Manipulative and body-based methods - edit
Acupressure Body work Bowen Technique Manipulative therapy Massage therapy Manual lymphatic drainage Rolfing Shiatsu Tui na
NCCAM classifications
Alternative Medical Systems Mind-Body Intervention Biologically Based Therapy Manipulative Methods Energy Therapy
See also
Complementary and alternative medicine Alternative medicine Complementary medicine Glossary of alternative medicine

Massage is the treatment and practice of manipulation of the soft body tissues with physical, functional, i. Acupressure Bodywork is a term used in Alternative medicine or Complementary medicine to describe any therapeutic healing or personal development work which involves some form This article is about the holistic system of healing For the shearing technique see Sheep shearing. Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention Lymphedema, also spelled lymphoedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized Fluid retention caused by a compromised Rolfing or Structural Integration is a system of soft tissue manipulation, with the objective of realigning the body structurally and harmonizing its fundamental Shiatsu (指圧 Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on Tuina redirects here For the Moth Genus, see Tuina (moth. Tui na ( 推[[wikt 拏|拏]] or This is a glossary for terms and concepts being used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM) an umbrella term for a large number of practices that fall The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine. This is a glossary for terms and concepts being used in Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM) an umbrella term for a large number of practices that fall e. mechanical, medical/therapeutic, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals. ^[1] The word comes from the French massage "friction of kneading," possibly from Arabic massa "to touch, feel, handle" or from Latin massa "mass, dough". French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people Arabic (ar الْعَرَبيّة (informally ar عَرَبيْ) in terms of the number of speakers is the largest living member of the Semitic language Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. ^[2][3] (In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage itself was anatripsis ^[4], and the Latin was frictio. The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c )

Massage involves acting on and manipulating the patient's body with pressure (structured, unstructured, stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or vibration done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Muscle (from Latin musculus, diminutive of mus "mouse" is contractile tissue of the body and is derived from the A tendon (or sinew) is a tough band of Fibrous connective tissue that usually connects Muscle to Bone and is capable of withstanding tension In Anatomy, the term ligament is used to denote three different types of structures Fibrous tissue that connects Bones to other bones The skin is the outer covering of living tissue of an animal (or plant A joint is the location at which two or more Bones make contact Connective tissue is one of the four types of tissue in traditional classifications (the others being epithelial, Muscle, and Nervous tissue) The lymphatic system in Vertebrates is a network of conduits that carry a clear fluid called Lymph. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. The hands ( med / lat: manus pl manūs are the two intricate prehensile multi- Fingered body parts normally located at the end of each arm of a A finger is a type of digit, an organ of manipulation and sensation found in the Hands of Humans and other Primates Normally humans have five digits The elbow is the region surrounding the elbow-joint&mdashthe ginglymus or Hinge joint in the middle of the Arm. The forearm is the structure on the Upper limb, between the elbow and the Wrist. The foot is an Anatomical structure found in many Animals It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows Locomotion. There are over eighty different massage modalities. ^[5] The most cited reasons for introducing massage have been patient demand and perceived clinical effectiveness. ^[6]

In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. See also Massage Chair (Robot Chicken episode Massage chairs come in two main types The massage subject may be fully, partly or unclothed and the body covered with towels or sheets. A towel is a piece of absorbent fabric or Paper used for drying or wiping

Contents 1 History 1.1 Ancient and medieval times 1.2 Modern times 2 Equipment 2.1 Massage Table 2.2 Massage Chair 2.3 Oil 2.4 Mechanical aids 3 Massage methods 3.1 Acupressure 3.2 Ayurvedic massage 3.3 Bowen therapy 3.4 Breema 3.5 Champissage 3.6 Esalen Massage 3.7 Lomilomi 3.8 Medical massage 3.9 Myofascial release 3.10 Anma 3.11 Reflexology massage 3.12 Shiatsu 3.13 Stone massage 3.14 Rolfing 3.15 Swedish massage 3.16 Thai massage 3.17 Traditional Chinese massage 3.18 Trager Approach 3.19 Trigger point therapy 3.20 Visceral manipulation 3.21 Watsu 4 Associated methods 5 Beneficial effects 5.1 Single dose effects 5.2 Multiple dose effects 6 Regulation 7 Prevalence in the United States 8 Prevalence in Asia 9 Notable practitioners 10 See also 11 References 12 External links

History

Ancient and medieval times

Writings on massage have been found in many ancient civilizations such as Rome, Greece, Japan, China, Egypt, and India. Ancient Rome was a Civilization that grew out of a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 10th century BC Greece (Ελλάδα transliterated: Elláda, historically, Ellás,) officially the Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National This article is about the country of Egypt For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Egypt topics. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country ^[5]Hippocrates wrote in 460 BC that "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing. Hippocrates of Cos II or Hippokrates of Kos ( ca. 460 BC – ca Events By place Persian Empire Egypt revolts against Persian rule " ^[7] The ancient Chinese book called Huangdi Neijing by the Yellow Emperor recommended "massage of skin and flesh. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Huangdi Neijing ( also known as The Inner Canon of Huangdi or Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor, is the seminal medical text of Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor, is a Legendary Chinese sovereign and cultural hero who is considered in Chinese mythology to be the "^[8] The technique of massage abortion, involving the application of pressure to the pregnant abdomen, has been practiced in Southeast Asia for centuries. In Vertebrates such as Mammals the abdomen (belly constitutes the part of the body between the Thorax (chest and Pelvis. One of the bas reliefs decorating the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, dated circa 1150, depicts a demon performing such an abortion upon a woman who has been sent to the underworld. A bas-relief (baʁəljɛf in French; French for "low relief" derived from the Italian basso rilievo) or low relief is a Sculpture Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat) (អង្គរវត្ត is a Temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for King Suryavarman II The Kingdom of Cambodia ( formerly known as Kampuchea (, transliterated: Preăh Réachéanachâkr Kâmpŭchea) is a country in South East In the study of Mythology and Religion, the underworld (gr κάτω κόσμος) is a generic term approximately equivalent to the lay term Afterlife This is believed to be the oldest known visual representation of abortion. ^[9] In Romania some illnesses were treated by a massage in which the patient was trodden on by a tame bear. Romania ( dated: Rumania, Roumania ^[10].

Modern times

United States: Massage started to become popular in the United States in the middle part of the 1800s ^[5] and was introduced by two New York physicians based on Per Henrik Ling's techniques developed in Sweden. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous A physician, medical practitioner or medical doctor who practices Medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human Health Per Henrik Ling ( 15 November 1776 &ndash 3 May 1839) was a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner "Sverige" redirects here For other uses see Sweden (disambiguation and Sverige (disambiguation. ^[7]

During the 1930s and 1940s massage's influence decreased as a result of medical advancements of the time, while in the 1970s massage's influence grew once again with a notable rise among athletes. ^[5] Massage was used up until the 1960s and 1970s by nurses to help ease patients’ pain and help them sleep. A nurse is responsible—along with other Health care Professionals —for the treatment safety and recovery of acutely or chronically ^[11]

Because it is illegal to advertise or offer sexual services in most of the United States, such services are sometimes advertised as "massage".

United Kingdom: Massage is popular in the United Kingdom today and gaining. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located There are many private practitioners working from their own premises as well as those who operate from commercial venues.

Massage in sports, business and organizations: The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta was the first time that massage was offered as a core medical service. The 1996 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXVI Olympiad and unofficially known as the Centennial Olympics, were an International ^[8] Massage has been employed by businesses and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing and Reebok. For animal rights group see Justice Department (JD The United States Department of Justice ( DOJ) is a Cabinet department The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E Reebok International Limited is a British producer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories and is currently a subsidiary of Adidas. ^[12]

Equipment

Massage Table

A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable. An orthopedic pillow or bolster can be used to correct body positioning. An orthopedic pillow is a Pillow designed to correct body positioning in bed or while lying in any other surface

Massage Chair

Ergonomically designed massage chairs for positioning a person who will be receiving a massage, serve a similar function as a massage table. See also Massage Chair (Robot Chicken episode Massage chairs come in two main types Chairs may be either stationary or portable models.

Massage chairs are easier for the practitioner to transport than massage tables, and clients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

Oil

Many different types of oils can be used including fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Coconut oil, also known as coconut butter, is a tropical oil with many applications Not to be confused with Rapeseed oil. Grape seed oil (also called grapeseed oil or grape oil) is a Vegetable oil pressed from the seeds Macadamia oil (or Macadamia nut oil) is the non-volatile oil expressed from the nut meat of the Macadamia ( Macadamia integrifolia) tree Sesame oil (also known as "gingelly oil" or "til oil" is an edible Vegetable oil derived from Sesame seeds Besides being used as a Cooking Pecan oil is an edible pressed oil extracted from the Pecan nut The term mustard oil is used for two different oils that are made from Mustard seeds a fatty Vegetable oil resulting from pressing the seeds Arnica, from the flowers or leaves of the Arnica montana, may be added olive oil when used medicinally, or almond oil when used as a massage oil. Arnica ( Ár-ni-ca) is a genus with about 30 perennial, herbaceous species belonging to the sunflower family ( Asteraceae) Arnica montana (also known as leopard's bane, wolf's bane, mountain tobacco and mountain arnica) is a European Olive oil is a fruit oil obtained from the olive ( Olea europaea; family Oleaceae along with Lilacs Jasmine and ash trees The Almond ( Prunus dulcis, syn Prunus amygdalus Batsch Amygdalus communis L ^[13] Aromatherapy oils such as neroli oil and pine oil can also be mixed with carrier oils. Aromatherapy is a form of Alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials known as Essential oils (EOs and other aromatic compounds from plants for Neroli oil is a plant oil similar in scent to bergamot produced from the blossom of the Bitter orange tree ( Citrus aurantium var Pine oil is an Essential oil obtained by the Steam distillation of needles twigs and cones from a variety of species of Pine, particularly Pinus Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute Essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin

Mechanical aids

Electronic massage chairs are commercially available, which operate without any manual help. See also Massage Chair (Robot Chicken episode Massage chairs come in two main types Lexus cars of the fourth generation LS include shiatsu and shoulder massage systems. is the Luxury vehicle division of Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. The Lexus LS is a Full-size luxury sedan that serves as the flagship of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. Shiatsu (指圧 Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on ^[14]

Massage methods

Massage can be performed by a massage therpaist, or by other health care professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, and/or physical therapists. The health care industry or health profession treats and tends to patients who are injured sick disabled or infirm Chiropractic is a Health care profession that focuses on diagnosis treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the Musculoskeletal system, with special emphasis An athletic trainer is a certified health care professional who practices in the field of athletic training Massage therapists work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses. ^[5] Contraindications to massage include, deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever. In Medicine, a contraindication (pronounced as contra-indication is a condition or factor that increases the Risks involved in using a particular drug, In Medicine, deep vein thrombosis (also known as deep-vein thrombosis or deep venous thrombosis and usually abbreviated as DVT) is the formation Coagulopathy is a medical term for a defect in the body's mechanism for Blood Clotting. Warfarin (also known under the brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan, and Waran) is an Anticoagulant. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled Osteoporosis is a Disease of Bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. A fracture is the (local separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action of stress. Fever (also known as pyrexia, from the Greek pyretos meaning fire or a febrile response, from the Latin word Febris ^[5]

Acupressure

Main article: Acupressure

Ayurvedic massage

Ayurveda is a natural health care system originating in India that incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies. Acupressure Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness A herbal is a book often illustrated that describes the appearance Medicinal properties, and other characteristics of Plants used in Herbal medicine. Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils based on the ayurvedic system of humors. Ayurveda ( Devanāgarī: आयुर्वॆद the 'science of life' is a system of Traditional medicine native to India, and practiced in other

Bowen therapy

Main article: Bowen therapy

Bowen technique involves a rolling movement over fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Murray Bowen, MD ( 13 January 1913, Waverly Tennessee - 9 October 1990) was an American Psychiatrist and It is said not to involve deep or prolonged contact with muscle tissues as in most kinds of massage, but claims to relieve muscle tensions and strains and to restore normal lymphatic flow. It is based on practices developed by Australian Tom Bowen. ^[15]

Breema

Main article: Breema

Breema bodywork is performed on the floor with the recipient fully clothed. Breema is a form of bodywork that has been described as a cross between Partner yoga and Thai massage. It consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches.

Champissage

Main article: Champissage

Champissage is a massage techinque focusing on the head, neck and face that is believed to balance the chakras. Champissage, also known as an Indian head massage is a trademarked term for an Alternative medicine Massage therapy in which the head neck and face and Chakra ( Pali: chakka Tibetan: khorlo Malay: cakera is a Sanskrit term meaning Circle or Wheel

Esalen Massage

Main article: Esalen Massage

Esalen Massage was developed by Charlotte Selver and works with gentle rocking of the body, passive joint exercises and deep structural work on the muscles and joints, together with an energetic balancing of the body. Esalen Massage is taught and practiced at the Esalen Institute, a retreat and study center located in Big Sur, California. Charlotte Selver ( April 4, 1901 in Ruhrort (Duisburg Germany – August 22, 2003 in Muir Beach, California

Lomilomi

Main article: Lomilomi

Lomilomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii. The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family.

Medical massage

Massage used in the medical field includes decongestive therapy used for lymphedema^[5] which can be used in conjunction with the treatment of breast cancer. Lymphedema, also spelled lymphoedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized Fluid retention caused by a compromised Lymphedema, also spelled lymphoedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized Fluid retention caused by a compromised Breast cancer is a Cancer that starts in the cells of the Breast in women and men Carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia. A supraventricular tachycardia ( SVT) is a rapid rhythm of the Heart in which the origin of the electrical signal is either the atria or Ventricular tachycardia ( V-tach or VT) is a Tachycardia, or fast heart rhythm that originates in one of the ventricles of the Heart It, like the valsalva maneuver, is a therapy for SVT. The Valsalva maneuver is performed by forcibly exhaling against a closed airway ^[16] However, it is less effective than management of SVT with medications. ^[17]

Myofascial release

Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique for stretching the fascia and releasing bonds between fascia, integument, and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. The term can also refer to the stretching of Canvas on a frame. Fascia (făsh'ē-ə pl fas·ci·ae (făsh'ē-ē adj fascial (făsh'ē-əl (from Latin: a band is the Soft tissue component of The Integumentary System is an organ system that protects the body from damage comprising the Skin, Hair, scales, nails, sweat glands and their Muscle (from Latin musculus, diminutive of mus "mouse" is contractile tissue of the body and is derived from the Pain, in the sense of physical pain, is a typical sensory experience that may be described as the unpleasant awareness of a noxious stimulus or bodily harm Range of motion or ( ROM) as used in the Biomedical and Weightlifting communities is the measurement of the achievable distance between the flexed position Equilibrioception or sense of balance is one of the physiological Senses It helps prevent Humans and Animals from falling over when Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, or by skin rolling.

Anma

Main article: Anma

Anma is is a traditional Japanese massage involving kneading and deep tissue work. Anma (按摩 refers to practitioners of the Japanese Massage of the same name which has its origins in China For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics.

Reflexology massage

Main article: reflexology

Reflexology involves massaging, squeezing or pushing parts of the feet, hands and ears with a goal of encouraging health throughout the body. This theory is based on a perceived energetic flow of "meridians" in the body, and is considered pseudoscientific. Pseudoscience is defined as a body of knowledge methodology belief or practice that is claimed to be Scientific or made to appear scientific but does not adhere to the

Shiatsu

Main article: Shiatsu

Shiatsu (指圧) is a form of Japanese massage that uses thumb pressure and works along the same energy meridians as acupressure and incorporates stretching. Shiatsu (指圧 Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on Acupressure The term can also refer to the stretching of Canvas on a frame.

Stone massage

Main article: stone massage

A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.

Rolfing

Main article: rolfing

Rolfing works to realign the body's structure with the human gait. Rolfing or Structural Integration is a system of soft tissue manipulation, with the objective of realigning the body structurally and harmonizing its fundamental Human gait is the way Locomotion is achieved using human limbs For this article different gaits do not require changes in the geometry of motion but rather

Swedish massage

Swedish massage uses six styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The six basic strokes are effleurage (light touch), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), compression, and vibration. Effleurage, a French word meaning "to skim" or "to touch lightly on" is a series of Massage strokes used in Swedish massage to warm up the Muscle Petrissage are Massage movements with applied pressure which are deep and compress the underlying Muscles Kneading wringing skin rolling and pick-up-and-squeeze Tapotement is a specific stroke and movement and technique and motion used in Swedish massage technique Swedish massage has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee over a period of eight weeks. Joint stiffness may be either the Symptom of pain on moving a joint the Symptom of loss of range of motion or the physical sign of reduced range of motion Osteoarthritis ( OA, also known as degenerative Arthritis, degenerative joint disease) is a clinical syndrome in which low-grade inflammation ^[18] The development of Swedish massage is credited to Per Henrik Ling though the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes. Per Henrik Ling ( 15 November 1776 &ndash 3 May 1839) was a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner The Netherlands ( Dutch:, ˈnedərlɑnt is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which consists of the Netherlands the Netherlands ^[19]

Thai massage

Main article: Thai massage

Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran, IPA [nuɑt pʰɛn boraːn]), meaning "ancient/traditional massage", Thai massage originated in India and is based on ayurveda and yoga. Thai massage is a type of Massage in Thai style that involves stretching and deep massage Yoga ( Sanskrit: योग, IAST: yóga, joːgə refers to traditional physical and mental disciplines originating in India, to the It was believed that the massage art was brought over to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj over 2500 years ago. The technique combines massage with yoga-like positions during the course of the massage; the northern style emphasizes stretching whiel the southern style emphasizes acupressure.

Traditional Chinese massage

Two types of traditional Chinese massage exist - Tui na (推拿) which focusses on pushing, stretching and kneading the muscle and Zhi Ya (指壓) which focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Tuina redirects here For the Moth Genus, see Tuina (moth. Tui na ( 推[[wikt 拏|拏]] or Acupressure Both are based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine (also known as TCM,) includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China.

Trager Approach

Main article: Trager Approach

The Trager approach combines movement, massage and education. The Trager® Approach is a mind-body approach to movement education

Trigger point therapy

Also called a pressure point massage,^[5] this involves stimulating hypothetical trigger point that may refer pain sensations to other parts of the body. Trigger points are described as hyperirritable spots in Skeletal muscle that are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of Muscle fibers Manual pressure is applied to these points. Trigger point therapy was founded by Janet G. Travell and David Simons. Janet Graeme Travell ( December 17 1901 - 1997 was an American physician Project Manhigh along with Project Excelsior was a pre- Space Age military project that took men in balloons to the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere

Visceral manipulation

One form is Mayan abdominal massage which is practiced in many countries in Latin America. This type of massage was developed by Elijio Panti and Rosita Arvigo of Peru. Don Elijio Panti ( 1893 - February 4, 1996) was a Belizean traditional healer who used Mayan herbal medical techniques Peru (Perú Piruw Piruw officially the Republic of Peru ( reˈpuβlika del peˈɾu is a country in western South America.

Watsu

Main article: Watsu

Watsu is the combination of hydrotherapy and shiatsu developed by Harold Dull. Watsu, a Portmanteau of Water and Shiatsu, is a form of body Massage performed while lying in warm water (around 35 °C Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy involves the use of Water for soothing pains and treating diseases Shiatsu (指圧 Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on The work is done in skin temperature water with both the therapist and practitioner in the water, usually a pool which is between 3. 5 ft to 4 ft. (100–120 cm) deep. The work entails much movement in the water and practitioners believe that it incorporates the activation of the energy lines derived from shiatsu.

Associated methods

Many types of practices are associated with massage and include Bodywork (alternative medicine), manual therapy, energy medicine, and breathwork. Bodywork is a term used in Alternative medicine or Complementary medicine to describe any therapeutic healing or personal development work which involves some form Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention Energy medicine is one of five domains of “complementary and Alternative medicine ” identified by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Breathwork refers to many forms of conscious alteration of breathing such as Hyperventilation or connecting the inhale and exhale when used within psychotherapy or meditation Other names for massage and related practices include hands-on work, body/somatic therapy, and somatic movement education. Body-mind integration techniques stress self-awareness and movement over physical manipulations by a practitioner. Therapies related to movement awareness/education are closer to Dance and movement therapies. Dance therapy, or dance movement therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement (and Dance) for emotional Cognitive, Social, behavioural Massage can also have connections with the New Age movement and alternative medicine as well as being used by mainstream medical practitioners. New Age ( New Age Movement and New Age Spirituality) is a Social Collective Phenomenon and a Spiritual Nature The term alternative medicine, as used in the modern western world encompasses any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional Medicine.

Beneficial effects

Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety. Anxiety is a physiological and psychological state characterized by Cognitive, Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral components In the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to both expected and pathologically chronic or severe ^[20] Theories behind what massage might do include blocking nociception (gate control theory), activating the parasympathetic nervous system which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep^[5] but such effects are yet to be supported by well designed clinical studies. Nociception (synonym nociperception is defined as "the neural processes of encoding and processing Noxious stimuli. The gate control theory of pain, put forward by Ronald Melzack (a Canadian psychologist and Patrick David Wall (a British physician in 1962 and again in 1965 The parasympathetic Nervous system ( PSNS) is a division of the Autonomic nervous system (ANS along with the Sympathetic nervous system Endorphins are Endogenous Opioid Polypeptide compounds They are produced by the Pituitary gland and the Hypothalamus in Vertebrates Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons Fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous Connective tissue in an organ or tissue as a reparative or reactive process as opposed to a formation of Fibrous " Scar Tissue " is the first single from the American Alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers' seventh studio album Californication The lymphatic system in Vertebrates is a network of conduits that carry a clear fluid called Lymph. Sleep is a Natural state of bodily rest observed throughout the animal kingdom

Massage is hindered from reaching the gold standard of scientific research which includes placebo-controlled and double blind clinical trials. In Medicine, a gold standard test or criterion standard test is a Diagnostic test or benchmark that is regarded as definitive Scientific method refers to bodies of Techniques for investigating phenomena Placebo is a substance or procedure a patient accepts as medicine or therapy but which has no specific therapeutic activity The blind method is a part of the Scientific method, used to prevent research outcomes from being influenced by either the Placebo effect or the Observer In health care clinical trials are conducted to allow safety and Efficacy data to be collected for new drugs or devices ^{[21] [22]} Developing a "sham" manual therapy for massage would be difficult since even light touch massage could not be assumed to be completely devoid of effects on the subject. Manual Therapy encompasses the treatment of Health ailments of various Etiologies through 'hands-on' physical intervention ^[21] It would also be difficult to find a subject that would not notice that they were getting less of a massage and it would be impossible to blind the therapist. ^[21] Massage can employ randomized controlled trials which are published in peer reviewed medical journals. A randomized controlled trial (RCT is a type of scientific Experiment most commonly used in testing the Efficacy or Effectiveness of Healthcare Publishing is the process of production and dissemination of Literature or Information &ndash the activity of making information available for public view Medical peer review is the process by which a committee of physicians examines the work of a peer and determines whether the physician under review has met accepted standards of care in A medical journal is a Scientific journal devoted to the field of Medicine. ^[21] This type of study could increase the credibility of the profession because it displays that purported therapeutic effects are reproducible. Credibility refers to the objective and subjective components of the believability of a source or message Reproducibility is one of the main principles of the Scientific method, and refers to the ability of a test or Experiment to be accurately reproduced or replicated ^[22]

Single dose effects

Pain relief: Relief from pain due to musculoskeletal injuries and other causes is cited as a major benefit of massage. The musculoskeletal system (also known as the locomotor system is an organ system that gives Animals the ability to physically move using the Muscles and ^[5] In one study, cancer patients self-reported symptomatic relief of pain. Cancer (medical term Malignant Neoplasm) is a class of Diseases in which a group of cells display uncontrolled ^{[23] [24]} This study, however, did not include a no treatment or placebo control group so these effect may be due to the placebo effect or regression towards the mean. Placebo is a substance or procedure a patient accepts as medicine or therapy but which has no specific therapeutic activity Regression toward the mean, in Statistics, is the phenomenon whereby members of a Population with extreme values on a given measure for one observation will for purely Massage can also relieve tension headaches. Tension headaches, which were renamed tension-type headaches by the International Headache Society in 1988 are the most common type of primary Headaches Acupressure or pressure point massage may be more beneficial than classic Swedish massage in relieving back pain. Acupressure Back pain (also known " dorsalgia " is Pain felt in the back that usually originates from the Muscles Nerves Bones ^[25] However, a meta-study conducted by scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign failed to find a statistically significant reduction in pain immediately following treatment. ^[20]

State anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce state anxiety, a transient measure of anxiety in a given situation. Anxiety is a physiological and psychological state characterized by Cognitive, Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral components ^[20]

Blood pressure and heart rate: Massage has been shown to reduce blood pressure and heart rate as temporary effects. ^[20]

Attention: After massage, EEG patterns indicate enhanced performance and alertness on mathematical computations, with the effects perhaps being mediated by decreased stress hormones. Mathematics is the body of Knowledge and Academic discipline that studies such concepts as Quantity, Structure, Space and Hormones (from Greek ὁρμή - "impetus" are chemicals released by cells that affect cells in other parts of the body

Other: Massage also stimulates the immune system^[26] by increasing peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). An immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an Organism that protects against Disease by identifying and killing Pathogens and Tumor Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes (PBL are mature Lymphocytes that circulate in the Blood, rather than localising to organs (such as the Spleen or Lymph However, this immune system effect is only observed in aromatherapy massage, which includes sweet almond oil, lavender oil, cypress oil, and sweet marjoram oil. The Almond ( Prunus dulcis, syn Prunus amygdalus Batsch Amygdalus communis L Lavender oil is an Essential oil obtained by Distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of Lavender. Marjoram ( Origanum majorana, Lamiaceae) is a somewhat cold-sensitive perennial Herb or undershrub with sweet Pine It is unclear whether this effect persists over the long term.

Multiple dose effects

Pain relief: When combined with education and exercises, massage might help sub-acute, chronic, non-specific low back pain. Low back pain (sometimes referred to generally as lumbago) is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders or of disorders involving the Lumbar vertebrae. ^[27] Furthermore, massage has been shown to reduce pain experienced in the days or weeks after treatment. ^[20]

Trait anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce trait anxiety; a person's general susceptibility to anxiety. Anxiety is a physiological and psychological state characterized by Cognitive, Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral components ^[20]

Depression: Massage has been shown to reduce subclinical depression. In the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to both expected and pathologically chronic or severe ^[20]

Diseases: Massage, involving stretching, has been shown to help with spastic diplegia resulting from Cerebral palsy in a small pilot study. "Little's disease" redirects here Spastic diplegia, historically known as Little's Disease, is a form of Cerebral palsy Cerebral palsy ( CP) is an Umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non- contagious conditions that cause Physical disability ^[28] The researchers warn that these results should "be viewed with caution until a double-blind controlled trial can be conducted".

Massage has been used in an effort to improve symptoms, disease progression, and quality of life in HIV patients, however, this treatment is not scientifically supported. Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ^[29]

Regulation

In the USA there are about 90,000 massage therapists. ^[7] Training programs in the US are typically 500–1000 hours in length, and can award a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school. ^[30] There are around 1,300 programs training massage therapists in the country and study will often include anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage techniques, first aid and CPR, business, ethical and legal issues, and hands on practice along with continuing education requirements if regulated. Anatomy (from the Greek anatomia, from ana separate apart from and temnein, to cut up cut open is a branch of Biology that is the consideration Kinesiology, also known as Human Kinetics, is the science of human movement First aid is the provision of initial care for an Illness or Injury. A business (also called firm or an enterprise) is a legally recognized organizational entity designed to provide goods and/or services to Ethics is a major branch of Philosophy, encompassing right conduct and good life Law is a system of rules enforced through a set of Institutions used as an instrument to underpin civil obedience politics economics and society Continuing education is an all encompassing term within a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs ^[5] The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is one of the organizations that works with massage schools in the U. S. . ^[6] 38 states and the District of Columbia require some type of licencing for massage therapists. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D ^[31] In the US, 32 states use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's certification program as a basis for granting licenses either by rule or statute. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB is an independent private nonprofit organization formed to set high standards of ethical and professional A statute is a formal written enactment of a Legislative authority that governs a Country, State, City, or County. ^[32] The National Board grants the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). There are two tests available and you can become certified through a porfolio process if you have equivalent training and experience. ^[33] Between 10-20% of towns or counties regulate the profession. The term profession is applied to those persons who have specialized and technical skill or knowledge which they apply for a fee to certain tasks that ordinary and unqualified people cannot ^[34] These local regulations can range from prohibition on opposite sex massage, fingerprinting and venereal checks from a doctor, to prohibition on house calls because of concern regarding sale of sexual services. ^{[34] [35]}

In the USA licensure is the highest level of regulation and this restricts anyone without a license from practicing massage therapy or by calling themselves that protected title. Licensure refers to the granting of a License, which gives a 'permission to practice This article is for the legal term For regulation of genes see Regulation of gene expression. Certification allows only those who meet certain educational criteria to use the protected title and registration only requires a listing of therapists who apply and meet an educational requirement. ^[35]

In Canada only three provinces regulate massage therapy ^[36] they are British Columbia, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. A province is a territorial unit almost always an Administrative division. British Columbia (ˌbrɪtɨʃ kəˈlʌmbiə ( BC) ( (la Colombie-Britannique C Ontario (ɒnˈtɛrioʊ is a province located in the central part of Canada, the largest by population and second largest after Quebec Newfoundland and Labrador (ˈnuːfɨn(dlənd ən(d ˈlæbrəˌdɔr (Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador is a province of Canada, the tenth and latest to join the Confederation ^[34] The Canadian Massage Therapists Alliance (CMTA) has set a level of 2200 practice hours in Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador and 3000 hours in British Columbia. ^[36] In India, massage therapy is licenced by The Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) in March of 1995. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

Because the art and science of massage is a globally diverse phenomenon, different legal jurisdictions sometimes recognize and license individuals with titles. Examples are:

• Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) Canada
• Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)
• Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP)
• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
• Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) North Carolina

Prevalence in the United States

In 1997 there was an estimated 114 million visits to massage therapists in the US. ^[30] Massage therapy is the most used type of Complementary and alternative medicine in hospitals in the United States. ^[6]

People state that they use massage because they believe that it relieves pain from musculoskeletal injuries and other causes of pain, reduces stress and enhances relaxation, rehabilitates sports injuries, decreases feelings of anxiety and depression, and increases general well being. The musculoskeletal system (also known as the locomotor system is an organ system that gives Animals the ability to physically move using the Muscles and ^[5]

In a poll of 25-35 year olds 79% said they would like their health insurance plan to cover massage. ^[8] Some of the companies that offer massage to their employees include Allstate, Best Buy, Cisco Systems, FedEx, Gannett (which runs USA Today), General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Home Depot, JC Penney, Kimberly-Clark, Texas Instruments and Yahoo. The Allstate Corporation is the largest publicly held personal lines insurer in the United States and the second-largest of all personal lines insurers in the Best Buy Co Inc ( is a Fortune 100 company and the largest specialty retailer of Consumer electronics in the United States and Canada FedEx Corporation ( is a Logistics services company based in the United States. Gannett Company Inc ( is a publicly-traded media Holding company based in the United States. USA TODAY is a national American daily Newspaper published by the Gannett Company. The Home Depot ( is an American Retailer of Home improvement and construction products and services J C Penney Company Inc ( most commonly known today by the name JCPenney or simply Penneys) is a mid-range chain of American Department stores Kimberly-Clark Corporation () is an American Corporation that produces mostly Paper -based consumer products Texas Instruments ( better known in the electronics industry (and popularly as TI, is an American company based in Dallas, Texas, USA In 2006 Duke University Health System opened up a center to integrate medical disciplines with CAM disciplines such as massage therapy and acupuncture^[37], this trend was started by Andrew Weil. The Duke University Health System, combines the Duke University School of Medicine, the Duke University School of Nursing, the Duke Clinic and the member hospitals History Antiquity In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as Andrew Thomas Weil (born 1942) is an American Author and Physician, best known for establishing and popularizing the field of integrative There were 15,500 spas in the United States in 2007 with about a third of the visitors being men. A destination spa is a short term residential/lodging facility with the primary purpose of guiding individual spa-goers to develop healthy habits The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ^[31]

The number of visits rose from 91 million in 1999 to 136 million in 2003, generating a revenue that equals $11 billion. ^[38]

Prevalence in Asia

In Asia, bathroom attendants may provide a hot face towel and a massage. A toilet attendant, or bathroom attendant, is a Housekeeper for a Public toilet.

Notable practitioners

Heinrich Himmler, commander of the Schutzstaffel (SS) and one of the most powerful men in Nazi Germany might have lost faith in German victory due to his discussions with his masseurs Felix Kersten and Walter Schellenberg. Heinrich Luitpold Himmler ( 7 October 1900 – 23 May 1945 was a Nazi German politician and head of the Schutzstaffel (SS. The ( German for "Protective Squadron" abbreviated SS - or ( Runic)- was a major Nazi organization under Adolf Hitler and the The ( German for "Protective Squadron" abbreviated SS - or ( Runic)- was a major Nazi organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers Felix Kersten ( 30 September, 1898 Dorpat, Russia - 16 April, 1960, Stockholm, Sweden) was before Walter (correctly Walther) Friedrich Schellenberg ( January 16[[ 910]] &ndash March 31[[ 952]] was a German Nazi who ^[39] Albert Bedane (1893–1980) who provided shelter to a Jewish woman and others during World War II was a massage/physiotherapist. Albert Bedane (1893&ndash1980 lived in Jersey during the German occupation during World War II, and provided shelter to a Jewish woman and others preventing World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including

See also

Massage therapist organizations Haptics study of human touching behaviour U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Acupuncture Physical medicine and rehabilitation Erotic Massage Wilhelm Reich Feldenkrais method Neo-Reichian massage Kinetic Awareness Silas Weir Mitchell Fire cupping Eutony Bartenieff Fundamentals Laban Movement Analysis Spondylosis Adams Approach Osteopathy Joint manipulation Joint mobilization Spinal manipulation Spinal mobilization Spinal manipulative therapy Traction Applied Kinesiology

Dorn method Autogenic training Body Psychotherapy Psychotherapeutic Postural Integration Kinetic Awareness Kripalu Center Kinetic Awareness Emf balancing technique Lomilomi Bioenergetic analysis Subtle body Liniment Pilates Jacobson's Progressive Muscle Relaxation Somatic psychology Somatherapy Carpal tunnel syndrome Psychotherapeutic Postural Integration

Naprapathy Herbalism or phytotherapy Shoulder problems Palliative care Spinal disc herniation Back pain Anthroposophical medicine Repetitive strain injury Erythema Michael Shermer Sebastian Kneipp Jin Shin Do Health care in Japan Seitai Natural health Pushing hands Wikipedia:MeSH E02 Ita Wegman Mabel Todd Alexander Lowen Heinrich Jacoby Elsa Gindler

References

External links

• Massage How To Videos
• Massage Therapy: Riddled with Quackery
• Glossary of bodywork
• How Massage Works

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