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Massage therapy

By The National Institutes of Health

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues.  It consists of a group of manual techniques that include fixed or movable pressure, holding, and movement to the body.  The hands are the primary instruments but other areas such as forearms, elbows or feet may be used.  These manipulations affect major body systems including; the musculo-skeletal, circulator-lymphatic and nervous system.  The basic philosophy of massage encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix naturae -- that is, aiding the ability of the body to heal itself -- and is aimed at achieving or increasing health and well-being

Touch is the fundamental medium of massage.  It is important to understand that while various "techniques" may be used they are not used in a mechanistic way.  There is a strong artistic component involved.  The massage therapist must use touch with sensitivity to determine the amount of appropriate pressure required.  Touch also allows the therapist to receive useful feedback, such as locating areas of tension and soft tissue problems.  Sensitive touch conveys a sense of caring -- which is an essential element in the therapeutic relationship.

Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods in the gallery of health practices.  References to massage are found in Chinese medical texts 4,000 years old.  Massage has been advocated in Western health care practice in an almost unbroken line since the time of Hippocrates, the "father of medicine."  In the 4th century B.C. Hippocrates wrote, "The physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing"  (the ancient Greek and Roman term for massage).

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Research