MassageTherapy

VAISNAVAS C.A.R.E. INC.

Counseling, Assistance, Resource, and Education
for the terminally-ill and their family

MASSAGE THERAPY

Disclaimer

Massage is a widely accepted complementary therapy that has roots in most ancient cultures. Ayurveda, the traditional form of medicine in India derived from part of the Vedas (sacred texts), places much emphasis on the therapeutic effects of massage using essential oils and spices. For relieving pain, the ancient Greek and Roman physicians used principally this modality . The "Yellow Emperor's Classic", an ancient Chinese book of internal medicine, recommends massage of the "skin and flesh" for various ailments. Even Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, speaks of "rubbing" as a very important healing modality that physicians should be experienced in.

Therapeutic massage has several physiological effects including:

Relaxation of the nervous system.
Stimulation of the nervous system.
As the first two effects indicate, massage has both a calming and energizing effect on the nervous system and encourages release of endorphins (the bodies natural hormone that eases pain).
Boosting circulation and the immune system which helps eliminate waste; benefits blood pressure, muscle tone, and skin tone; and can aid in digestion.
De-contracting hypertonic muscles.
Promoting healing and relief of sprains, strains, contusions and other mechanical injuries, only during the chronic period. (Caution: Always see a licensed massage therapist as these are contraindicated at specific healing times.)

A licensed massage therapist should always be consulted because certain conditions are contraindicated for this healing modality. Although it would be appropriate to massage some parts of the body with a particular condition, manipulating other parts could cause problems. Some of these contraindicated conditions include, but are not limited to:

Inflammation
Peripheral vascular disease
Varicose veins
Open cuts or wounds
Abnormal swelling
Tumor or malignant condition
Abdomen during pregnancy
Abdomen containing ulcerations
Colitis or diverticulitis
Unidentified abdominal pain
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hernia
An acute strain, sprain or contusion
Thrombosis
Phlebitis
Oedema

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The AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) defines massage as, "a manual soft tissue manipulation that includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body." They state that massage therapy is "a profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client."

There are several types of massage, and several techniques available to the therapist.

Types of Massage

Relaxing Massage:

Also known as Swedish massage
A smooth flowing style that relieves muscular pain, improves range of motion, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation.

Aromatherapy Massage:

See our Aromatherapy page
May employ several massage techniques
Combines the use of essential oils along with the benefits of the massage.
Promotes health and well-being

Reflexology Massage:

See out Reflexology page
Employs thumb and finger pressure on the reflex area on the soles of the feet in order to promote health and well-being.
"Reflex" areas on the bottom of the feet correspond to all areas of the body.

Remedial Massage:

May employ several massage techniques
Used to restore function to injured "soft tissues" (ligaments, tendons and muscles).

Oriental Therapies:

Employed to ease discomfort and rebalance energy.
Uses finger pressure such as Acupressure and Shiatsu.

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Massage Techniques

Massage Therapy &
Vaisnavas C.A.R.E. Inc.

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