What are the origins of massage?
Massage in its most basic form is the instinctive reaction to touching, rubbing or holding a part of the body to alleviate pain, fear and anxiety. The benefits of touch for comfort, reassurance and pleasure have been recognised by humans and animals since the beginning of time. It was from these basic instincts, from different cultures, that massage evolved and developed into the different systems we use today.

Massage can be described as the manipulation of soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. Pressure, motion, tension and vibration are applied either with the hands or mechanical aids to muscles, tendons, organs, tissues and associated structures for the improvement of health.

The word massage originates from various sources. In Greek, massein means ‘to knead’ and in French masser means ‘to rub’. The English word ‘massage’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘mass’h’, which means to press gently.

The first documented accounts of massage can be found in China over 3000 years ago. In Japan, medicine consisted of many massage techniques, developed from the Chinese. It was from these that the system of Shiatsu was developed.

In the East, massage with aromatic oils was, and still is, very much part of the culture. Massage skills are passed from mother to daughter and massage is performed regularly for relaxation and health purposes.

Greek and Roman physicians routinely used massage for pain relief and as part of their healthcare system. Hippocrates wrote about the benefits of massage and Julius Caesar was believed to have had massage to treat neuralgia.

Many cultures have used the healing power of massage. The Native Americans were believed to have massaged their braves before and after battle and the women used massage with herbs to ease labour pains.

In the West, advances in science and the shift away from spirituality made massage unpopular. Its resurgence in the 19th century can be attributed to a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling. Ling devised a system for healing based on gymnastics, physiotherapy and various massage techniques from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. The system he developed was to become the foundation for most modern day massage systems and became known as Swedish Massage.

The benefits of massage treatment are now widely recognised and accepted. Massage is now widely available in hospitals, hospices, clinics and health centres.

What are the benefits and effects of massage?
There are numerous physical and psychological benefits to receiving massage, although these are more profound if regular treatments are received.

Physical benefits
Massage improves the functioning of all of the body systems. General circulation is relaxed or stimulated, depending on the type of massage undertaken, so conditions such as high or low blood pressure can be improved. The massage gently stimulates the removal of toxins from the lymphatic system, digestive and excretory systems, improving energy levels, general heath and skin condition, etc.

Deeper massage treatments relieve tense, knotted muscles and can help to improve joint pain. The relaxing effects of treatments also soothe the nervous system and can affect hormonal balance, as hormonal levels can be affected by stress. Massage can also help to regulate and improve breathing, improving the intake of oxygen levels and blood supply to the cells.

Psychological Benefits
Because massage is relaxing it has many psychological benefits and is beneficial for stress and related problems such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. When the body is relaxed, the mind is also able to relax and ‘let go’. Being in this state allows the physical body to produce endorphins (natural painkillers), which are released into the general circulation. These create a sense of wellbeing and can bring pain relief. Regular massage treatments can help to maintain acceptable stress levels, improve confidence, positivity and self esteem.

Who is massage suitable for?
Usually anyone can receive massage in some form – adults of all age groups, children, and babies, although you should seek professional advice before massaging minors. Children younger than 18 must not be treated unless they are your own children or you are a registered professional.

You should avoid any type of massage if you are feeling unwell, have recent fractures or injuries, or have an infectious disease. Always consult a professional if you are unsure.

Some forms of massage may not be suitable if you are being treated for a medical condition or you are pregnant. It is possible to receive treatment, but it may need to be altered to suit your conditions. Always discuss with your medical practitioner before receiving massage treatment.

Having a massage – what to expect
In the past, massage had some rather negative connotations attached to it and if you have never had a massage before, it can appear quite daunting! Thankfully, most massage therapists undergo rigorous training and are completely professional in their approach. However, there is no set legislation regarding therapy practices, so it is prudent to give careful consideration before selecting a therapist.

Always select a therapist who belongs to a recognised organisation and works to a professional code of conduct.

Your first treatment should include a full consultation to determine your reasons for treatment and any health and safety considerations. Do not receive treatment if this is not performed, as it shows unprofessionalism!

Massage is a personal and very private experience. It should feel completely safe, nurturing and relaxing and your therapist should make you feel completely at ease. All procedures should be discussed and agreed prior to treatment and be non-invasive. If this is not the case, you should reconsider your choice of practitioner.

If you are receiving a full body treatment, you will be expected to undress, usually to your lower underwear. There should be a separate, private area for you to do this. Once you are on the treatment couch, you should be covered over, with only the area being massaged exposed. A full treatment generally involves massage to the back, legs, feet, upper chest, arms, shoulders, neck, face and head, but some therapists will include the abdomen and gluteals.

After the treatment, you should be given some water and time to relax and get dressed before leaving, especially if driving.

Some types of massage:

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage consists of a mixture of brisk, stimulating movements and deep, relaxing ones, creating a relaxing but stimulating and invigorating massage experience. Swedish Massage is good for health maintenance and for muscular tension etc. It is popular with people who prefer a deeper more vigorous massage and with sports players.

Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy Massage combines the use of deep, relaxing, slower massage with therapeutic essential oils (aromatic plant extracts). The effects of the massage are improved by the use of therapeutic essential oils, which can be selected to treat specific physical and emotional problems. This form of massage is extremely beneficial for health maintenance and any stress or emotional problem. It is also excellent for skin care.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a specific treatment carried out by a specialist practitioner. The massage utilises a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. This stimulates the body’s lymphatic system assisting the elimination of waste and toxins, improving metabolism and the functioning of the immune system.

Lymphatic drainage can help with pain from fractures and sprains and rheumatism. It can help reduce puffiness caused by water retention, improve poor circulation, and can be helpful during pregnancy

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.CThA.Cert.Ed
for Third Age.

Further Information

General Council for Massage Therapies
www.gcmt.org.uk

Complementary Therapists Association
www.ctha.com

Cancer Help UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk