Massage is rich with tradition, passed through many generations.
4 traditions encompass massage: Folk & Native, Ayurverdic, Asian and Western.
In North America and Europe it is called Western Massage, and is often labeled an alternative or complementary therapy (a practice added to other health care methods).
At the 21st Century, research supporting massage greatly increased. Many organizations were created internationally to protect & promote massage to what it is today, such as The Touch Research Institute & The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation.
Acupressure is a type of massage originated in China. Its main goal is to prevent the onset of illness by harmonizing the body, alleviating disturbances through applying pressures to points & meridians.
PHILOSPOHY OF MASSAGE:
* Massage is person to person touch.
* Massage is both ancient and global.
* Massage is offered in various technique and with theraputic goals.
. Sobardoras (Hispanic healers) specialize in herbal remedies. They are known to perform soft tissue manipulation as well as bone setting joints.
. An ancient tablet from the land of Sumer used herbal methods of rubbing and friction.
. Anma is a Japanese massage from China & Shiatsu is a more modern form of bodywork in Japan, developed in the 1940's.
. Ayurveda means "knowledge of long life"; a medicine originating in India in the 5th Century BC. It incorporates yoga, energy points known as chakras, and three dosha types (vata, pita, kapha).
. A Greek physician, Galen served emperors & used massage before and after exercise.
. Roman & Turkish baths were incorporated with massage as part of a health regimen before and after the fall of the Roman Empire.
. Pehr Henrick Ling (1776- 1839) practiced gymnastics. He brought his teachings to schools, noting the power of bodily movement to treat chronic conditions. This is known as Swedish movement cure.
. Johann G. Mezger of 1838-1909, Amsterdam, gave four categories of soft tissue manipulation: effleurage (stroke), petrissage (knead), friction (rub), tapotement (to tap).
References:
Benjamin, P. & Tappan, F. (2005). Tappan's handbook of healing massage techniques. Upper Saddle
River: NJ: Pearson's Education, Inc.
Kolster, B. & Waskowiak, A. (2007). The acupressure atlas. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
Northrup, C. (2006). Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. New York, NY: Bantam Dell.
Wordwood, V. (1991). The complete book of essential oils & aromatherapy. San Rafael, CA: New World Library.
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