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