2. What is Body Massage?
A body massage involves working and
applying pressure on the muscles of the body, on the
skin surface. It may be a manual massage or done
with machines and the application of soft-tissue
manipulation techniques to the body, generally
intended to reduce stress and fatigue while
improving circulation.
It is a holistic therapy and offers benefits for
physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being
of the person giving the massage as well as the
person receiving it. It works well on young and old,
male and female, and can even be applied as self-
help therapy.
The word “Massage” is most likely to have emerged from
the Greek word “Massein”, meaning “to knead” or the Arabic
word “mash” meaning “to press softly”.
3. Various body parts used to apply pressure
to massage are:
Hands
Fingers
Elbows
Knees
Forearm
Feet
Machines that are used to apply massage
in various parts of the body include:
Vibration machines
Heat emitting machines
Rollers made of bamboo or rosewood
Massage chairs
4. The earliest evidence of massage being used is found in the cave
paintings of ancient cave dwellers. These wall drawings and paintings show
people massaging each other. Various artifacts also found contain traces of fats
and oils mixed with herbs. These indicate that lubricants may have been used,
perhaps for healing, soothing or beautifying purposes.
Early as 3000 BC, the Chinese practiced massage to cure ailments and
improve general health. The Chinese found that pressure techniques were very
effective on specific points and they developed special techniques called amma.
This was the beginning of the development of acupressure and acupuncture.
5. The Japanese used similar
pressure techniques on specific
points, which they called tsubo.
This form of massage has been
practiced over the centuries; it has
recently regained recognition and
popularity and is now known as
shiatsu. 1800 BC, Records show
that the Hindus practiced massage
as part of their hygiene routines.
6. The Egyptians and Persians used
massage for cosmetic as well as
therapeutic effects. They mixed fats, oils,
herbs and resins for care of the skin and
beautifying the body and face. Pots and
jars containing these creams have been
found in Egyptian tombs.
Cleopatra is said to have bathed in milk
and then to have been massaged with
aromatic oils and creams by her
handmaidens.
The practice of massage spread from the
east into Europe, where it was well
established by 500 BC.
7. Greece and Roman Times
Rituals of bathing, massage, exercise
or dancing were practiced by men
and women
Gladiators and soldiers were
massaged before battle to give vigor
and promote fitness and health, and
afterwards to aid recovery, healing
and relaxation
Around 500 BC the Greek physician
Herodicus used massage with oils
and herbs to treat medical conditions
and diseases
8. Massage therapy can provide many physical benefits for the body. Here are
some of the most notable:
PAIN RELIEF
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is pain relief. Massage can help
alleviate pain in various body parts, including the back, neck, shoulders, and joints.
This is because massage therapy can help reduce inflammation, increase blood
flow, and release muscle tension.
Massage therapy can significantly benefit people with chronic pain conditions
such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or lower back pain. In fact, research has shown that
massage therapy can be just as effective as medication in reducing pain levels in
people with these conditions.
IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Another physical benefit of massage therapy is improved circulation.
Massage can help increase blood flow and oxygen to the body’s tissues and
organs, which can help improve overall health and well-being. Improved circulation
can also help speed up the healing process, as more oxygen and nutrients can
reach the site of an injury.
9. REDUCED MUSCLE TENSION
Massage therapy can also help reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. When muscles
are tense or tight, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and decreased range of motion. Massage
therapy can help relax these tense muscles, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of
injury.
Regular massage therapy can also help prevent muscle imbalances and postural problems,
leading to chronic pain and other issues.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
In addition to the physical benefits of massage therapy, there are many mental and emotional
benefits. Here are some of the most notable:
STRESS RELIEF
One of the most well-known benefits of massage therapy is stress relief. Massage can help
reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, which can lead to a sense of
relaxation and calm. This can be especially beneficial for people who experience high-stress
levels regularly.
10. Massage therapy can also help reduce anxiety levels, which can help improve overall
mental and emotional well-being.
IMPROVED SLEEP
Another mental and emotional benefit of massage therapy is improved sleep.
Massage can help promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension, which can help
improve the quality and duration of sleep. In fact, research has shown that massage
therapy can be an effective treatment for insomnia.
Improved sleep can positively impact overall mood, cognitive function, and physical
health.
BOOSTED MOOD
Massage therapy can also help improve mood and overall emotional well-being.
The physical touch of massage can release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good
chemicals. This can lead to relaxation, happiness, and overall well-being.
Massage therapy can also be helpful for people with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. In
fact, some research has shown that massage therapy can be just as effective as
traditional talk therapy in treating these conditions.
11. OTHER BENEFITS
In addition to the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of massage therapy, there are several other
potential benefits to consider:
IMPROVED IMMUNE FUNCTION
Some research suggests that massage therapy may help improve immune function by increasing the body’s
activity of white blood cells. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.
HEADACHE RELIEF
Massage therapy can also be effective in relieving headaches and migraines. By reducing muscle tension and
promoting relaxation, massage therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of headaches and improve the overall
quality of life for people who experience chronic headaches.
IMPROVED POSTURE
Massage therapy can also help improve posture by promoting proper spine alignment and reducing muscle
tension. This can be especially beneficial for people who sit at a desk all day or experience chronic back pain.
REHABILITATION FROM INJURY
Massage therapy can also be an effective tool for rehabilitation from injury. Massage therapy can help speed up
the healing process and improve overall function and range of motion by promoting circulation and reducing
inflammation.
12. 1. Swedish Massage
- is the most common and best-known type
of massage. It is a gentle full-body massage
that’s great for people who: are new to
massage, want to release tension, desire
gentle touch.
It can help release muscle knots, and
it’s also a good choice for when you want to
fully relax during a massage.
The therapist will use five basic movements:
• effleurage (long gliding strokes),
• friction (small circular motions),
• petrissage (kneading, rolling, or squeezing),
• tapotement (tapping),
• and vibration (shaking or rocking).
13. 2. Aromatherapy Massage
- is a variant of Swedish massage in
which the therapist uses essential oils along
with the usual massage oil. Essential oils are
extracts made from plants that are believed to
have healing properties. Many of them also
smell good.
Different essential oils provide different
benefits. For example, rose and lavender oils
both promote relaxation. Other oils can relieve
headaches, digestive problems, back pain,
insomnia, and premenstrual symptoms. Some
oils can provide emotional benefits like
reducing stress, improving mood, or
increasing energy.
14. 3. Hot Stone Massage
- involves the use of hot stones, most
commonly basalt, a volcanic rock that can hold
heat for a comparatively long time. The
therapist will place the heated stones on
specific parts of the body. They will also
massage you with the stones by pressing them
against your muscles. The heat from the
stones relaxes tight muscles and enables the
therapist to reach deeper tissues more easily.
They believe that the smoother the stone is,
the more healing power it contains.
People with certain medical conditions
like diabetes, varicose veins, or heart disease
should check with their doctor before getting a
hot stone massage.
15. 4. Deep Tissue Massage
- the therapist uses slow strokes that
press on the deeper tissues like muscles or
tendons. Rather than massage the entire
body, the therapist will often concentrate on
tight muscles causing the client discomfort or
pain. The therapist will also focus on
adhesions or knotted muscles.
Deep tissue massage is particularly effective
for treating painful and stiff trouble spots on
the body. It can help treat back sprain and
other muscle injuries, and it can help relieve
chronic tension.
16. 5. Shiatsu
- is a type of Japanese massage, and the word
“shiatsu” means “finger pressure.” Shiatsu is derived from
traditional Chinese medicine, and it is supposed to
improve the flow of vital energy or chi and restore balance
by stimulating the body’s acupressure points. To that end,
the therapist will use their hands, fingers, or elbows to
apply pressure along the body. They will generally hold
that pressure for a few seconds.
Shiatsu practitioners don’t use lotion or oil, so you should wear loose clothing. The
therapist will typically ask you to lie on a low massage table or a mat on the floor.
Shiatsu helps relieve stress and protect you from health problems caused by
stress. It is said to also stimulate the digestive system, increase energy, and
promote healing. Shiatsu is believed to be an effective treatment for sciatica,
insomnia, neck and back pain, arthritis, and even sinus trouble.
17. 6. Thai Massage
- is a blend of massage, passive
stretching, and assisted yoga. It is believed to
be over 2500 years old and incorporates
elements of the Ayurvedic healing traditions
from India. The therapist will have you lie down,
often on a mat on the floor. They will then
stretch your body in a series of positions. They
will use their fingers and palms to press down
on your body.
Thai massage, like shiatsu, helps improve the
balance of the body’s energies. Also, like
shiatsu, you usually keep your clothes on.
.
18. 7. Reflexology
- It is based on the idea that
some parts of the body, such as
the feet and hands, are “reflex
areas” whose energy is
connected to other parts of the
body. By putting pressure on
such reflex areas, the therapist
can reduce stress by stimulating
endorphins. Reflexology is also
believed to balance the nervous
system.
19. 8. Prenatal Massage
- is designed to help pregnant
women by reducing stress and the
physical discomforts that accompany
pregnancy like swollen ankles and back
pain. The therapist will need to have
undergone special training in order to give
a prenatal massage, for they will have to
tailor the treatment according to the
patient’s needs and trimester.
For example, they will have to know which
positions and techniques they should
avoid during a given trimester. They will
also need to know how to properly support
and position their client.
20. 9. Sports Massage
- designed for athletes. It can
help prevent injuries by improving an
athlete’s flexibility. It can also help an
athlete recover from injuries like
strained muscles. Sports massage can
help reduce pain and improve a
client’s range of motion, the therapist
will use faster strokes. They may also
use other techniques like pressure
point therapy, joint mobilization, and
compression.
If the athlete plays a specific sport,
the therapist will often tailor their
massage to focus on certain muscle
groups.
21. 10. Acupressure
- Originally from China,
acupressure technique enables the
massage provider to identify specific
points that are related to the patient’s
pain and fatigue. Physical pressure is
applied on the acupressure points with
hand, elbow, palm, wrist, knees or
using machines. Acupressure
technique of body massage is believed
to restore the balance of energies
throughout the body.
22. The timing of a body massage is
usually one hour but may be longer.
The order of covering the body is
usually:
➛right leg 7 minutes
➛left leg 7 minutes
➛left arm 5 minutes
➛right arm 5 minutes
➛décolleté 5 minutes
➛abdomen 5 minutes
➛back of legs 6 minutes
➛back 20 minutes
23. Health tips
For the client:
•Drink enough water for an hour before the massage
session to help remove the toxins easily.
•Tell your massage therapist about your problem areas
and other significant ailments.
•If required, do not feel shy to remove your clothing,
more exposed the skin is, the easier are the massage
strokes.
•Do not encourage any thoughts in your mind. Do not
plan your day during the massage session.
•Breathe deeply when the stroke is painful.
•Drink more water after the massage.
24. For the Massage therapist:
•Maintain a calm and soothing ambiance in the massage room.
•Discuss the pain areas with the client and focus on releasing the
tension and knots.
•Ask the client if the pressure is good enough or too much.
•Speak to them in a calm and soothing voice.
•Ask the client if the pain is tolerable and tell them to breathe
deeply.
•Keep at least one hand in contact with the body from the beginning
to the end of the massage. When you need to take oil in your
hands, keep the back of your hand on the area you are currently
working on.
•Never try to rush through the massage. Give full care and attention
to each part and keep the strokes slow and long.
