The following information is taken from Massagetherapy.com
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts:
Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
Massage is one of the oldest healing arts:
Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems. Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest, massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living that can lead to disease and illness.
So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the human body. Specifically:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning "of the body." Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.
Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is the five thousand year-old medical system of India. It is also a philosophy that offers keys for creating harmony and balance in life. The ayurvedic physician studies for five years and is supervised for one year in a hospital. Although there are some spas in the United States that are designed as ayurvedic medical centers, most spas do not focus on the treatment of disease. Instead they adopt elements of ayurveda that focus on positive life choices, general detoxification, relaxation, enhanced spiritual awareness, and gentle exercise.
An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system. With the client's permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows, and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects on the mind and nervous system-calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace.
The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage. The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha-the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
ENERGY FLOW BALANCING
This gentle treatment assists clients in balancing their energy flow. Therapists hold a space for clients to make whatever shifts or changes toward balance they deem necessary. Emphasis is given to the chakras and the joints, leaving clients feeling at peace and at home with themselves, with less pain, increased mobility, and greater range of motion.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
REFLEXOLOGY
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
While the last decade has witnessed an awakening in massage therapy research, there is still much to be done. One barrier to further gains in public and medical community acceptance is the relatively modest base of research on the efficacy of massage therapy. Intuitively, many users find massage helpful, but some nonusers continue to wait for proof of scientific effectiveness.
While the body of knowledge is admittedly skimpy in relation to that of mainstream medicine, consumers seem to perceive the risk associated with trying massage as very low and the prospective rewards as immediate and tangible. That judgment has led to increased trial, and positive experiences during such trials have substantially enlarged the audience for regularly scheduled massage.
Dr. Janet Kahn, a massage therapist and executive director of the Integrated Healthcare Policy Consortium, "very few people were thinking or speaking about research on therapeutic massage and bodywork 10 years ago. Three institutions emerged ... to change that picture. The first was Touch Research Institute (TRI), founded in 1992 ... at the University of Miami. Researchers at TRI have conducted more than 80 studies on a wide variety of potential massage applications. Most of these investigations are relatively small pilot studies. While not establishing definitive effects of massage, they have identified many areas in which massage shows potential and should be further investigated."
She notes that the 1999 convening of the Massage Research Agenda Workgroup provided a way for massage therapists and bodyworkers who may not have the training or the inclination to conduct research to nevertheless influence the types of research being done. Kahn also notes the contributions of The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes for Health.
In September of 2006, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals pledged $15,000 as a lead grant to help gain medical recognition of massage therapy as a treatment for low-back pain, which afflicts millions of Americans. That figure represents one quarter of those needed to advance a review under the auspices of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a unit of the National Institutes for Health. Called a "consensus conference," the effort involves testimony and a research review by an independent panel.
Benefits of Massage
While noting that more research is needed, the Mayo Clinic website suggests massage therapy benefits the following conditions:
Anecdotal Evidence/Preliminary Findings
Although massage therapists and bodyworkers do not diagnose or medically treat clients, there is significant anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggesting massage therapy also is helpful when it comes to:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning "of the body." Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only or environmental perspective.
There are more than 250 variations of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included to reduce friction on the skin.
Please note: Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription, manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure, or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession or branch of medicine.
AYURVEDA
Ayurveda is the five thousand year-old medical system of India. It is also a philosophy that offers keys for creating harmony and balance in life. The ayurvedic physician studies for five years and is supervised for one year in a hospital. Although there are some spas in the United States that are designed as ayurvedic medical centers, most spas do not focus on the treatment of disease. Instead they adopt elements of ayurveda that focus on positive life choices, general detoxification, relaxation, enhanced spiritual awareness, and gentle exercise.
An ayurvedic massage is one part of the traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called panchakarma, in which the entire body is vigorously massaged with large amounts of warm oil and herbs to remove toxins from the system. With the client's permission, oil is also poured into the ears, between the eyebrows, and at specific chakras, or energy points, during techniques known respectively as karna purana, shirodhara, and marma chikitsa. These treatments have been modified to meet the needs of the West and have been powerful in their effects on the mind and nervous system-calming, balancing, and bringing both a heightened sense of awareness and deep inner peace.
The techniques can be done either as stand-alone treatments or in conjunction with the ayurvedic body massage. The basis for effectively performing all of the various ayurvedic massage techniques is a thorough understanding of the primordial energies of the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, and earth) and of vata, pitta, and kapha-the three basic constitutional types (similar to the ancient Greek method of mind/body classification). This knowledge allows the therapist to determine not only which ayurvedic massage techniques to use, but also how to customize treatments by selecting the proper oils and herbs and the rate and pressure of massage strokes to maximize the benefits for each client.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage may include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Myofascial release is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate fascial restrictions and facilitate the emergence of emotional patterns and belief systems that are no longer relevant or are impeding progress. First, an assessment is made by visually analyzing the human frame, followed by the palpation of the tissue texture of various fascial layers. Upon locating an area of fascial tension, gentle pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. Myofascial release is an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches.
ENERGY FLOW BALANCING
This gentle treatment assists clients in balancing their energy flow. Therapists hold a space for clients to make whatever shifts or changes toward balance they deem necessary. Emphasis is given to the chakras and the joints, leaving clients feeling at peace and at home with themselves, with less pain, increased mobility, and greater range of motion.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage, otherwise tight surface muscles prevent the practitioner from reaching deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendonitis. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques.
REFLEXOLOGY
Based on an ancient Chinese therapy, reflexology involves manipulation of specific reflex areas in the foot, hands, and ears that correspond to other parts of the body. Sometimes referred to as zone therapy, this bodywork involves application of pressure to these reflex zones to stimulate body organs and relieve areas of congestion. Similar to acupressure principles, reflexology works with the body's energy flow to stimulate self-healing and maintain balance in physical function. This technique is used to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and stimulate circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. It is especially useful in stress-related illness and emotional disorders. Reflexology is also convenient in cases where an area of the body is traumatized or diseased to the extent that direct manipulation is not appropriate.
What are the Benefits of Massage Therapy?
While the last decade has witnessed an awakening in massage therapy research, there is still much to be done. One barrier to further gains in public and medical community acceptance is the relatively modest base of research on the efficacy of massage therapy. Intuitively, many users find massage helpful, but some nonusers continue to wait for proof of scientific effectiveness.
While the body of knowledge is admittedly skimpy in relation to that of mainstream medicine, consumers seem to perceive the risk associated with trying massage as very low and the prospective rewards as immediate and tangible. That judgment has led to increased trial, and positive experiences during such trials have substantially enlarged the audience for regularly scheduled massage.
Dr. Janet Kahn, a massage therapist and executive director of the Integrated Healthcare Policy Consortium, "very few people were thinking or speaking about research on therapeutic massage and bodywork 10 years ago. Three institutions emerged ... to change that picture. The first was Touch Research Institute (TRI), founded in 1992 ... at the University of Miami. Researchers at TRI have conducted more than 80 studies on a wide variety of potential massage applications. Most of these investigations are relatively small pilot studies. While not establishing definitive effects of massage, they have identified many areas in which massage shows potential and should be further investigated."
She notes that the 1999 convening of the Massage Research Agenda Workgroup provided a way for massage therapists and bodyworkers who may not have the training or the inclination to conduct research to nevertheless influence the types of research being done. Kahn also notes the contributions of The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes for Health.
In September of 2006, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals pledged $15,000 as a lead grant to help gain medical recognition of massage therapy as a treatment for low-back pain, which afflicts millions of Americans. That figure represents one quarter of those needed to advance a review under the auspices of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a unit of the National Institutes for Health. Called a "consensus conference," the effort involves testimony and a research review by an independent panel.
Benefits of Massage
- » A 1986 Touch Research Institute study at the University of Miami showed preterm babies who received massage therapy had 47 percent greater weight gain and six-day-shorter hospital stays than infants not receiving massage.
- » Oncology patients show less pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression following massage therapy, according to a study by Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2004, and a report in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2002.
- » Massage therapy reduced chronic back pain in relation to other complementary techniques, according to a 2000 report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
- » Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, reports a 2006 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
- » Research published in a 2007 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise says muscular pain relief from massage was even more effective when provided by massage therapists with a greater number of hours of massage training.
- » Research has shown massage reduces symptoms from carpal tunnel syndrome. The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2004.
- » Massage therapy has been shown to strengthen the immune system, according to research published in the Journal of Neuroscience, 1996, and Psychosomatic Medicine, 2000.
- » The Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery reported in 2004 that stroke patients showed less anxiety and lower blood pressure when massage therapy was used.
- » Pediatric healthcare staff report increasing hospital use of complementary and alternative medicine, including massage and energy work (Advance for Nurses, April 2007.)
- » The American Journal of Public Health reported in 2002 that massage therapy reduced the frequency of headaches.
- » Massage therapy is effective is reducing post surgical pain, according to Pain Management Nursing, 2004.
- » Alcohol-withdrawal symptoms were lessened in connection with massage therapy, according to The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2005.
- » A study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami showed less stress and improved performance for a small sample of employees (against a control group), who had twice-weekly, 15-minute massages in the office.
- » Distress during burn treatment was reduced in children in connection with massage therapy, according to a 2001 article in the Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation.
- » The Journal of Gerontological Nursing reported in 1999 that Alzheimer's patients showed reduced pacing, irritability and restlessness after neck and shoulder massages.
- » Fibromyalgia patients receiving 30-minute massages had less pain, depression, anxiety, stiffness, fatigue and sleep problems, according to a 1996 Journal of Clinical Rheumatology report.
While noting that more research is needed, the Mayo Clinic website suggests massage therapy benefits the following conditions:
- » Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
- » Immune system. People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
- » Juvenile diabetes. Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
- » Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to reduce stress and anxiety, relax muscles and help block pain. Some medical professionals believe it also reduces tearing, shortens labor, reduces the need for medication and shortens hospital stays.
- » Pain. Pain was decreased in studies of people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgeries. (Also supported by a 2005 Consumer Reports readership survey in which deep-tissue massage was voted an effective treatment for back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.)
- » Self-esteem. Direct touch is thought to boost the self-esteem of people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses, as well as providing reassurance to children with pronounced physical disabilities.
- » Sports-related soreness. Massage may reduce muscle soreness through increased blood flow to muscles.
Anecdotal Evidence/Preliminary Findings
Although massage therapists and bodyworkers do not diagnose or medically treat clients, there is significant anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggesting massage therapy also is helpful when it comes to:
- » ADHD in children.
- » Age-related disorders.
- » Autism.
- » Cancer-related fatigue.
- » Depression.
- » Diabetes.
- » Exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles, reducing muscle-shortening for those with restricted range of motion.
- » High blood pressure.
- » Improving circulation by pumping more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and vital organs.
- » Increasing joint flexibility.
- » Infertility.
- » Multiple sclerosis.
- » Neck and cervical spine pain.
- » Reducing muscle spasms and cramps.
- » Reducing post surgery adhesions and edema; reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- » Releasing endorphins that reduce pain.
- » Relieving migraine pain and decreasing the need for medication.
- » Sleep disorders.
- » Spinal-cord injury.
- » Sports performance enhancement, care of injuries and recovery from workouts.
- » Stimulating the lymph system, the body's natural defense against toxic invaders.
It's important to note there are some conditions where massage is not recommended. For example, massage is contraindicated in people with certain forms of cancer, phlebitis, some cardiac problems, skin conditions and infectious diseases. Practitioners and consumers are strongly encouraged when there is any doubt to ask about specific health conditions and seek a doctor's consultation and permission before providing or undergoing services.
Treating the Spirit
Massage also provides another therapeutic component largely absent in today's world: tactile stimulation or, more simply, touch.
Many adults have reported cathartic experiences on the massage table. As a therapist carefully unwinds a client's stressed and tired muscles, the therapist may very well be unwinding the taut, pent-up emotions that one doesn't always have time to process in the middle of the day. And the feeling of being touched in a safe, caring, compassionate manner can be a very powerful experience, reminding the client that he or she is not alone in the world.
As studies continue to reveal the link between kinesiology and physical and emotional health, the effects of massage will be further documented. However, one need only experience a good massage to know it's beneficial to body and soul.
Pricing
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90 minutes for $115
Prices subject to change.
Contact Monique for an appointment: 718 344 3721.
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Katherine Irby ·· 718-930-7920 ·· katherine@bewellhealingarts.com
Monique Olivier ·· 718-344-3721 ·· monique@bewellhealingarts.com
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