Research over the years has come to show that massage can help greatly in reliving pain in cancer patients, aiding recovery in heart and lung transplantation patients, is beneficial for people with chronic insomnia and has proven helpful in people suffering from respiratory infections.

What Is Massage?

Massage has been around for thousands of years, predominantly in Rome, Egypt and Greece. The techniques commonly employed by therapists these days doesn’t differ much from then, the masseur will knead, rub and press various area of the body to promote healing and convey a great sense of relaxation.

This is achieved by improving the circulation of the blood throughout the body Essential oils can also be used with the techniques to enhance those feelings; this is generally called Ayurvedic massage and comes from India. Oriental massage techniques are based on the meridian channels, which are said to be channels of energy which course throughout your body.

The Chinese believe that by massaging along these particular energy channels it will improve the flow of the energy or “chi” throughout the body and release any blockages of this energy. Other forms of massage are Reflexology, which is massage specifically for the feet and Shiatsu which is pressure point therapy originating from Japan.

How Is Massage Given?

The therapy is usually performed directly onto the naked skin, you will usually be asked to undress completely and a towel will be given to cover the areas not included in the massage, this also stops these areas from getting cold as warmth is important in aiding relaxation.

The only exception to this is in oriental massage techniques when clothing is usually kept on as this treatment is mostly based on pressure massage rather than kneading and rubbing. The treatment can take anywhere from an hour for a full body massage to 15 minutes or so if only a certain area of the body is the target for treatment.

Common Ailments That Respond To Massage Therapy Well

Massage has long been known for its ability to give us a deep sense of relaxation and over all wellbeing, it is also said to greatly aid in pain relief. As massage will help to improve the flow of blood throughout the body this will also help in the removal of waste products and stimulate the immune system.

Massage can also be directed towards specific illnesses and ailments such as asthma, neck and pain disorders, diabetes and insomnia. Massage therapy is a great alternative to conventional drugs throughout childbirth and to assist in relaxation during pregnancy if undertaken by a registered masseur.

What are Meridian Channels?

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The Japanese believe there to be twelve meridian channels throughout the entire body each one of these relates to a particular organ of the body these channels allow energy to course through these organs, when people become ill it is thought there has been a disruption of this energy or a blockage of this energy.

The purpose of these channels is to control movement in the body, join the arms, head and legs to the rest of the body and regulate the organs to the body. These channels are not only connected to the organs but also conform to the eastern way of thinking of function of the organs.

For example the large intestine’s function is secretion, so it is therefore related emotionally to loss; the person who is frugal with money can suffer from constipation. This to the eastern philosophy is connected in the theory of spending a lot of money can cause problems with the large intestine, i.e. constipation.

The Treatment

Shiatsu massage is aimed at releasing this trapped energy therefore enabling it to flow throughout the body, restoring the natural balance, this is achieved by applying pressure to various points along those channels using mainly the thumbs, knuckles, palms and sometimes the use of feet, elbows and knees.

The massage can last between 30 to 90 minutes and the recipient will normally lie on a floor mat, unlike traditional massage loose clothing is usually worn throughout the session.

During the treatment diagnosis will also be made there are several way the therapist will do this, “bun-shin” which is taking into account the smell of the breath and body and also the tone of the voice, “mon-shin” asking a series of questions relating to the disease, “bo-shin” takes into account the shape and colour of the body.

The most important of these is “setsu-shin” this is reflection points on the back, tongue and pulse. Often both diagnosis of the problem and treatment will be given at the same time, as the therapist works he or she will gain information with which to make a diagnosis.

Although acupuncture works on the same meridian channels the big difference in the two is the close contact in which the therapist works alongside the recipient, this is thought to give a sense of trust and aids in relaxation, thus problems that may be hidden often surface.

The Japanese believe this to play a crucial role in the recovery process for they believe that for every pain is an underlying pain waiting to surface and it is only when this happens that recovery can truly begin.