Massage therapy has been practiced for over 3,000 years and originated in Chinese medicine. It was believed that touch relieved muscle soreness and contributed to one's spiritual energy. Massage therapy is defined as manipulating the skin, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue to decrease muscle tension and increase physical comfort. Research has shown massage provides benefits like muscle relaxation, increased blood and lymph flow, reduced stress, and overall well-being. Common types of massage include Swedish, shiatsu, rolfing, and sports massage. Massage therapy is known to decrease episodes of acute and chronic pain and provide complete physical and emotional relaxation.

1. Massage Therapy
Presented by Lindsey Ross

2. Introduction and History
Message Therapy has been around from more than 3,000 years with the
earliest references being in Chinese medicine. It was believed that touch
not only relieved muscle soreness, but that it also contributed a
profound healing quality to one’s life force or spiritual energy.
Muscle massage has been practiced in many cultures and it is not just
specific to the human species (Seaward 458).
Massage Therapy is still not considered a dominant behavior in
America, but humans in every culture need some regular form of healthy
touch for their general well-being.

3. What is Massage Therapy?
Professional muscle message is defined as the manipulation of
skin, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue for purposes of
decreasing muscle tension and increasing physical comfort of
musculature and its surrounding joints.
Muscle massage creates harmony among the body, mind, and
spirit.

4. Massage Therapy Research
In 1999, John Naibitt, author of Magatrends 2000, said “The more
high technology around us, the greater the need for human
touch.”
Research in the area of massage therapy has included a diverse
study of demographics including premature babies, cocaine
addicted babies, college students, recovering alcoholics, and the
elderly among others.
These studies indicate that massage is a very viable technique
that not only promotes relaxation, but also has several other
health-related benefits.

5. Massage Therapy Benefits
The primary benefit of massage is muscle relaxation.
Other benefits also include increased blood and lymph flow, less
susceptible to illnesses.
Overall sense of well-being specifically emotional well-being.
Increased awareness or recognition of the healing power of
message in the US over the last several years.

6. Types of Massage
- Shiatsu
- Swedish
- Rolfing
- Myofacial Release
- Sports Massage

7. Shiatsu
A type of message, also known as acupressure, in which
pressure is placed on various points (tsubos) to release
blocked energy and thus promote relaxation.

8. Swedish Massage
The most common and well-known type of message in
the Western culture that uses a variety of hand motions
(e.g., kneading, stroking, and karate-type chops) to
relieve tension for muscle tissue, often expressed as
knots.

9. Rolfing
Deep-tissue massage created by Ida Rolf to promote
better posture by working with the soft connective tissue
around and between muscles.

10. Sports Message
A combination of Swedish massage, shiatsu, and some
deep-tissue body work mow popular among professional
and amateur athletes.

11. Other Touch Therapies
- Aromatherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Pet Therapy
- Therapeutic Touch

12. Physiological and Psychological Benefits
Studies indicate that there is not only a physical relaxation effect, but in
many cases an emotional benefit as well.
The effects that massage has on the musculoskeletal and
neuromuscular systems have been said to increase flexibility and
decrease muscle tension.
Message therapy is known throughout the world and is used as a
modality to decrease episodes of acute and chronic pain.
Complete physical relaxation that people experience ensuring and
immediately after a message.

13. Conclusion
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some
people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a
sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their
massage therapist.
Anyone that has had a body massage can vouch for the positive
effects as it leaves you relaxed and invigorated at the same time.
However, what many people don't realize is that a good massage
can do more than just make you feel good right after, it can
actually help you improve your health.