patient who is feeling pain. The practitioner locates a patient's points of maximum pain and then moves him or her into a comfortable position for two minutes, allowing muscles to return to normal position.

Structural Muscular Balancing
Structural muscular balancing realigns muscles in an attempt to alleviate pain and/or restore health.

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is considered the most common form of massage and uses firm pressure to promote relaxation, relieve muscle aches, and improve circulation. The practitioner uses gliding strokes, tapping, kneading, and friction. Massage oil is often used.

Tantramassage or Tantric massage
Tantric massage covers the entire body and is meant to soothe the mind as well. Using warm oil, the practitioner massages the abdomen, thighs, feet, toes, chest, nipples, and fingers. In certain types of tantric massage, the genitals are also massaged.

Thai Massage
Thai massage stretches and loosens the body, often through the assumption of yoga-like stances. The practitioner uses his hands and feet to apply pressure to the individual's body. He may walk on the patient's back, crack knuckles, and pull on fingers.

Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercise is a general term for movements or activities that correct or prevent injuries, as well as improve fitness, function, and well-being.

Watsu
Watsu is bodywork performed in the water, which decreases tension in joints. The practitioner holds the patient in the water while rocking and stretching the patient's body. Watsu decreases pain and muscle tension, increases range of motion in joints and muscles, and encourages deep relaxation.

Zero Balancing
Zero Balancing is hands-on bodywork that relieves pain, tension, and mental stress. The patient lies on his or her back as the practitioner applies finger pressure and helps realign the body. back

 

All information contained on this website is © Copyright 2008 Palm Beach Massage Therapy Network (PBMTN) and intended for informational and educational purposes. The information is not intended nor suited to be a replacement or substitute for professional medical treatment or for professional medical advice relative to a specific medical question or condition. We urge you to always seek the advice of your physician or medical professional with respect to your medical condition or questions. As a recipient of information from this website, you are not establishing a doctor/patient relationship with any physician. There is no replacement for personal medical treatment and advice from your personal physician.