Massage therapy has grown so much in recent years that it's now
on par with other complementary services like chiropractic and physical
therapy, says the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals
(ABMP). According to a study they commissioned, two out of five
adults have visited a massage therapist, and 12 percent of American
adults had at least one massage in 2004.
"What is striking about the overall survey results is that
there are very few detractors, few negative expressions about massage,"
says Bob Benson, president of ABMP.
Some 96 percent of those who had at least one massage in 2004 said
they had favorable feelings toward massage therapists. The medical
establishment, too, is embracing massage as a legit and beneficial
form of treatment. The AMTA reports that one national survey found
over half (54 percent) of primary care physicians and family practitioners
would encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy as a treatment.
Further, people surveyed over the last three years said that when
they discuss massage therapy with their physicians, more than 70
percent responded favorably.
Swedish Massage: This is likely the most common
type of massage, sometimes referred to as 'traditional massage.'
It was developed by a Swedish doctor, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, in the
1820s, and is known as the first modern method of massage. Techniques
include long gliding strokes, kneading, friction, tapping and shaking
motions that affect the nerves, muscles and glands. It's ideal for
relaxation, increasing circulation and energizing you.
Deep Tissue Massage: This is a deep massage meant
to reach deep into your muscles and "unstick" the fibers
they contain. This is done by deep muscle compression and putting
friction along the grain of the muscle. It is especially good for
muscle damage from an injury such as whiplash or back strain, and
it helps release toxins and break patterns of tension.
Chair Massage: This is a great way to relax in
10 or 20 minutes. The massage is for your upper body, and it's done
while you're fully clothed and seated in a special portable chair.
Because the chair is portable, you may see this type of massage
being performed at health clubs, health food stores, airports or
private events and parties.
Reiki: This is a Japanese technique that literally
means "universal life energy." It came to the United States
in the 1930s after being developed in the 19th century by a Christian
Japanese monk, Dr. Mikao Usua, who discovered the technique in ancient
manuscripts. In it, hands are placed on specific positions on or
above the body in order to transmit the healing "life energy."
It's used to relieve pain, heal illness and help with spiritual
growth.
Shiatsu: This massage is a form of acupressure
(shiatsu means "finger pressure") that's been used for
over 1,000 years in Japan. The technique includes pressure applied
to specific points along the body's meridians to stimulate the flow
of energy. Fingers, hands, elbows, knees or feet may be used to
apply the pressure. It's used for pain relief, relaxation and to
heal illness.
Thai Massage: The best way to describe this interactive
massage is it's a cross between shiatsu, acupressure and yoga. Pressure
is applied to your body's energy meridians to help stimulate energy
movement in the body while you stretch in yoga-like poses to relieve
muscle and joint tension. This massage is used for both relaxation
and stimulation, and helps to stimulate internal organs, reduce
tension and balance the body's energy system.
Hot Stone Therapy: Typically used in health spas,
this massage uses heated stones that are positioned on the body
and moved around with light pressure.
Reflexology: This is an acupressure-like technique
that's based on the ancient Oriental belief that meridian lines
carry energy throughout your body. Each zone has a corresponding
reflex point on the feet that can stimulate a certain organ. It
became popular in the 1930s. When a certain reflex point is stimulated,
congestion of the related organ is said to be cleared out. It's
used to help restore health.
Infant Massage: This technique includes a mix
of touch, massage and reflexology that is typically taught to new
mothers as a way to bond with their infants and encourage their
health. A University of Miami study found that infants who received
15 minutes of massage a day gained weight 47 percent faster than
those who did not, along with demonstrated other physical and neurological
benefits.
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