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Massage - a soothing touch on body and mind
Who doesn’t like a gentle touch and caressing by your loved one after a hectic day in office? It would relieve your stress, help forget worries and keep you calm. Massage, evolved out of the human longing for care, is a much sought- after therapy for de-stressing and relaxation in the modern world.
Massage is not a simple therapy as it may appear. There is more to it than kneading, rubbing and stroking. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, had high regard for massage therapy. ‘’A physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing,’’ he said. For the master physician, it was an art, which a medical practitioner should imbibe through hands-on experience.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY?
Massage - definition
Massage, in medicine, is the systematic and scientific manipulation of body tissues, performed with the hands for therapeutic effect on the nervous and muscular systems and on systemic circulation, says Encyclopaedia Britannica. Merriam Webster defines it as the manipulation of tissues (by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for therapeutic purposes.
Massage - etymology
Etymological origin of the word is attributed to the French ‘massage’ meaning ‘friction of kneading’. Some believe that the word comes from the Arabic ‘massa’ meaning ‘to touch, feel or handle’ or from the Latin ‘massa’ meaning ‘mass or dough’. However, it is ‘amor’ in China, which has a long recorded history of massage as a therapeutic system. In ancient Greece, anatripsis, the Greek word for massage, was a popular therapeutic system.
HISTORY OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage, as a therapeutic system, was popular in several ancient civilizations. The early inhabitants of Rome, Greece, Egypt and Mesopotamia had used massage as a medicinal system to cure several ailments. It was also popular in Asian countries like China, India and Japan where indigenous medicinal systems have deep roots.
China is credited to have the earliest recorded history of massage therapy. The ancient text Huangdi Neijing, which is the paramount source on Chinese medicinal system, has references to massage. The treatise speaks of therapies like ‘massage of skin and flesh’ for ailments. Today, the Chinese massage system has earned worldwide fame as a traditional therapy that has finely incorporated western ideas.
In India, the massage therapy in practice is based on Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system which evolved around 600 BC. Every year, millions of travelers from around the globe visit India seeking ayurvedic rejuvenation and massage therapies.
Massage in ancient Greece
Anatripsis or massage is an important therapeutic system in Greek medicine. Anatripsis, which means ‘friction’ or rubbing in Greek, is considered as an art which should be learnt through rigorous practice.
Hippocrates on massage
Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, regarded massage as an efficient healing method. A 460 BC text by him says: ‘’A physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing’’. For the master physician it was an art, which a medical practitioner should imbibe through hands-on experience.
Hippocrates classified massage therapy into four:
Vigorous massage which would constrict and firm up the body.
Gentle massage which would relax the body.
Heavy massage which would make the body light and thin.
Moderate massage which would thicken and increase flesh in the body.
Asclepiades Pharmacion’s concept
Ancient Greek physician Asclepiades Pharmacion had a different view on massage than Hippocrates. For Asclepiades, massage therapy was a three-fold process devoid of drugs. It began with hydrotherapy followed by exercise and massage in that order.
His mastery over the massage therapy earned him high reputation and instances of Asclepiades’ magical remedy are part of the history of Greek medicine. In one such story, Asclepiades is said to have brought back to life a ‘dead’ man from the coffin through rubbing and kneading.
MASSAGE TYPES
Almost every culture in the world has its own massage therapy which evolved out of the physical and geographical specialties and indigenous medicinal practices. While some are soft massages, others are hard or complex practiced as part of a set of healing or rejuvenation therapies.
Full-body massages are practiced in several indigenous medicinal systems. Full-body massages are performed both for curing ailments and as part of rejuvenation therapies. Today massage therapies are a most sought-after treatment method for obesity and weight loss.
Here we introduce to you some common massage styles:
Soft: Californian, Esalen, Reflexology, Thai, Watsu, Erotic, Ortho-bionomy.
Hard: Amma, Trigger point, Shiatsu, Sports massage, Swedish,
Alternative: Lymphatic drainage, Jin Shin Do, Trager, Stone massage, Craniosacral, Pfrimmer deep
1. Ayurveda massage
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine which has gained popularity all over the world as a complete natural system of medicine, lays great stress on massage. Massage, in ayurveda, is part of a set of holistic medicinal practices, contrary to the independent massage system popular in some other countries.
In Kerala, the Indian state where ayurveda has a rich tradition, the traditional lifestyle of people has derived much from the ayurvedic concepts. Snana or bath is inevitable for the Keralites which is preceded by ‘shiroabhyanga’, the gentle application and massage of the head with medicated oil or pure coconut oil.
Ayurvedic massage in Kerala
Today, travelers from around the globe visit Kerala to undergo Panchakarma, the ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy. Panchakarma should only be taken under the guidance of a learned medical practitioner. Massage plays an important role in Panchakarma. The therapy begins with the washing and massage of the body to make it receptive to drugs. Massages may vary according to the composition of the patient. In general it is done with oil bases, milk, water, herbs and cereals.
2. Californian Massage
If stress puts you in discomfort quite often, try a Californian massage from an experienced therapist. This massage will sooth your senses and lower blood pressure. It is performed the way a mother caresses her little one. This massage school considers the body as a safe, sacred and pleasurable place.
How is it done? Californian massage focuses on wholeness. Hence, at a time massage is done on a whole area, contrary to the part-by-part method in several other massage systems. It takes 1-2 hours for a Californian massage depending upon your body conditions. First you will have to lie face down and the masseur will apply long strokes with both hands. Aromatic oils are also applied on the body. It will be followed by full body strokes which last for about an hour or less. Later you will have to lie face upright and the whole procedure will be applied on the front portion also.
Benefits: The Californian massage will be a new experience of physical relaxation and mental calmness for you. It will increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure and help you get rid of stress-induced illnesses.
Origin: The Californian massage was developed by Margaret Elke and Carol Truman in the 1970s. The two women founded the California Massage Institute in 1970 to propagate the new system. It has derived much from ancient healing systems, the Human Potential Movement of the 1960s and the Esalen massage system. It has similarities with the Swedish massage system.
3. Esalen massage
The Esalen massage system is widely acknowledged for wellness and stress management. The massage style is trademarked by the Esalen Institute, Big Sur, Califronia. This is not just a massage esytem but part of a philosophy of life propagated by the Esalen Institute. Esalen massage is offered at the institutue and by individuals who have been trained by the institute.
How is it done? Esalen massage is usually performed in pleasant places like spas since a soothing atmosphere is necessary for the experience. The massage begins with gentle strokes which will be followed by long, slow strokes as in Tai Chi. The massage slowly covers all the body parts leaving an awakened sensuality in you. The duration of the massage depends on the comfort level and physical tension of the receiver.
Benefits: Esalen massage is good for wellness and stress management. You will feel a renewed sense of health and vigor after the session. It relaxes muscles, and nervous systems. By stimulation glyphs and increasing blood circulation it helps remove body toxins.
Origin: Originating in the 1960s, the Esalen massage system has derived much from the Swedish massage system, oriental medicine and concepts of meditation and the Gestalt Practice.
4. Reflexology massage
Reflexology or Zone therapy is an alternative medicinal system in which pressure is applied to specific areas on feet and hands so as to cure an illness or generate a beneficial result in another corresponding part on the body. According to reflexology, there are reflex areas on the hand and foot corresponding to particular body parts, including organs and glands. In Reflexology massage, practitioners stimulate the reflex points to promote natural functioning of the corresponding body part.
How is it done? Specific thumb finger and hand techniques are used to apply pressure on the feet and hands. Oil, cream and lotion are not used.
Benefits: Besides relief from stress and anxiety, reflexology is said to have medical effects. It is also claimed that it lowers the pain induced by certain diseases.
Origin: Reflexology was practiced in several ancient communities. The oldest among them is believed to be that of China, which claims an antiquity of around 5,000 years.
5. Thai massage
The Thai massage is a popular relaxation therapy which originated in Thailand and is now popular in several parts of the world, including North America, Europe and the US. Deep massage and stretches resembling yoga are the features of Thai massage.
How is it done? The Thai massage is based on the theory that the human body consists of 72,000 ‘sens’ or pathways through which air inhaled through the lungs travel. The practitioners manipulate the sens by pressing the body at specific points.
The recipient lies on a mat on the floor and the therapist starts from the feet. Methodic moves, stretching and loosening of joints and yoga-like stretches are performed. A full body massage would last around two hours.
Benefits: This is a much sought-after therapy for wellness and stress management. It improves blood circulation and body flexibility.
Origin: Shivago Komarpaj (J?vaka Komarabh?cca) is believed to be the founder of ‘Nuat phaen boran’, the traditional Thai massage. J?vaka Komarabh?cca, who lived some 2,500 years ago, was the disciple and physician of Buddha. However, the Thai system has derived much from various massage and healing systems, including Indian, Chinese and South East Asian.
6. Watsu massage
Watsu is a special massage in which the recipient floats in warm water supported by the therapist. The therapy consists of Zen Shiatsu practises and the Watsu is a portmanteau of water and shiatsu.
How is it done? Watsu is performed in warm water at about 35 degree Celsius. Swimming suit is worn by both the therapist and the recipient. The therapist cradles the recipient in the pool with his arms supporting the knees and back of the recipient. The recipient holds one arm around the therapist’s back and lets free the other. In a rhythmic series, the recipient is twirled, cradled and stretched in the water. Massage and acupressure also form part of the therapy.
Benefits: Watsu relieves pain and stress. Physical and emotional wellnesses are the main effects It also gives relief from muscular and joint restrictions. Since performed under water, it is said that the muscles can be manipulated and relaxed more freely.
Origin: Harold Dull developed Watsu in early 1980s. He was the then director of Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage, North California. Watsu is one of the therapies included in The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA), an organization that works for the promotion of aquatic bodywork.
7. Ortho-bionomy massage
Ortho-bionomy is a gentle massage system based on osteopathy. No forced manipulations are used in this system and the therapy can be continued with home exercises in cases of chronic pain. It also gives effects lasting longer than other massage systems
How is it done? Ortho-bionomy is a non-invasive massage therapy. The practitioner, through gentle movements and positioning, corrects postural and structural imbalances. The therapy focuses on facilitating the body’s natural postures thereby awakening the self-healing process in the body.
Ortho-bionomy therapy works on a three-pronged approach. First the therapist helps the recipient to learn his limitations. Next he helps the recipient understand the normal functioning of body through physical and energetic patterns. Later the therapist enables the recipient to rediscover the harmonious functioning of the body.
Benefits: Ortho-binomy is effective in lessening chronic pain. It is found effective for pain caused by incorrect body postures and structural problems. Regular sittings with the practitioner complemented with home exercises can give relief for stress-related and physical pains. It relaxes joints, reduces muscle tension, body pain and increases flexibility and blood circulation.
Origin: Dr. Arthur Lincoln Pauls, a British judo instructor who later studied osteopathy, developed the Ortho-bionomy massage therapy. Ortho-bionomy is the portmanteau of ‘ortho’ (straight or correct), ‘bio’ (life) and ‘nomy’ (pertaining to laws). According to Pauls, Ortho-bionomy is the correct application of the laws of life.
8. Amma massage
Amma massage system rooted in the ancient Chinese medicine system is a holistic healing method. It is largely based on the principles of acupuncture. Modern Amma practitioners have incorporated western medicinal practices to the treatment.
How is it done? Just as in traditional Chinese acupuncture, Amma is based on the theory that of ‘qi’ or energy flowing through the body. Through the massage, the therapist strives to bring the energy flow to an optimal level thereby facilitating the body to be in a harmonious state.
Amma works on a holistic concept and there is a consultation session with the therapist before the massage. The therapist decides the treatment method depending on the recipient’s emotional balance, body language, voice and senses like smell.
Strokes, vibrations and manipulations are applied on the body to stimulate the ‘qi’ in the body. Specific pressure points of the body are manipulated for curing different ailments.
Benefits: Amma is a holistic treatment which offers you physical and emotional balance. It reduces neuromuscular discomforts, including muscle tension and strain-induced body pain. Therapists also offer treatment for back pain, arthritis, headache, insomnia, bronchitis, diabetes, hypertension and asthma. Herbal and nutritional diets prescribed by the therapist would help the recipient to have long-lasting results.
Origin: Amma is an ancient Chinese massage system. The concepts upon which the therapy works are some 2,000 years old.
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