Resources

The Online Guide to Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the manipulating of the muscles and soft tissues of the body. Its origins date back to over 4,000 years ago, and it continues to be used as a healing practice throughout the world. There are approximately 100 types of massage techniques, each with very unique benefits. According to a 2007 National Health Interview Survey, nearly 18 million U.S. adults and 700,000 children received massage therapy in 2006. Massage therapy is known to reduce stress, pain, and help in the rehabilitation process.

History of Massage Therapy

The healing therapy of massage dates back to ancient civilizations, and today it continues to play an important role in Chinese medicine. .

  • Massage Therapy: Health Services of University of New Hampshire defines massage therapy and gives a brief history of it origins.
  • History of Massage Therapy: A look at the traditions that laid precedents for massage therapy.
  • Origins of Massage: An overview of the history of massage therapy.
  • Tui Na: A concise but to the point description of the history of the ancient Chinese therapy Tui Na.
  • An Introduction: A comprehensive guide to massage therapy. The United States Department of Health and Human Services provides informative research on the history and practice of massage therapy.

Types of Massages

The following is a list of massage techniques. It is not an exhaustive list, but provides a supply of informative guides for those interested in the study of massage.

  • Swedish Massage: Explains what Swedish massage is and where it originated.
  • Acupressure: A guide to understanding and using acupressure.
  • Reflexology: An overview of the therapy that is focused on the hands and feet.
  • Massage Descriptions: Brief descriptions of chair, table, Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage.
  • Chair Massage: Learn about the technique that has made its way into to the workplace. Chair massage is the most popular massage for stress reduction.
  • F.M. Alexander Technique: This technique is used to help people to improve habits. The article gives some insight to the technique.
  • Acupressure: Micheal Reed Gach gives a brief history of this ancient technique and gives accounts of success of acupuncture.
  • Shiatsu: An University of Minnesota health page on the principles of Shiatsu and what to expect during a session.
  • Thai Massage: Gives a brief history on Thai massage that originated in Thailand. Also explains how the massage is performed.
  • Qigong: Explains how to do this self-massage for the eyes, above the ears and the head.
  • Massage Techniques: An informative list of some massage techniques.
  • Infant Massage: Learn how to do infant massage with these guidelines.
  • Sports Massage: The National University of Health Sciences describes what a sport a massage is and what it does for the athlete.
  • Types of Massage: Provides brief descriptions of 10 massage techniques and describes what to expect from a massage in general.
  • Indian Head Massage: A detailed history of Indian head massage known as champissage.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can greatly benefit the body both physically and chemically. These links describe a few of the benefits of massage therapy.

  • Massage and Cancer: The Children’s Hospital of New York Presbyterian explores the benefits of pediatric and reflexology massage for children with cancer.
  • Swedish Massage Benefits: Yale Office of Public Affairs and Communications investigates the promising benefits of Swedish massage for osteoarthritis.
  • Chair Massage Benefits: A brief look at the benefits of chair massage for workplace fatigue.
  • For High Blood Pressure: The benefits of Shiatsu for the treatment of high blood pressure.
  • Massage Benefits: Describes the immune system and physiological benefits of massage therapy.

Careers in Massage Therapy

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