Although massage therapy is sometimes used for conventional purposes, in the United States it is often classified as complementary and alternative medicine. It has a long history around the world and throughout different cultures it comes in many forms. Massage therapy has been referenced over the years in various parts of the world including China, Egypt, Rome, India, Japan and Arabic nations. Some of the many benefits of massage therapy include a reduction in blood pressure, tension, stress and heart rate as well as flexibility improvement and strengthening of the immune system.
- Massage Therapy: An Introduction: An in-depth look at the definition and history of massage therapy.
- Benefits of Massage: A list of the benefits of massage therapy.
- Benefits of Massage: A list of massage therapy benefits including the type of massages that are best for each condition.
- Complementary Medicine: Massage therapy information – including definition, benefits and types of massage.
- All About Massage Therapy: Information on massage therapy, the benefits and different techniques.
There are various types of techniques that are used in massage therapy and focus on different areas for specific benefits. Some techniques massage the entire body to promote relaxation and the loosening of stiff muscles while other techniques focus on the pressure points to promote a greater flow of chi (energy) and promote healing. Some techniques can be used to relieve headaches, menstrual cramps, back aches, indigestion and constipation. Depending on the area that needs attention, the face, head, neck or body may be the focal point of the massage session.
- Acupressure: Definition and information on what acupressure is.
- Aromatherapy: Definition and history of aromatherapy.
- Ayurvedic Massage: Information and resources on ayurvedic massage.
- The Bowen Technique: Understanding the Bowen Technique and research.
- Color Therapy: Information on color therapy and how it works.
- Deep Tissue: Information about deep tissue massaging and connective tissue.
- Cupping: Definition of and information on this traditional Chinese medicine technique.
- Shiatsu: Definition and benefits of shiatsu therapy.
- Hydrotherapy: How hydrotherapy works and the benefits behind it.
- Reflexology: Information and history of reflexology.
During the massage process, different strokes are used depending on the type of massage that is being performed. The types of strokes vary from soft touches to long, deep strokes and can range in the pressure and speed of each. When the client is seeking relaxation, the type of stroke can either be soft, gliding strokes or it can be another type of stroke with light to moderate pressure. The more intense types of strokes are generally used for ailments.
- Effleurage: Information on the effleurage massage stroke.
- Sports Massaging: Information on effleurage, petrissage, frictions and tapotement massage strokes.
- Massage Strokes: Information on various stroking techniques including cupping, draining, gliding and kneading.
- Massage Stroke Glossary: A list of stroke definitions including cross hand facial stretch, “J” stroke, muscle squeezing and muscle stripping.
- Strokes and Pressure: Information on different types of strokes and pressure.
- Massage Techniques: Information on different massaging techniques.
- Massaging Techniques: Techniques to give great massages including types of massage strokes.
- Circulatory Massage: Benefits of circulatory massage including five forms of massage strokes.
- Swedish Massage: Strokes used for a Swedish massage.
- Types of Massage: Types of massage and the strokes that are used for each.
- Different Strokes: The types of strokes used for stress, athletes and expectant mothers.
- Massage Therapy: The different types of massage therapy and the types of strokes used for each.
- Massage Strokes and Pressure: Different types of massage strokes and the pressure used with each.
- Deep Transverse: Information on deep transverse massage, also called friction.
- Cross-Friction Massage: Information on cross-friction massage and the theory behind it.
Massage therapy programs that are offered at schools vary in length depending on the type of massage you are focusing on. Most schools can provide you with general massage techniques while others are more advanced and provide you with specific modalities. Some of those modalities can include reiki and shiatsu. The requirements to become a massage therapist vary from state to state, but students can attend a community or technical school to obtain hands-on training.
- Massage Therapy Program: New York College of Health Professions’ massage therapy program information.
- Massage Therapy: National University of Health Sciences massage therapy program.
- Reiki: Southwest Institute of Healing Arts’ reiki certificate program.
- Massage Therapy: Sarasota School of Massage Therapy’s massage therapy program.
- Shiatsu: Shiatsu and Tui Na certification at Acupuncture and Massage College.
