| When we take a walk back in history, we | | | | administered through kneading, pushing, and |
| discover that massage therapy has been around | | | | stretching techniques at the sites of these |
| since the time before Christ. Finding its origins | | | | acupressure points of the body. Also based on |
| throughout many ancient civilizations, bodywork | | | | energy healing, Tuina is based on the philosophy |
| therapies in the United States first gained | | | | that these acupressure points correlate to organ |
| recognition in the mid 19th century. | | | | systems and parts of the body; and is believed to |
| Some massotherapy modalities, like Ayurvedic | | | | help promote self-healing mechanisms. |
| Abhyanga massage, dates back thousands of | | | | Of course there are several other massage |
| years to India, and is administered by one or | | | | therapy modalities available today. To find out |
| paired therapists. This particular body treatment | | | | which massage technique is best for you, you |
| integrates heated herbal oils, with gentle kneading | | | | should check with your local certified massage |
| and pressure techniques. Sometimes, the feet are | | | | therapist who can explain the different techniques |
| used for the therapy, like the Hawaiian massage | | | | that she uses in her practice. As with most |
| technique of Lomi Lomi. | | | | practitioners, massage therapists must meet |
| Craniosacral therapy, sometimes used as part of | | | | state educational requirements and/or licensure |
| an osteopathic doctor's health treatment, is | | | | prior to practicing the healing art. While there are |
| commonly referred to as a unique form of | | | | many massage practitioners, it is important to |
| massage therapy. A hands-on treatment involving | | | | note that no two massage practitioners are alike. |
| light touch to assist hydraulic forces within the | | | | Where one may be certified in Swedish massage, |
| natural cranial sacral system, craniosacral therapy | | | | deep tissue and sports massage; more advanced |
| is known to free tension from the spinal cord, and | | | | therapists may offer additional services in |
| optimizes spinal fluid flow. | | | | acupressure/Shiatsu, hot stone massage, |
| Deep tissue technique is one of the more | | | | neuromuscular therapy, and myofascial release, |
| common forms of massage therapy, and is | | | | among others. |
| typically taught in most somatic education | | | | If you (or someone you know) are interested in |
| programs. This specific bodywork modality | | | | finding educational programs in massage therapy, |
| involves a deeper pressure application using the | | | | let professional training within fast-growing |
| fingers, knuckles, or elbow. | | | | industries like massotherapy, cosmetology, |
| Reflexology is an energy-based massage therapy | | | | acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others |
| that is most commonly administered to the soles | | | | get you started! Explore massage therapy [ |
| of the feet; however, it is also administered to | | | | programs near you. |
| the hands, ears, and body. Facilitating pressure | | | | Massage Therapy: History and Forms |
| points on the soles of the feet, reflexology is a | | | | © Copyright 2007 |
| therapy with the belief that specific pressure | | | | The CollegeBound Network |
| points of the feet correspond to parts of the | | | | All Rights Reserved |
| body that can aid in relieving pain and stress to | | | | NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of |
| these parts. | | | | charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright |
| Chinese medical massage therapy, also known as | | | | and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL |
| Tuina, is similar to acupressure; and is | | | | Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active. |