Massage

What Is It? /Origins

Massage is a therapy used for centuries by civilizations throughout the world evident in pictures on ancient Egyptian tombs, referenced in Chinese books from thousands of years ago and spoken about by Julia Caesar. Somewhere throughout time, the benefits of massage were diluted, but these days, massage has been re-incorporated back into modern day society.

What Is It Used For?

There are many techniques of massage that work on different parts of the body or for a different purpose. 

Massage is used heavily and incorporated in mainstream areas such as sports, rehabilitation and pain but otherwise still considered an alternative therapy when used for a variety of aliments and conditions.  Some of the more popular massage techniques include:

• Swedish massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Hot stone massage
• Chinese massage
• Pregnancy massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Shiatsu
• Thai massage
• Reflexology
• Thai massage
• Sports massage
• Back massage

Massage has a number of associated benefits, encompassing

• Relaxation
• Reducing muscular tension, pain and discomfort
• Anxiety
• Sleep disorders
• General well being
• Tissue elasticity and flexibility
• Joints
• Relaxing tight muscles
• Recovery
• Healthy skin
• Blood circulation
• Strengthening the immunity system
• Aid digestion
• Migraines

How Does It Work?

Massage involves manipulation of soft bodily tissue, not just muscle, also its connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and joints. Isolating, pressing and kneading soft tissue improves blood circulation and speeds up the removal of metabolic waste in muscles. The two basic ways that muscles are manipulated in massage are through and mechanical and reflex action.

Mechanical Action

Mechanical action in message involves the moving and pressing of muscles to remove acid, deposits and to break up fibrous tissue (commonly referred to as a knot) and loosen stiff joints.

Reflex action Action

Reflex action in massage is based on the concept of pathways of energy in the body.  These pathways will connect different parts of the body to each other. For example, an upset in the stomach may be worked on by massage in the arm.

 Is It Safe?

Reported side effects or dangers from massage are rare but some do exist. It has lead to further discomfort after message, bruising, inflammation, nerve damage amongst other complaints. Massaging should not be performed where bones are broken or weakened from a condition. Areas where there are wounds, skin infections, or where recent surgery or blood clots has occurred should be avoided.

Massage would also be strongly recommended against those who have been subject to a form of abuse where the physical contact of massage therapy would cause distress.

Versus Conventional

The effectiveness and benefits of massage are still inconclusive from a medical or scientific perspective. As a result it is uncommon for massage to be recommended as an alternative for most conditions which can be treated conventionally.