Massage
Massage is the external manipulation of the structures of the body
(such as skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones) with positive intentions
of relaxation, psychological, or physical benefit to the receipient
History of Massage:
In its simplest form, massage is as old humanity, or older - if one
includes it's use by other animals before upright homosapiens evolved
!
The earliest known history of massage is associated with Ancient China,
where healers used pressure techniques similar to those practised in
modern Accupressure and Shiatsu. Archeology has also established the
use of oils on the bodies of Asiatic women. Similarly, various oils
and creams believed to be for use on the body have been excavated from
Ancient Egyptian Tombs.
There is evidence of the evolution of massage in Europe over the last
2500 years, from Ancient Greece to the modern era. Much was written
down during the 17th and 18th centuries when the terminology increased
significantly and there was much debate about pressure, direction of
motion, patient position, and so on.
Swedish practitioner Peter Henry Ling is famous for founding the 'Swedish'
system of massage which includes specific techniques and associated
terminology including the modern terms "effleurage" and "petrissage".
Massage did not become a respectable or reputable practice until the
19th century.
In 1894 a group of women formed "The Society of Trained Masseuses",
that eventually became "The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy",
which still exists today : www.csp.org.uk.
What does a Massage Treatment involve?
:
A Massage Treatment usually begins with a consultation during which
the practitioner asks the client a series of questions about how she
is feeling and about her medical history and any medical conditions
she has. This is an opportunity for the therapist to ensure that there
are no reasons why it would not be adviseable for her client to have
a massage that day (e.g. if feeling unwell, perhaps due to onset of
flu/measles/mumps/ etc.), and also if she should avoid or concentrate
on any particular parts of the body.
This is also an opportunity for the client to ask any questions he/she
may have about Massage, make any requests, and understand exactly what
to expect of the treatment.
Assuming all is well, the massage therapist will then invite the client
to make him/herself comfortable on the therapeutic couch. She might
help the client onto the couch, if this seems to be necessary/appropriate.
The actual massage will vary according to the reason for the treatment
and client preference. For example, a deeply relaxing treatment may
be requested immediately before bedtime, or conversely a stimulating
massage may be required prior to warm-up for a sporting event.
Following the massage itself, the therapist may invite the client to
get up slowly when he/she feels ready to do so. It is good practice
for the therapist to ensure that the client is sufficiently alert to
drive home or move onto their next task. The therapist maight also invite
feedback about the treatment, answer any questions, and encourage the
client to drink a glass of water immediately afterwards.
Textbooks and other Sources of Reading:
There are many excellent texts to aid the study of those intending
to become professional massage therapists. The "Mind, Body &
Spirit", or "Holistic" sections of most major bookshops
also include a selection of non-technical books written to guide interested
lay people who only wish to share an enjoyable skill with their partner
and/or friends and family.
Excellent texts are also available on the subject of massage media (carrier
oils and base creams) [17].
Further Information about Massage :
General Information and referrals to Massage Therapists are
available from some of the below:
Information about Training in Massage is available from:
To search this site or the internet generally,
enter a search term below:
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