Massage Modalities: Popular Massage Therapies
Massage is a process where muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated by the fingers through stroking or kneading to improve blood circulation and for general well-being.
Massage when properly done, has a positive effect on the circulatory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
Massage was primarily practiced in the East as an important healing activity and soon found its way into the United States in the 18th century. It was practiced by a good number of doctors then and there were even clinics specializing in massage therapy.
However, by the early 20th century this healing therapy began to lose its popularity as the medical fraternity began to look at prescription drugs to cure the majority of ailments. By the later half of the century, the limitations of modern medicine came to the fore. The medical profession began recognizing many alternative medicine healing systems together with massage therapy.
There are many systems and methods of massage practiced all over the world. The number of massage therapists is growing, too. Currently, there are a hundred over thousand massage therapists all over the United States and the number is growing. These therapists practice various massage modalities (techniques).
Let’s look at some popular massage modalities.
Aromatherapy Massage
Essential oils extracted from plants with medicinal properties are used for massage. The skin absorbs these properties which give rise to a healing and calming effect on the mind and body. Aromatherapy massage helps alter moods by stimulating the area of the brain where emotions and memory are stored.
Reflexology
Thumbs and fingers are used to manipulate important points on the hands and feet. These points are called reflex points and massaging those results in a positive effect on the organs they are connected to. Foot reflexology is especially useful in alleviating metabolic irregularities and addresses any malfunctions of the same. Although only the feet are worked on, one feels as if the whole body has just received a thorough massage.
Fascial Kinetics
Conditions such as back and neck problems, stiff shoulders and tennis elbow among others could be relieved with fascial kinetics which is related to Bowen Therapy. It is a soft tissue therapy and works in a gentle manner to stimulate healing of problematic connective tissues. It relieves swelling, pain and inflammation of these tissues while allowing for increased mobility.
Reiki
This is an ancient system of healing which focuses on the transfer of positive energy from the massage therapist to the patient. Reiki promotes physical well-being, emotional balance, heightened spiritual awareness and internal healing, among others.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a massage modality that relies on deep finger pressure applied at strategic points in the body. It is proven to relieve tension, improve blood circulation, and alleviate pain and most importantly aids in energy flow for good overall health. Furthermore, acupressure is not merely a therapy for physical well-being. It also balances a person’s emotions, and heals the mind and spirit.
Swedish Massage
This massage therapy could be considered the first systematic massage therapy of Western origin. Swedish massage therapy speeds up the recovery time from muscle strain by expelling from the tissue excess lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic waste matter. It improves blood circulation while refreshing the skin and stimulating the nervous system. It is also popular as it not only reduces physical stress but also keeps in check emotional stress.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu involves the massaging, stretching and the application of physical pressure, concentrating on meridian channels and important pressure points. Its main purpose is to balance the Chi or the body’s energy flow. Like many Eastern therapies, it promotes not only physical well-being, but also revitalizes and harmonizes the emotional, mental and spiritual faculties.
Patients suffering from lower back pain, insomnia, sinusitis and depression, among others, can find relief through Shiatsu.
References
https://www.aamt.com.au/page.php?pgname=Mas-Modalities - Australian Association of Massage Therapists - overview of massage modalities
https://indospiritual.com/blogs/alternative-health/shiatsu-massage -Spiritual and Alternative Health Portal - on Shiatsu
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