WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY, ITS HISTORY AND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGES
In this article, I will explain what massage therapy is, briefly explore the history of massage, and the different types of massages that are popular today.
WHAT IS MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy is the rubbing, pressing and kneading of the skin (using the hands, arms, feet, or a device) to reach deeper layers of skin, muscles, sinews, joints and bones of the body, particularly to put the structure of the body in the right order, to treat pain, and to promote relaxation.
Massage therapy gives many health benefits to the body and also to the mind. Many cultures and nations, in the past and present use massage as a form of treatment.
There are many types of massages from different origins and for different purposes. So, it is helpful that you know the different types of massages, their uses, and what type of massage is suitable for you.
HISTORY OF MASSAGE THERAPY
We can’t trace the history of massage to a single origin. Because many cultures used and still use massage as a form of traditional treatment; from the days of Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and Greece to modern day India, China and Japan. But in the early days of modern Christianity, the church abolished traditional massage because of its association with heathen practises, and replaced massage with western medicine. Meanwhile other countries such as China, Japan, India and Thailand continued to use massage as a form of treatment.
WESRTEN MASSAGE PRACTISE
However, the western culture reintroduced massage as part of modern medicine in the 1700s, because of its irreplaceable benefits, to treat orthopaedic problems. Back then, medical doctors hired massage experts called ‘rubbers’. the rubbers assisted in the rehabilitation of patients after surgery. They used joint movements in their treatment to increase a patient’s range of motion, and mainly to help them move properly after an injury.
MASSEUSES AND MASSEURS
In the early 1800s masseuses and masseurs replaced rubbers. The masseuse and masseur used an understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology in their massage treatment. And by 1900s massage was a licensed medical profession. Also, around this time, the Swedish massage from Sweden which uses a physical and holistic approach to promote health was gaining popularity across the world. Furthermore, the Swedish massage led to the introduction of full body massage to heal, increase circulation, increase appetite, and release muscle tension in patients. The Masseuses and masseurs became known as massage therapists, and wellness professionals. Because of this massage therapy became popular, and more people accepted it as a drug-free treatment.
PRESENT DAY MASSAGE THERAPY
Massage therapy, in present time, is categorised into traditional massage treatment or western massage treatment.
Traditional massage includes Eastern massage practises such as Chinese medicine. Traditional massage focuses on particular points in the body called the meridians of the body to create an effect on an affected area. Western massage focuses on the skeletal structure of the body and it’s physical components. Therefore the main difference between Eastern traditional massage and Western massage is that Eastern traditional massage focuses on the flow of energy in the body’s pathways called ‘meridians’; Western massage focuses on the musculoskeletal system of the body.
TYPES OF MASSAGES THERAPY THAT ARE POPULAR TODAY
POPULAR WESTERN MASSAGES THERAPY
- Deep tissue massage
- Relaxing massage
- Sports massage
- Swedish massage
- Lymphatic drainage massage
POPULAR TRADITIONAL MASSAGES
- Lomi lomi massage
- Ayurvedic massage
- Shiatsu massage
- Thai massage
- Reflexology massage
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE THERAPY
Deep tissue massage is a massage that treat aches, chronic pain, weak muscles, stiff joints, strains, and muscle injury. The massage uses firm but gentle pressure on the skin to reach inner layers of muscles and connective tissues. Deep tissue massage is used for treating muscle strains, tendon injuries, and problems in the musculoskeletal system. Deep tissue massage is also use to reduce inflammation, and to break down scar tissue to improve blood circulation which quickens muscle and tendon recovery.
RELAXING MASSAGE THERAPY
Relaxing massage is a type of massage that focuses on relaxation, by reducing muscle tension and aches. It helps to reduce tightness in the muscles, and promotes a good night sleep.
Relaxing massage uses long, soothing strokes of medium to light pressure.
SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
Sports massage is a massage for treating and preventing injuries from sports or other physical activity. The massage focuses on correcting problems and imbalances, that is caused from repetitive physical activities, in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Sports massage can be a slow paced massage or a fast paced massage, with stretching.
SWEDISH MASSAGE THERAPY
Swedish massage is a type of Relaxing massage. But it can be used to relax or to energise the body. Swedish massage reduces body aches, improves blood circulation and relaxes tense muscles. It is massage is a full body massage with body oil or lotion.
Swedish massage uses long strokes, kneading, percussion and rolling movements.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
Lymphatic massage is a form of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system. It is considered a type of massage because it uses, in part, hand movement on the skin. But it is different from therapeutic massages such as a Swedish massage or a Relaxing massage. Lymphatic massage is for removing toxins from body tissue, to improve the flow of lymph fluids, and to reduce swelling.
LOMI LOMI MASSAGE
This is a traditional Hawaiian massage. Lomi lomi massage uses a combination of prayer, nut oils, massage techniques, breathing, and dance to restore energy and relax the body. Lomi Lomi is from the Hawaiian language which translates to ‘rub rub’.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Ayurvedic massage is a traditional Indian massage. The massage is to create a balance within the body, mind and spirit, by clearing the energy pathways, so the body can heal itself.
SHIATSU MASSAGE
It is a traditional Japanese massage. Shiatsu massage uses the concept of traditional Chinese medicine that uses pressure on specific points of the body to relieve tension and pain. Shiatsu translates to ‘finger pressure’.
THAI MASSAGE
Thai massage is an ancient traditional massage from Thailand. The massage combines acupressure, yoga postures and concepts of Ayurveda to revive energy, relieve pain, improve motion and flexibility.
REFLEXOLOGY
This is a traditional massage from ancient Egypt. Reflexology is a massage that focuses on the feet, and sometimes the hands and ears, to relax and improve a person’s mood. Reflexology massage is done on the feet, with gentle movements, to affect organs and tissues of the body.
Massage therapy has come a long way since the earlier days, but it still remains a wholesome treatment for pain and musculoskeletal problems. Overall, massage therapy is an effective drug-free treatment, that its healthy. But before you book a massage, take your time to understand the different types of massages, so you can choose a suitable massage.
