Many of you know that Marc and I were massage professionals for many years before starting up our business manufacturing Aromax Muscle Relief Gel. Marc practiced in Seattle, WA, St. Thomas, VI and Santa Barbara, CA for over 30 years. I started my aromatherapy massage practice in Los Angeles, CA in 1985, and several years later, was invited to participate in Senior PGA Golf Tournaments in California and Hawaii, working on golf greats like Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer, Chichi Rodriguez and dozens more. The senior golfers relied on regular massage to enhance their golf performance and keep them in peak health during the stresses of touring. Their main complaint was their dislike of the Ben Gay/Icy Hot-type products that their physical therapists recommended, which they felt provided them with limited pain relief benefits and were not very pleasant to use. They loved the oil blend that I had developed for the events and challenged me to come up with a version that was spill-proof, non-oily, non-stinky, easy to apply, and would travel well. It took some time, but I took up the challenge, formulating the essential oils with organic aloe vera, and the result is Aromax Muscle Relief Gel!
As those of you who are fans of Aromax know, using massage to apply Aromax to areas of soreness and pain definitely amplifies and accelerates the healing effect of the ingredients. Why? Because massage is one of the oldest, most universal and effective ways of stimulating circulation, eliminating inflammation and soothing muscle tension that we have at our fingertips! Yet too many people haven’t yet discovered and experienced the life- and health-enhancing benefits of regular massage. Over the past 30 years or so, the practice of massage has emerged into the limelight with the advent of resort spas, natural health studios, massage schools and retail venues of many kinds. Now it’s possible to find reasonably priced, ethical and professional massage services in just about every part of the country. In this first article on the subject, I’ll present the benefits of massage therapy to those who are curious, uninitiated or just plain resistant. If you are in that category, or know someone who is, read on!
Massage has always been humankind’s first method of treating pain and stress. For thousands of years, some form of massage or ‘laying on of hands’ has been the principal way to soothe and heal the sick and injured. When we experience pain in any part of our body, our first instinct is always to rub the area until the pain subsides and we feel better. The ancient Greek and Roman physicians knew this, and massage was central to their philosophies. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated in the early fifth century BCE that “the physician must be experienced in many things, but most assuredly in rubbing…for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.” Avicenna, the Arab philosopher and physician who is credited with the discovery of distillation, noted in his work, the Canon, that the purpose of massage was to “disperse the effete matters found in the muscles and not expelled by exercise.” In Far Eastern culture, massage techniques have always been valued for their healing applications, with the tradition of ‘barefoot doctors’ visiting those in the local villages experiencing pain and trauma. Japanese Shiatsu techniques evolved from this medical tradition, and the practice of foot, hand and ear reflexology emerged from the ancient art of Oriental pressure point therapy. Through the centuries in both Eastern and Western cultures, massage has evolved as a major influence in whole body healing.
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is the premier professional organization in the USA, representing thousands of massage professionals practicing abroad range of modalities. According to studies conducted by the Association, the majority of massage treatments sought each year are medical- or stress-related, with lower back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic muscle tension, insomnia and depression the most significant. The AMTA provides helpful guidelines on the 25 best reasons to consider regular massage as an important part of your health and wellness routine.
They are:
1. Relieve stress
2. Relieve post-operative pain
3. Reduce anxiety
4. Manage low back pain
5. Help fibromyalgia pain
6. Reduce muscle tension
7. Enhance exercise performance
8. Relieve tension headaches
9. Sleep better
10. Ease symptoms of depression
11. Improve cardiovascular health
12. Reduce pain of osteoarthritis
13. Decrease stress in cancer patients
14. Improve balance in older adults
15. Decrease rheumatoid arthritis pain
16. Temper effects of dementia
17. Improve relaxation
18. Lower blood pressure
19. Decrease symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
20. Help chronic neck pain
21. Lessen joint replacement pain
22. Increase range of motion
23. Decrease migraine frequency
24. Improve quality of life in hospice care
25. Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea
How many of these conditions can you relate to? If you checked off more than five of the above, you are an excellent candidate for massage, and after just a massage or two will experience a noticeable improvement in your energy level, flexibility and mental outlook. After considering if massage is for you, you may have questions about the type of massage that would be most beneficial for your health situation. Typically, professionals at spas and massage studios should be able to take the time to discuss
your needs and preferences with you in advance of treatment and may guide you to the modality (or combination of modalities) that will work best for you to help in reaching your wellness goals. I’ll delve into and describe some of the more popular techniques and modalities you might find on a spa massage menu, below. You are sure to be drawn to certain techniques and may later decide to explore others as you venture into the wonderful world of massage and bodywork!
SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish massage, often called ‘traditional massage’ or ‘classic massage’ is a structured compilation of techniques introduced by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Drawing on his knowledge of gymnastics and physiology and combining Chinese, Greek, Roman and Egyptian techniques, Ling established the first college offering massage as part of the curriculum in Stockholm in 1813. Professionals at institutes and spas throughout Europe expanded on Ling’s work, and Swedish massage became standard practice in these healing retreats and spas. Kneading, stroking, percussion, tapping, rolling and applying friction to the muscles with medium pressure are hallmarks of Swedish massage. The surface muscle layers are treated with light, rhythmic strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. The therapist will use massage oil throughout the treatment to ease the hand strokes and movements, loosen tight muscles and provide elasticity and lubrication to the skin. Swedish massage is excellent for gently increasing blood circulation and soothing inflammation, as the hand movements are slow and thorough, but do not involve deep pressure. Swedish massage is the perfect technique for the massage beginner to experience.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Deep tissue massage focuses on relieving severe muscle tension, and therapists will concentrate on the specific areas of the body where the pain is greatest. Deep tissue massage is most beneficial for those with musculoskeletal disorders, postural problems or areas of chronic muscle pain and tension. This type of massage suits those who feel the need for deep pressure, which together with correct breathing techniques, can successfully release long-held trauma from the body. Massage therapists may use their elbows, forearms and knuckles while performing deep tissue bodywork, in order to apply the necessary pressure to obtain results. Sustained pressure and slow, deep strokes that target the inner layers of muscles and connective tissue help to break up any scar tissue that occurs following an injury, and encourages the body to create new, flexible and healthy tissue. At the end of a deep tissue massage session, the recipient will experience a sense of the muscles feeling much more relaxed, even ‘liquid,’ with a renewed sense of clarity, focus and wellbeing. (Note: individuals with inflamed joints or systemic conditions such as lupus should not choose deep tissue massage, as it can trigger flare-ups.) Overall, however, deep tissue massage is very effective in improving one’s physical and mental health and is one of the most requested techniques at spas.
SPORTS MASSAGE
An entire industry has built up over the years to address the needs of sports athletes. No matter what the sport is, there are a plethora of techniques and methods utilized by sports massage professionals to address the specific needs of their clients. Sports massage is typically deep and intense, focuses on a specific area rather than full body, as its practitioners are well versed in physiology and kinesiology. Techniques such as kneading, tapotement (hacking with the sides of the hands), effleurage (deep stroking), cupping, wringing and trigger point methods are used to loosen muscles, improve blood flow, and lessen lactic acid buildup. Often integrated into sports massage is myofascial therapy, a specific form of massage where the muscle ‘fascia’ or connective tissue is targeted with specific deep pressure to release edema and residual trauma. Sports massage takes three forms: pre-event, post-event and maintenance, each with differing goals for the athlete who trains hard every day. Sports massage can help to alleviate pain by increasing the activity of the brain’s ‘feel good’ endorphins, leading to better
recovery, as well as helping to prevent or recover from a sports injury.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy originated with the work of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still (1827 – 1917), an osteopathic doctor who practiced in the Union Army during the Civil War. Dr. Still devoted his life to researching a new form of medicine that did not rely on the harsh medicines and surgeries of his time. He theorized that the body contained everything needed for its own healing if assisted through correct manipulations of the spinal bones which had become misaligned by what he termed ‘subluxations.’ Dr. Still’s work was expanded upon in the 1960’s by John Upledger and is now accepted as a beneficial modality for many conditions of the spine and nervous system. Craniosacral therapy posits that the cerebral membranes and fluids can be manipulated to bring the body into balance and stimulate self-healing. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on technique conducted in a quiet, peaceful space where the recipient is fully clothed and is treated on a chair or table, or both. This therapy is ideal for those suffering from migraines, neck pain, TMJ, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and related conditions.
HOT STONE THERAPY
Hot stone massage therapy came into prominence in the 1990’s, and now appears on most spa massage menus. This form of massage is similar to traditional massage in that the recipient is unclothed on a massage table, and massage oil is used in treatment. The stones are heated to a comfortable temperature, usually 130 to 145 degrees, in a hydrocollator and then applied to the body in specific areas. The body is weighted down by the smooth basalt stones at reflex points along the spine and on the stomach, chest, face and feet, and the warmth helps muscles to relax so that they can be more effectively massaged. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that retains heat, so the stones will remain warm throughout the treatment. The practitioner will also use the stones as massage tools in smooth, long, circular motions together with Swedish-style kneading and rolling motions to provide even pressure to larger muscle areas. The sensation is extremely enjoyable if practiced correctly, and amplifies the benefits of the massage, leading to a long-lasting sense of calmness and wellbeing. Hot stone massage is recommended to repair tissue damage, ease overall muscle tension and defray stress and anxiety, and is ideal for individuals in need of extreme relaxation.
SHIATSU
Shiatsu massage originated in Japan and is now well integrated into Western culture. Shiatsu is in fact a broad term for several different types of physical therapy that aim to integrate emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and may combine massage with acupressure, herbalism, movement therapy, mindfulness and meditation. The practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and can be customized to one’s condition by communicating with the practitioner during treatment. Shiatsu aims to activate the body’s energy flow (or ‘Qi) through applying pressure to points along the body’s meridians to bring about balance and harmony to the body as a whole. Shiatsu massage as practiced in the spa setting can be performed with the recipient either clothed or undressed, and involves yoga-like stretching, muscle rotations and breathing as the therapists uses either light or deep static pressure with the fingers and thumbs. Shiatsu massage is recommended for those experiencing headaches, fatigue, lower back pain or general stress and tension. Shiatsu increases the activity of brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, providing great benefits to those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or insomnia.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology gained popularity in the 1930’s, although its roots go back centuries: Egyptian hieroglyphics show images of people giving and receiving foot and hand reflexology. According to the Reflexology Association of America, reflexology stimulates neural pathways and leads to optimal body functioning. Graphic charts show the correlation of body parts to ‘reflex points’ on different zones of the foot; for example, the big toe is related to the head and neck, so massage of points on the toe will produce results in the treatment of head and neck pain. The arch of the foot relates to the spine, so reflexologists will treat back pain by specific manipulation of that part of the foot. Although probably not the choice of treatment for the ticklish, reflexology is an extremely valuable technique when integrated into massage treatment or provided as an add-on service. This type of foot massage is particularly valuable when utilized later in the day, as many report that their sleep habits are much improved with the practice of reflexology. Each foot is made up of 26 bones, 30 joints and more than 100 muscles, ligaments and tendons, and they bear our weight in all everyday activities, so it only makes sense to take care of them with reflexology treatments!
REIKI
Reiki has a fascinating heritage and is seen increasingly as a treatment combined with massage or as a practice in itself. Reiki means ‘universal’ (‘rei’) and ‘life energy’(‘ki’). It can be understood as similar to the ancient practice of ‘laying on of hands’ to heal and cure bodily ailments. In 1922, Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese doctor raised in the Buddhist tradition, founded a clinic in Tokyo to teach reiki. Dr. Usui had spent years searching for a system of healing that would not be affiliated with any particular religion, but that would be available to all. The story goes that Dr. Usui, while fasting and meditating for three weeks on Mount Kurama, had a spiritual awakening during which he became aware of ancient Sanskrit symbols and understood how to use them in healing through specific hand positions. Reiki has a spiritual lineage and the techniques were passed down through a series of individuals before becoming a global phenomenon in the 1980’s. Reiki is now practiced around the world and is considered to be life force energy medicine which can be experienced directly or can be used for distant healing. During a Reiki session, the recipient is clothed and is lying comfortably in a warm, peaceful setting. Some recipients experience the practitioner’s hands (which may either hover above the body or gently rest on it) as warm or even hot and may experience what has been described as waves of energy or tingling, spark-like sensations, while others feel no specific sensations at all, but report a profound sense of peace and wellbeing after treatment. Reiki is recommended for those who want to experience mind/body healing in a positive environment without the vigorous physical activity of traditional massage.
AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
As an aromatherapy practitioner for over 35 years now, I have left the best for last! More and more spas and massage establishments are learning about pure essential oils and how they are able to provide incredible benefits to health seekers through the medium of massage and bodywork. Aromatherapy and essential oils in general are an amazingly complex subject, and the art and skill of blending for specific conditions can be a life’s work for the dedicated health professional. Essential oils are differentiated from fragrance oils by the fact that they are derived from specific plants as opposed to aroma-chemicals constructed in the laboratory. Like any fine food ingredient or wine, the therapeutic value of essential oils is determined by its ‘terroir:’ the area in which the plant is grown, the season, climate, soil conditions, nutrients, harvesting and processing methods. The vital life force in essential oils cannot be duplicated artificially, and it is this plant life force that amplifies the benefits of any massage modality. In the practice of aromatherapy massage, the therapist may use a pre-blended massage oil or create their own for the client. Essential oils are added at a ratio of 3 – 5% to a cold-pressed ‘fixed’ oil such as coconut, sweet almond, apricot, grapeseed or jojoba. A small amount of Vitamin E oil (tocopherol) can be added for superior skin nourishment. Most clients are seeking a relaxing experience, so aromatherapists will use oils such as lavender, sandalwood, sweet orange or absolutes of rose or jasmine for the ultimate in relaxation. Stimulating, energizing oils for a sports massage would include eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, ginger or spruce. The beauty of aromatherapy is that the essential oil massage blend can be used with any massage modality, although classical therapists prefer to perform gentle Swedish massage or a technique like reflexology or Reiki to create a
customized therapy session. An ultrasonic diffuser nebulizing the essential oils into the room, peaceful music and a warm, secure and comfortable environment complete the experience. Whatever the chosen modality, pure essential oils add much more than just a relaxing, pleasing aroma – they provide scientifically-proven physical, mental and emotional health benefits that last long after the massage session is over.
I’ll elaborate further on the ways that integrating massage into your wellness lifestyle to overcome pain and trauma in future articles. For now, if you are new to massage, I really encourage you to seek out a massage professional who you can work with to improve your health. Many people start by contacting their local massage school to obtain an introductory massage from a student there, and many massage therapists will make home visits so that you can experience the benefits of massage without even having to leave the comfort of your home. Massage studios have sprung up offering both reflexology and full-body massage at reasonable prices, and many have excellent practitioners on hand. Often you can bring your own customized aromatherapy oil or muscle relief product and the therapist will be happy to use them for your treatment. So, treat yourself to a healing, relaxing massage today!
“The way to health is to have an aromatic bath and a fragrant massage every day”
Hippocrates, 460 - 377 BC
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