What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is one of the age-old health care practices that induce no side effects. It serves as a great and economical solution for a multitude of health problems like muscle spasms, muscle tension, and stiffness. It can enhance the joint and limb flexibility and can promote a wide range of motions. Through massage therapy, the soft tissues in the body are manipulated. This therapy is usually done with fingers, hands, elbows, feet, forearms, knees, or using some device specially designed for the purpose. Massage therapy in East Amherst is fast gaining popularity owing to the number of immediate and long-term benefits it possesses. As a result, a large number of therapy centers equipped with professionally trained people trained to carry out the therapy in a scientific manner is now available in almost every nook and corner. The person who is trained professionally to give massage therapy is known as a masseur (male), and the female is traditionally known by the name masseuse. But these are outdated, and the current trend is to acknowledge them by the term massage therapist for male and female alike. 

Method of application

The methodology of applying massage therapy is different in different places. One may find it better to carry out the treatment with the client lying on the massage table, while others fancy to help the client with a massage chair. It can also be done by laying a mat on the floor. The above-mentioned techniques are followed in professional settings while in amateur settings, a surface like a bed is usual. There are other techniques like bodywork and aquatic massage where the massage is applied with recipients who are submerged or made to float in a pool containing warm water.

Word origin

The word comes from a French word, which in turn is originated from the Arabic word “Massa” which means to touch, to feel, etc. The history of massage therapy can be traced back to many ancient civilizations, some of which are China, Egypt, India, Greece, Japan, Rome, Mesopotamia, and Korea.   

Different types and methods available

There are different types and methods by which massage therapy can be carried out. The predominant and popularly adopted ones are active release techniques, acupressure, aquatic bodywork, ashiatsu, ayurvedic massage, Burmese massage, Biomechanical stimulation massage, Biodynamic massage, craniosacral therapy, erotic massage, Lomilomi and indigenous massage of Oceania, lymphatic drainage, medical massage, myofascial massage, reflexology, sports massage, structural integration, Swedish massage, Thai massage, traditional Chinese massage, trigger point therapy, Turkish bath massage, Tui na and watsu. 

Active release methods, acupressure, and Ashiatsu

In active release methods, the massage is done to release adhesive secretions of the soft tissues. Whereas in acupressure, which is a method similar to acupuncture, at acupuncture points, the pressure is applied. The aim is to wave off the blockages in these spots. Medical studies suggest this technique for nasal problems, vomiting, stomach ache, tension headaches, lower back pains, etc. In the case of aquatic bodywork, a number of operations are applied in water. However, in Ashiatsu, these operations are carried out using feet. This technique is ideal for large muscles like the thigh.

Ayurvedic massage, Burmese massage, BMS massage, and erotic massage

The ayurvedic massage focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system. Ayurvedic classics state that the massage is an unavoidable routine that has to be done daily to ensure a healthy lifestyle. As per the practitioners, regular ayurvedic massage is sought to relieve pain, strengthen the immune system, reduce fatigue, and a longer life span. On the contrary, the Burmese massage is a massage applied to the full body that begins from the head and ends in the toe. It can be summarized as a thorough massage that deals with the entire body. The main aim of this type of massage is to improve blood circulation and to enhance the quality of sleep. It is also widely used for skin treatment as it is seen to improve the quality of the skin. BMS massage stands for Biomechanical stimulation massage is done using specially designed handheld vibratory devices. These are applied to stimulate localized muscle groups either directly or with the aid of linking tendons. Erotic massage is a special kind of massage done to enhance the sexual arousal of a person. The technique progresses by applying operations by a person on the erogenous zones of another person. It can also be used to treat female hysteria.

Swedish massage, Thai therapy, and trigger point therapy

The most popularly used massage technique is the Swedish massage, which has different levels of the therapy ranging from light to hectic applications. The method progresses by using five specific strokes, each known by a particular name. This type of massage is widely acknowledged as the classic massage and is the most sought after the massage therapy. Another popular massage is Thai Massage in East Amherst, which involves the stretching movements that help to improve blood circulation, body flexibility, and joint mobility. Trigger point therapy works by deactivating trigger points that have the capability to cause sensations like pains. 

 The massage therapy as a whole, and the different modes currently practiced are briefed in the above excerpt.