 Massage Therapy Overview - Part I
Massage
therapy modalities are as diverse in nature as leaves on a tree; and
subsequently, quite effective in helping to naturally heal common and
chronic health conditions. In this article, we are going to discuss
some of the more common massage therapy modalities, specific strokes
and general health benefits.
One of the widely used types of massage therapy is Swedish massage.
Most massage therapists have learned and practice this particular form
of bodywork; and utilize four types of touch therapy: Effleurage,
Friction, Petrisage and Tapotement. These deep tissue motions are known
to relax body tissues, increase blood circulation, and alleviate stress.
Another emerging massage therapy is reflexology. Reflexology is a foot
massage therapy based on the theory of meridian therapy; whereby parts
of the foot sole are believed to be interrelated to various body
systems. Pressure is applied to specific points to the sole to help in
healing, and in relieving stress. In addition to foot reflexology,
there are a number of practitioners that practice hand, ear and body
reflexology as well.
Some popular Eastern massage therapy
methods include Thai massage, Acupressure/Shiatsu, and Tuina. Thai
massage therapy is a bodywork modality that is based on the Yin and
Yang principle of restoring energy balance to the body, and is
administered through muscle stretching motions. Acupressure (also
referred to as Shiatsu) is a distinct massage therapy that facilitates
finger pressure to particular energy channels (meridians) along the
body. This massage method is similar to acupuncture without the
needles, and is believed to restore harmony to the chi (energy flow) to
the body; which, in turn restores health and vitality. Tuina massage
therapy is commonly taught in many Oriental medicine programs and is
referred to as "Chinese medical massage." In Tuina, various touch
methods are used to balance Qi (chi) and the internal organs and body
systems.
Myofascial release is a massage therapy that mixes stretches and
massage to the fibrous bands of connective tissue (fascia). Gently
kneading and softly stretching the fascia, myofascial release
lengthens, softens and realigns the fascia; treating an array of health
conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sprains,
rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Finally, lymphatic drainage massage therapy
is specifically used to reduce edema (swelling of the tissues due to
water retention). Facilitating gentle massage along the body's
lymphatic system, lymphatic drainage (also known as manual lymphatic
drainage, MLD) is helpful in stimulating the immune system and
improving circulation. This particular massage technique is beneficial
to patients who suffer from chronic disease like congestive heart
failure and cancer.
Stay tuned for Massage Therapy Overview - Part II of this series of articles.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding massage therapy
programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like
massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki,
and others get you started! Explore massage therapy near you.
Massage Therapy Overview - Part I
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy, Massage Schools, and other Healing Arts.
About the Author
CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Massage Therapy & Massage Schools.
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