INTRODUCTION TO MASSAGE

Massage is one of the oldest healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.

So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning “of the body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and 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, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin. Click here for more information on what to expect.
Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
Will My Insurance Cover It?
The services of a bodywork professional may be covered by health insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or registered physical therapist are often covered.

Arm rests

A proper posture is the key to a healthy spine.  It is important not just for the spine but also for all other musculo-skeletal parts of the human body such as joints, ligaments and supporting muscles.  A good posture is the one that puts minimal strain on the supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight bearing activities. 

Correct sitting position

The correct sitting position is the one where in your back is straight and your shoulders are aligned in a straight line.  Your bottom should touch the back of the chair. The normal curves of your back should be maintained while sitting.

A proper armrest position optimizes correct spinal alignment. Armrests make sitting and standing up from a chair a comfortable movement.  They help in supporting the back and protect your knees from undue strain and pressure.  They are useful for occasional resting for a short duration. Using a chair fitted with armrests may be particularly useful for people who suffer from pain continually in the knees or legs such as Arthritis patients.   Armrests that are too “high” can cause your shoulders to rise involuntarily, putting undue stress on your shoulder muscles.  Armrests that are too wide apart cause your elbows to spread out too much, once again straining your upper arm muscles.  The position of your armrests is thus important for comfort and correct posture.

If you are used to a chair with armrests, you need to consider the following aspects regarding the same:

• The armrests should be strong enough to support your weight and should not tip the chair as you bear down your weight on them while sitting down or standing up.
• The armrests need to be broad, contoured and well-cushioned.
• Adjustable armrests are good as you can adjust them to suit your sitting height.
• An ergonomic chair with adjustable armrests is a good thing to go for. 
• Armrests which allow you to adjust the angle are ideal.  These can be moved in, out and forwards and backwards. 
• Armrests that can move are an excellent choice too as these can be moved out of the way when not in use.

Tips to maintain the correct posture while sitting:

• Distributing your body weight evenly on both hips
• Your knees should be at right angle.  Ensure your knees are at a slightly higher level than your hips.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Desist from sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes at a stretch.
• If using a swivel chair, avoid twisting at the waist when you need to turn back, instead turn your whole body around.

Massage Techniques

A full body massage is not a necessary requirement in order to benefit from the essential oils. Blended essential oils can be rubbed locally into the area that is giving problems, whether it is muscular aches and pains, a stiff neck or a congested chest. A few handy tips when doing a self-massage include, use gentle strokes towards the heart, to encourage the circulation, and when massaging the abdomen, move your hands in clockwise circles, following the flow of the intestines.

Some of the popular massage techniques that can be used in conjunction with aromatherapy are:

Swedish massage

This method of massaging was developed by the Swede Professor Ling. It is beneficial to promote the feeling of well-being and also helps to reduce emotional and physical stress.

Neuromuscular massage

Neuromuscular massage forms the basis of aromatherapy massage and evolved from the work of Stanley Leif. The overall effect of this massage is to restore the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

Lymphatic massage

This massage helps to improve the flow of lymph and can also be incorporated into aromatherapy massage. Lymph drainage massage is particularly useful in detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system.

Acupressure massage and Shiatsu

This method of massage focuses on the meridians of the body and aims to relieve blockages of these meridians by massaging vital pressure points. It can be performed while the person is fully clothed and requires no needles such as in acupuncture.

Reflexology

In reflexology, the focus is placed on manipulating and massaging certain points on the feet and other parts of the body, that are said to directly affect internal organs. Massaging of these points is said to improve the functions of the corresponding organs in the body.

Thai massage

Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran ), meaning "ancient/traditional massage", Thai massage originated in India and is based on ayurveda and yoga. The technique combines massage with yoga-like positions during the course of the massage; the northern style emphasizes stretching while the southern style emphasizes acupressure.

Kinds of Body Massage

Body Massage has been known to eliminate stress and is widely considered to be a medium of relaxation and rejuvenation. A clinical study of the term ‘Massage therapy ‘ brings to light the various aspects that connect the medium, method and procedures involved to create the broader term that is Massage therapy.

Body Massage employs the medium of touch; the method includes various part scientific-part artistic strokes and process involves various kinds and types of complementary therapies and techniques –all of this blend to concoct a unique form of therapy called Massage therapy.

Massage and bodywork is known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being. Massage also relieves the symptoms of stiff, tired joints, speeds up digestion and encourages improved blood circulation.

The following are the various kinds of body massage that focus on healing the mind and body:

• Back Massage, 
• Neck and Shoulder Massage, 
• Chest Massage, 
• Abdomen Massage, 
• Face and Head Massage, 
• Arms and Hand Massage, 
• Legs and Feet Massage, 
• Massage for babies and children and 
• Massage during pregnancy.

These forms of specialized massage are known to treat a wide range of conditions including stress, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, diabetes, the muscle spasms and general aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and the mental and emotional problems associated with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

Any kind of massage should not be carried out on if the receiver has fever, contagious or infectious diseases. Receivers of massage enduring cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves must ensure an approval from a doctor before undergoing any kind of body massage.

Integral to the choice of massage best suited to ones health condition is to run a check on the certification of the massage therapist. The therapist rendering the service must be certified in the kind of massage from an accredited institute.

Massage Technique : Strokes and Pressure

There are various massage techniques to address different problems of the anatomy and help you de-stress. A registered massage therapist can be most trusted to render the massage with the knowledge and expertise of various techniques. But how do you differentiate between the various techniques that exist, you may ask? The answer lies in how you give a massage- the differing hand strokes used on the body and the varying pressure applied in each stroke distinguishes one technique of massage therapy from another. Interesting?

Here is a little touch of history that will help us understand better the strokes and pressure that make a massage technique: In the 19th century, the many different strokes of massage and their unique physical and psychological benefits were rationalized by Swedish Professor Henry Ling. Ling’s classical strokes define massage as a combination of three movements: Effleurage, Petrissage and Kneading, and Percussion.

Massage technique today entails a combination of Effleurage, Petrissage and Kneading, Percussion, Friction and Vibration. A brief description of these strokes gives us an insight to what a registered massage therapist would be certainly equipped with to give a massage:

Strokes-

• Effleurage (stroking): Soothing, long, gliding strokes made with the entire flat surface of the hands that may be deep or superficial. The major purpose of this movement is to heighten circulation and increase depth of relaxation.
• Petrissage (kneading): Firmly but gently grasping the skin and surface muscles with thumb and fingers, and rolling, squeezing, or wringing them, and dropping them back into place. It allows detailed work on the body. Petrissage is recommended on children and older adults.
• Percussion: Stimulating, rapid alternate movements using both hands in: 1. tapping - using fingertips; 2. hacking –using chop movements with stretched fingers; 3. cupping - using cupped hand movements; 4. Slapping - using flat, open palms; or 5. pounding - using both fists;6. Tapotement- the lightest percussion-using drumming movements with fingertips .It is stimulating to the muscles and may be stimulating or calming to the nerves. 
• Friction: May be long, slow, firm stroking movements or rolling circular movement in which the hand is kept in contact with the skin and the superficial tissues are moved over the deeper underlying ones. Used in treatment of joints and around bony prominences to break down adhesions, clear out congestion and toxic waste build-up. It raises local temperature and should be followed by effleurage.
• Vibration: Very rapid back and forth shaking or trembling movements performed by the whole hand or the fingers; used on the upper back, buttocks and thighs. Has a stimulating effect upon the nervous system by acting on the nerve centers or terminal nerve branches.

Physical Massage Therapy and Stress

Physical Massage Therapy has shown to boost the body's ability to heal, as well as relieve stress. Massage therapy has been employed to treat a variety of conditions. Benefits from Massage therapy vary from relieving stress and anxiety to easing the pain of arthritis, migraine or fibromyalgia (A chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points that occurs in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips; also may cause sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms). People who suffer from chronic pain may also benefit from massage therapy such as those with lower back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. While the benefits appear to be plenty, the expertise of the massage therapist plays a crucial role in the benefits enjoyed by the receiver.

It’s a wonder to think tension or stress could mean serious health trouble, isn’t it? But here is the bitter truth to drive the wonder away: Tension can build up in the muscles, causing a decrease in blood circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues. When stress and tension subsist over a long period of time it silently creeps over to affect many systems of our body leading to heart disorders, memory loss, gastrointestinal disorders and decreasing immune system!! A massage therapist without a certification would probably add to your stress accumulation than relieve you of it. Hence, it becomes a first check, as in all forms of remedies to look for a certified Massage Therapist to perform a physical massage therapy.

Physical massage therapy by its very medium of touch work on muscles, tendons and ligaments to decrease muscular tension, increase removal of metabolic waste and thereby promote nutrient delivery to healing tissues. As the muscles improve in tone, so do the nerves that supply them to the spinal cord and back to the brain. The nerves provide stimulus for movement and feeling and are extremely sensitive and alert to the atmosphere inside and outside the body.

The American Medical Association recommends that massage therapists receive training in a massage therapy institution that has been accredited by the Commission of Massage Therapy Accreditation. It is equally important to make sure that they have this accreditation and are Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB).

A certification in massage therapy ensures that the therapist has expert information on anatomy and physiology, as well as hands on training in specific or various massage techniques. A Massage therapist therefore can diagnose the health and disease and thereby decide upon the befitting technique to be employed to relieve the massage receiver of his problem. This is important because for a massage to work, it needs to be utilizing the correct technique.