The History of Massage, Massage as an Aid

for Relaxation, Points to be Considered in

giving Massage
Western massage techniques showed little change from the fifth century
B.C.E., while Grecian practices stayed the same until the early 1800s. Belief
in the healing practice of massage and its early techniques grew throughout
Europe following its development in ancient Greece and continued until
modern times.

Evolution of Massage in the United States

Currently, massage services and businesses operate throughout the U.S.A.,

with the practice dating to the 1700s. One of the oldest medical practices is
still one of the most popular and offers both mental and physical benefits.
Though many of the tried-and-true cultural methods are still prevalent today,
new science-based practices have become popular to alleviate a wider range
of issues and symptoms. Whatever the modality, the world of massage
therapy may provide relief and treatment options for patients struggling with
various muscle and tissue conditions. 1

The Emergence of Swedish massage

Swedish massage practitioners developed this method to treat gymnasts and

other athletes using strokes, friction, kneading, and tapping movements on
soft tissue to loosen tight muscles and relieve cramps while promoting healthy
blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This massage philosophy is most
tied to modern scientific research of the body and its systems.

Currently, Swedish massage is often the favored technique for many massage
therapists in the Western world. Its benefits include increased flexibility, an
improved immune system, pain management, and mental relaxation. The
whole-body health benefits of Swedish massage are perhaps why this healing
practice has become so popular. 2

Types of Massage Therapy Styles

From its origins in ancient history to modern-day applications, there are many
forms of massage therapy. Several of the most common healing methods
include:.

 Deep-tissue massage.

 Hot stone massage.

 Myofascial release.
  Prenatal massage.
 Reflexology.
 Scalp massage.
 Sports massage.

The Impact of Massage Therapy on Health and

Medicine
The perception of massage being only available at high-end spas or health
clubs has changed. People now widely recognize massage as a healing
practice with multiple beneficial effects for mental and physical health. It has
become more available to people from all walks of life and may provide
therapeutic benefits and alternative treatment options for health professionals
providing patient care.

Benefits of Massage

Massage therapy continues to show promise as a tool for therapeutic

purposes and alternative medicine treatment for patients. 3 Practitioners may
use massage therapy to treat the following common conditions:

 Anxiety.
 Restlessness.
 Body aches.
 Sore muscles and joints.
 Sprains and strains.
 Nerve pain.
 Soft tissue damage.
 Sports injuries.
 Headaches and migraines.
 Digestive issues.

Several more beneficial effects of massage therapy on physical well-being

may include:

 Better blood flow.

 Improved blood pressure.
 Improved sleep quality.
 Faster recovery time after exercising.
 Improved flexibility.
 Reduced pain and discomfort.
 Relief from swelling and inflammation.
 Reduced muscle stiffness.
 Improved immune system function.

Massage Therapy in HealthCare

Massage therapy may also benefit some medical conditions. For
example, studies suggest that back massage may play a role in supporting
healthier sleep patterns in patients with congestive heart failure. 4 This could
mean improved sleep and overall well-being for patients receiving treatment
for this condition. In other studies, massage therapy may have a positive
impact on pain reduction in patients undergoing cancer treatment. 5

How Do I Pursue a Career as a Massage Therapist?

Education

Your first step is enrolling in a massage education program, such as

the Massage Therapy Diploma Program at Concorde. Generally, these
programs last between six and 12 months, depending on the school you
choose to attend. At Concorde, our diploma program could take you as little
as nine months to complete.

Experience Requirements

During and after your educational program, you may need to complete several
practice hours before you can obtain professional certification. You may
complete these practice hours at a student clinic, during an internship, or
directly through your program. These requirements largely depend on the
state where you live and seek certification.

Licenses and Certifications

In most cases, massage therapists obtain board certification, state licensing,

and membership in a professional association, such as the American
Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). In addition to completing an approved
training program, you may earn certification through the National Certification
Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). You may also
seek membership through the AMTA to further your commitment to the
profession while availing yourself of continuing education and resources for
renewing your certification.

If you want to train for a career as a massage therapist, explore what

Concorde can do for you. You may complete our Massage Therapy Diploma
Program in as little as nine months. Our program can provide you with the
opportunity to obtain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed and
prepare you for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx). Train
to start your healthcare career in months, not years, at Concorde.

What is massage?
Massage is normally a whole or part body treatment with the therapist using their
hands to perform pressure, stroking, kneading and rubbing movements to the skin.
There are various types of massage that one can experience depending on the
reason why an individual requires such a treatment.

Sports massage, lymphatic drainage massage and relaxation massage are

treatments which are widely used and have huge benefits to the body and its
functioning.

Relaxation massage:
A relaxing massage is achieved by using the full hands of the therapist in a gentle
manner over the skin, following the muscle contours (soft tissues) of the body. The
whole of the body is normally massaged during this type of treatment. There should
be no pain involved during relaxation massage, in fact it should be a very
pleasurable experience. Gentle kneading, and long smooth stroking rhythmic
movements produce many benefits to the clients overall health and wellbeing. It is a
treatment designed to relax and soothe, not to relieve chronic pain or other
underlying conditions.

Why is it relaxing?

Massage is relaxing due to the gentle nature of the therapists movements on the
body’s soft tissues. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress
and pain and promotes a healing environment within the body.

Benefits of a relaxation massage:

Improved circulation: the gentle stroking and kneading movements over the skin
can improve the flow of blood circulation peripherally, bringing fresh blood to the
area providing better local nutrition and hastening the removal of toxins and waste
matter.

This in turn will improve the recovery of soft tissue injuries locally and improve skin
tone.

Reduced muscle tension: Muscle tension which could be due to a postural issue
(sitting at a desk for long hours) can be reduced by a regular relaxation massage.
Gentle but firm pressure to specific shoulder muscles for example will help disperse
any tension build up/tightness in this area. Postural problems are cumulative and
massage therapy is one of the best ways of ‘nipping it in the bud’ so to speak.

Muscular fatigue from over use during exercise can also be greatly reduced by
having regular relaxation massages. The effects of the kneading and stroking
movements to the muscle fibres help disperse/remove lactic acid build up reducing
fatigue, discomfort and reducing recovery time.

Eases muscle pain: A trained massage therapist is able to isolate specific muscles
or muscle groups to treat localised pain. As the different layers of musculature are
stimulated and the body’s extremities are thoroughly treated, the body begins to
open itself up more freely and relaxes. Circulation is improved, which improves
localised inflammation as well as reduce fatigue, pain and improve energy levels.

Alleviates anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression have become a twenty
first century problem in the western world. It’s fair to say that these conditions are
responsible for the vast majority of mental ill health in most people. By creating a
calming atmosphere and with the healing benefits of skin to skin contact, as well as
the practical analgesic effects of massage itself, this therapy can alleviate some of
the symptoms of instances of anxiety and depression. A persons overall wellness
can be improved.

Improves sleep: Relaxation massage relaxes the client and provides relief from
stress and the feeling of calm, which can help a person fall asleep more quickly,
sleep more deeply and be less disturbed during sleep. Massage therapy also
relieves postural stress and localised pain so that a person will find it easier to sleep
more comfortably.

Improved immunity: By reducing stress hormones and lowering blood pressure the
body is better able to target its immune response to ward off disease or infection
more efficiently.

Massage is an ancient healing practice that has been used for centuries to promote
relaxation, reduce stress, and relieve pain. Whether you're a professional massage therapist
or want to spoil your partner or a friend, there are specific techniques and tips on how to give
a good massage. In this article, we'll share some of the best ways to give a good massage
and discuss how massage chairs can be an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more
automated approach.

ey elements of giving a good massage.

What to know before starting it
Achieving a perfect massage involves mastering fundamental techniques. Start with
effleurage, gentle strokes to warm up the muscles. Progress to kneading to release
tension, using circular motions and applying varied pressure. Include petrissage for
deeper muscle manipulation, and use friction for targeted relief. Finish with soothing
effleurage to promote relaxation. Combine these techniques for a well-rounded and
effective massage experience.
 Essential things to have for delivering an
exceptional massage experience
The massage experience can be influenced by the things you have at your disposal.
Thus, before giving a massage make sure you check as many as possible for the
following list:

 Quality massage oil or lotion

ensure a smooth and comfortable massage with a high-quality oil or lotion to reduce
friction and nourish the skin.
 Comfortable massage table or mat
create a professional setup with a comfortable and supportive surface for your
recipient to lie on during the massage.
 Soft, clean towels
use clean and soft towels to cover and drape the recipient, maintaining a hygienic
and comfortable environment.
 Ambient lighting and relaxing music
set the mood with soft lighting and soothing music to enhance the overall relaxation
experience.
 Knowledge of basic massage techniques
familiarize yourself with basic massage techniques, including effleurage, kneading,
and friction, to provide a well-rounded and effective massage.
 Communication and Consent
establish clear communication with the person that's receiving the massage,
ensuring their comfort and obtaining consent before starting the massage.
 Time management
allocate sufficient time for the massage session, allowing for a thorough and
unhurried experience.

Give a good massage - the steps you need

to follow
Set the mood
The first step in learning how to give a good massage is creating a comfortable and
relaxing atmosphere. Consider dimming the lights, lighting candles, and playing soft
music. You can also use essential oils or incense to add a pleasant aroma to the
room. It's important to ensure that the temperature is comfortable and that the
person receiving the massage is lying on a comfortable surface, such as a massage
table or bed.

Pick the right technique

There are many different techniques you can use when giving a massage. For
example, a back massage is a great way to relieve tension in the upper and lower
back, while a Swedish massage uses long strokes and kneading motions to promote
relaxation and improve circulation. A deep tissue massage is ideal for targeting
specific areas of pain or tension in the body, while a sports massage can help
athletes prevent or recover from injuries. The Californian massage is a popular type
of massage that involves using long, flowing strokes and gentle rocking motions to
help promote relaxation and reduce stress. To perform a Californian massage, apply
massage oil to the person's back and then use long, gliding strokes from the neck to
the lower back. You can also use gentle kneading motions to help loosen tight
muscles. The Japanese massage, also known as Shiatsu, is a form of massage that
uses finger pressure to help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. To perform a
Japanese massage, use your fingers to apply pressure to specific points on the
body, such as the neck, shoulders, and back. You can also use your thumbs to apply
pressure to specific trigger points to help alleviate tension.
Experiment with advanced technologies
Are you unsure about your skills and are still learning how to give a good massage?
If you're looking for a more automated approach to massage, consider using
a massage chair. These are designed to provide a full-body massage and come
equipped with various settings and features, such as heat therapy and different
massage techniques. Massage chairs are a great alternative for those who don't
have the time or resources to visit a professional massage therapist. Electric
massagers are another great alternative to traditional massages. These devices
come in various shapes and sizes and can target specific areas of pain or tension in
the body. Some electric massagers even come equipped with heat therapy,
vibration, and other features to help enhance the massage experience. Note that if
you're interested in using a massage chair or an electric massager, it's essential to
research and choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer like
Komoder. Look for features such as adjustable intensity settings, multiple massage
techniques, and heat therapy, as these can help enhance the massage experience
and provide the greatest benefits.
Practice, practice, practice
Finally, the key to becoming an expert on how to give a good massage is to practice
regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with different
massage techniques and the more confident you'll feel in providing an effective
massage. Whether you're using a massage chair or providing a traditional massage,
practicing and honing your skills can help you become a more skilled massage
therapist.

In conclusion, learning how to give a good massage takes time, patience, and
practice. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can develop
the skills and confidence necessary to provide an effective and enjoyable massage
experience for yourself or your loved ones. Remember the most important thing is to
create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that allows the person receiving the
massage to unwind and enjoy the experience fully.