Acupuncture & Physical Therapy Clinic

Massage

A Little History.....

 It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the Arabic 'mass' or 'Mas'h' meaning to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to the pain involved. We know from ancient writings that the Chinese had a system of massage at least 5,000 years ago - as did the Hindus, the Japanese and, just a little nearer our time, the ancient Egyptians.

In the far off days massage, as an integral adjunct to medicine, was largely practiced by the priest/doctor, and many people believe that the 'laying on of hands' rather than being a religious ceremony, was a practical application by the priest for the relief of pain and the acceleration of health in the tissues.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage may be defined as the manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. It is traditionally performed with talc powder and this is applied to the hands of the therapist (not onto the patient), as its aim is to enable the therapist's hands to slide over the patient.

Holistic Massage

The term 'holistic' is generally interpreted as a treatment related to the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Holistic massage therefore has a variety of movements according to particular schools of thought, but in practice they normally incorporate the use of oils. Movements are slow and of light pressure and involve the whole of the body. Quite often music is used as a background aid.

Massage Movements

Just as there are many techniques in massage so there are a variety of movements. But, in practice, they can be condensed into six basic movements, three bearing English names and three with French names. The six basic movements are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, kneading, hacking and cupping.

Effleurage;

Kneading;

Cupping;

Contra-indications of Massage

The following list does not claim to be all-enveloping but rather a set of guidelines indicating the areas in which great care has to be exercised. First and most important of the contra-indications is that therapists should not treat any medical condition except when referred to them by a medically qulalified person.

Massage is contra-indicated:

• In areas of septic foci ( because of the danger of spreading the infection).
• In cases of contagious or infectious skin conditions
• Over the abdomen during pregnancy (except with medical advice).
• Over the abdomen during the the first two or three days of menstruation.
• In cardio-vascular conditions except with medical advice, e.g. thrombosis, phlebitis, angina pectoris, hypertension.
• In areas of varicose veins.
• Over areas of unrecognised undulations (lumps and bumbs).
• Over recent scar tissue.
• Over areas of unexplained inflammation and pain (these should first be diagnosed by a suitably qualified person).
• Any condition being treated by a mdically qualified person unless he/she agrees.
• In any case of doubt - the practictioner should always refer his/her patient to a doctor for their advice.