Massage

Origins and historical development :

The natural instinct to touch has always been recognised as a form of therapeutic comfort. However it is generally accepted that the Chinese around 5,000 years ago were the first to fully embrace its healing properties. Massage was also part of daily life in Greek and Roman civilisations for relaxation, with ‘rubbing’ of the body to bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid having been recommended by Hippocrates in the 5th Century BC. In the 11th Century the Arab philosopher and physician Avicenna described the purpose of massage to disperse effete matters from muscles that has not been expelled during exercise.

Interestingly, clinical use of massage disappeared during the Middle Ages and was not revived until the 16th Century when Ambroise Pare, a French surgeon, encouraged its use once more.

Modern day massage, however, stems from the Swedish fencing master and gymnast Per Henrik Ling who travelled to China and devised his own comprehensive system of massage based on what he had seen being practiced in the East. His ‘Swedish’ massage concentrates on moving the hands around the body applying varying degrees of fiction, pressure, rotation and vibration. His particular techniques are ‘effleurage’, from the French ‘effleurer’ (meaning to stroke) used as a slow, comforting rhythmic way to warm the body and work oils into the skin. ‘Petrissage’ from the French word ‘petrir’ (meaning to knead) presses on tissue to release tension. ‘Friction’, or connective tissue massage, is the application of circular movements to a particular area of the body that is carrying a lot of stress; and finally ‘tapotement’ (percussion) to stimulate blood flow through cupping and hacking the muscles.

In 1813 the first school to offer massage courses was established in Stockholm and its practice began to grow.

Massage is now a popular and widely used form of therapy and method of relaxation the world over.

What to expect during a treatment :

Massages will vary in length and purpose depending on what the client is looking for. The practitioner will often have a ‘menu’ of ready made treatments based around time and cost; ranging from a 15 minute shoulder and neck massage to a 90 minute full body massage. As the application of pressure is given directly onto the skin of the client, little clothing is worn, with dignity being preserved through the tactical use of towels which also serve to keep the client warm while other parts of the body are being massaged. The client will lie on a flat padded bench in a quite, private room, sometimes with soft music playing. For massage to the back of the body, there may also be a removable ‘plug’ in the head area of the bench that reveals a small padded hole for the client to rest their head upon without discomfort to the face. This is so the neck and spine are in correct alignment to maximise comfort and benefit during the massage. The experience is often deeply relaxing and people do sometimes drift into a light state of sleep.

Many practitioners will also offer massage in combination with other therapies, such as aromatherapy oils being used to rub into the skin; as well as various beauty treatments.

When the massage is complete it is often normal for the client to be left to rest for a few minutes.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Massage is ideal as a regular means of relaxation, stress relief and alleviating tense muscles for overall general well being; both mentally and physically. It will also stimulate the lymphatic system which will enhance the body’s immune system. Other benefits include helping with anxiety, insomnia, migraines, poor circulation, digestive problems and PMS. Massage is also popular at home to promote intimacy between couples.

The latest exciting news is that Doctors in America believe premature babies who are massaged grow 47% more quickly than those who aren’t.