Wall painting found in the tomb of Ankhmahor
Massage is loosely defined as the targeted pressing, rubbing, and manipulating of soft body tissues—muscles, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments—with the aim of improving one’s physical and mental state, including increased flexibility and range of motion.
There are currently dozens of types of massage schools and methods—called modalities—though they can be broadly categorized into rehabilitative massage and relaxation massage. Modalities such as Swedish massage, reflexology, and acupressure are becoming increasingly accessible at local spas, salons, yoga studios, hotels, and chiropractors, as well as in private physical therapy practices.
Wall painting found in the tomb of Ankhmahor
Massage therapy originated thousands of years ago, with its earliest testimonials found as far back as ancient China and Egypt. Countless cultures worldwide have practiced and developed their own forms of massage, which have been handed down from generation to generation. It is considered to be one of the world’s oldest forms of “healing art.”
Ancient thai massage pressure points on wall of buddhist temple in Thailand
Yet today, although many people treat themselves to the occasional massage as a birthday treat or vacation indulgence, few know the ancient roots and thousand-year history of massage worldwide. It is not surprising, however that healing touch is such a ubiquitous practice of humans everywhere. Touch is so much a part of our relationship to our bodies and to one another. As soon as societies began to form and develop, social touch too developed into what we today call massage.
Massage at the Hammam, 1883
TWO SCHOOLS OF MASSAGE
Recently it has become easier than ever to find a range of massage alternatives, even at your local spa. All of these options can be overwhelming if you’re a newcomer to the world of modern inter-disciplinary massage. Most types of massage can be categorized into Eastern-based and Western-based approaches. Both types are effective, so it all depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish from your massage.
Eastern Massage: Massage techniques developed in the East tend to take a holistic approach to healing, based on balance and energy flow within the body, mind, and spirit. There is a common belief that stimulating certain pressure points and soothing others can promote the flow of energy as it travels around the body along certain interconnected pathways. If you have persistent knee pain, for example, a Chinese massage practitioner may look at your tongue or focus on points on your wrist as a means to understanding the state of your immune system, rather than look at your knee itself.
Western Massage: Massage as a way to increase general well-being has only taken hold in Western culture relatively recently. In general, Western-based massage methods tend to be more focused and diagnostic in nature. They emphasize targeting specific trouble or tightness in the muscles and treating it through practiced touch therapy. Yet there is always an element of relaxation and mind-body peace involved as well.
If you’re confused about which method of massage to try, talk to a massage professional about your specific goals and concerns. There are a lot of options out there, and massage is not one size fits all. It’s about finding what works best for you.