Welcome to massage therapy Guide
Massage Therapy Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Massage Therapy—A Return To Ancient, Proven Healing
from:With so many modern medical advances, it has been easy to lose sight of many proven, natural, old-world techniques like massage therapy; as those advances continue to move forward, as a culture we often revert back to the more natural, well-proven techniques for health management and healing. On of the most proven methods of boosting health and healing is massage therapy.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Massage therapy is an umbrella term that is used in reference to a number of bodywork techniques which promote healing and relaxation (and healing through relaxation). Massage has roots in ancient cultures (as far back as 3,000 years ago in China); due to the extensive benefits of Massage therapy, it has become a mainstay of many mainstream medical and physical treatments. Massage is no longer considered "quack" therapy, and is gaining in popularity by the day.
Massage, in its most general sense, refers to rubbing and manipulation of the body. It may be performed on target areas of the body, or a session may include the whole body.
The basic techniques employed in massage therapy include:
• Rubbing of muscles, soft tissues, and joints
• Manipulation of joints, muscles, and soft tissues
• Touch therapies, re-patterning, and movement of body structures
• Stroking
• Kneading
• Tapping/light thumping
• Compression
• Vibration
• Applying pressure
Each of these techniques are used in different ways and combinations, comprising the more than 250 types of massage therapy. These therapies are known by many different names, including Swedish massage, bodywork, touch therapy, reflexology, sports massage, somatic therapy, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage. Some massage therapists will specialize in one specific type, or modality, of massage; others are capable of performing a range of massage therapies. Each massage therapist will tailor therapy sessions toward the specific needs and goals of a client to achieve the optimal result.
Massage therapists use a number of products and supplies to further enhance the benefits and comfort of a massage therapy session. These include tables, oils, creams, and lotions, as well as aromatherapies. The most effective tool of all used during a massage is the skilled set of hands of the massage therapist.
Massage has proven an incomparable physical therapy with far-reaching medical and physical benefits. The benefits of massage have been linked to numerous health conditions ranging from circulatory dysfunctions to stress related illness and sports injuries. As medical professionals and individuals have increasingly come to realize that pharmaceuticals are not the only option for treating ailments and injuries, the demand for skilled massage therapists has grown dramatically. Today, massage therapy is being recognized as both a supplemental and independent health treatment as well as a means of preventing illness and injury.
Massage Therapy News
Top Reasons to Start a Massage Therapy Career in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area
FALLS CHURCH, Va., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage therapy careers are proving to be a popular option for aspiring healthcare professionals in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, according to ...
Read more...National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI) Chronicles Top Industry and Massage School News in 2011
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- While some employment sectors have yet to rebound from the recent recession, the massage therapy career and industry outlook has remained positive. Over the ...
Read more...Be Massage Therapy celebrates seven years
On February 9, Be. Massage Therapy (South Park YMCA, 1565 South Park Street, 422-4512) will be celebrating its 7th anniversary.… [ Read more ] [ Subscribe to the comments on this story ]
Read more...Massage Heights Announces Collaboration with the American Cancer Society and Joins the Fight for a World with Less ...
SAN ANTONIO , Jan. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Heights, an international premium franchise membership massage company that makes regular massage therapy affordable and convenient to the masses announced ...
Read more...Massage Envy Announces 40 Millionth Massage
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today that the company has ...
Read more...