Wellness and Massage Overview

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Scientific:

Users:

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Summary:

Various forms of therapeutic superficial tissue manipulation have been practiced for thousands of years across cultures. Interest in massage surged in the 1970s, particularly in athletes and as a complementary therapy to promote well-being, relaxation, pain-reduction, stress-relief, musculoskeletal injury healing, sleep enhancement, and quality-of-life. A common goal of therapy is to "help the body heal itself." Touch is fundamental to massage therapy and is used by therapists to locate painful or tense areas, to determine how much pressure to apply, and to establish a therapeutic relationship with clients.

Scientific Evidence:

Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.	Grade^*
Alcohol dependence	C
Anxiety	C
Asthma	C
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)	C
Back pain	C
Chronic pain	C
Constipation	C
Dementia	C
Depression	C
Fibromyalgia	C
Hand grip strength	C
High blood pressure	C
Iliotibial band friction syndrome	C
Immune function	C
Infant development / neonatal care	C
Multiple sclerosis	C
Musculoskeletal conditions	C
Postoperative recovery	C
Pregnancy and labor	C
Premenstrual syndrome	C
Quality of life (nursing home residents)	C
Stress	C
Well-being in cancer patients	C
*Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).

Technique:

Many massage therapy techniques involve the application of fixed or moving pressure or manipulation of the muscles/connective tissues of clients. Practitioners may use their hands or other areas such as forearms, elbows, or feet. Lubricants may be added to aid the smoothness of massage strokes. Techniques used in Swedish massage include: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration. Deep tissue massage uses slow strokes, friction, and direct pressure across muscles with fingers, thumbs, or elbows, often with the goal to improve chronic muscular tension. Environment is often regarded as being integral to massage therapy, and often consists of a comfortable, warm, quiet location. Most approaches involve the client lying face down on a platform or table with a sheet covering the lower body. Systematic progression from one area of the body to the next is common. Depending on the technique, sessions may last from 15 to 90 minutes. Chronic conditions may lead to regular sessions over a period of time. Massage therapy practices may be based in the therapist's home, in a private practice office, hospital, spa, athletic club, hair salon, hotel, airport, or outdoors. Some practitioners will travel to a client's home or office. Some practitioners are licensed as nurses, physical therapists, massage therapists, or other types of healthcare professionals. Licensure requirements vary from state to state. It is recommended that patients seeking a massage therapist for medical reasons discuss the choice of massage practitioner with their primary healthcare professional.

Safety:

Avoid with bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, or if on blood-thinning medications (such as heparin or warfarin/Coumadin®). Areas should not be massaged where there are fractures, weakened bones from osteoporosis or cancer, open/healing skin wounds, skin infections, recent surgery, or blood clots. Use cautiously if history of physical abuse or if pregnant or breastfeeding. Massage should not be used as a substitute for more proven therapies for medical conditions. Massage should not cause pain to the client.

Reported side effects: allergies, bruising, discomfort, fractures, liver hematoma (internal bruising), skin irritation, and swelling of massaged tissues.

Natural Standard Monograph (www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright © 2007 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

Wellness Top Remedies

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Psychotherapy for Wellness
Summary:Psychotherapy is an interactive process between a person and a qualified mental health professional. The patient will explore thoughts, feelings and behavior to help with problem solving. The father of ....

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Therapeutic Touch for Wellness
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Massage for Wellness
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Acupressure for Wellness
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Zone Diet for Wellness
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