Free Acupressure Charts

Massage is the systematic rubbing and manipulation of tissues of the body. It is one of the oldest forms of healing therapy — there are records of massage therapy dating back to 2200 BC.

Today, there are over 80 forms of massage therapy being practiced in the U.S. Popular examples of massage styles include

Swedish massage

This involves long strokes, with kneading and friction on the muscles, and movement of the joints to improve flexibility.

Deep tissue massage

This involves patterns of strokes and deep finger pressure on parts of the body where musckes are tight, focusing on the deeper layers under the skin.

Trigger point massage

This involves deeper, more focused pressure on a set of trigger points — those areas of skin overlying "knots" in the muscles that are painful when pressed. (Pressure may also cause pain referred elsewhere). They are also called myofascial trigger points,

Shiatsu massage

This involves rhythmic and varying pressure from the fingers on parts of the body that are designed to influence the "qi" or vital energy of the body (see acupuncture for a discussion of the Chinese principle of qi, meridians, and pressure points)

Massage treatments

A treatment session may vary in length from as short as 15 minutes, up to 2 hours. Most sessions are 30 to 60 minutes long. After an initial evaluation - the therapist will look for conditions or indications that might preclude treatment - the session should begin on a padded table, or on a massage chair or stool. Chair massages, especially if they focus on the neck, may be performed while you are fully clothed. On the table, you would be undressed and covered with a sheet and or towels.