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Massage therapy can be traced back thousands of years. References to massage have been found in ancient records from many countries, including Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Japan, China, Egypt, and the Indian subcontinent.

The term massage therapy (also called massage, for short; massage also refers to an individual treatment session) covers a group of practices and techniques. There are over 80 types of massage therapy. In all of them, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body, often varying pressure and movement. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet. Typically, the intent is to relax the soft tissues, increase delivery of blood and oxygen to the massaged areas, warm them, and decrease pain.

A few popular examples of this therapy are as follows:

In Swedish massage, the therapist uses long strokes, kneading, and friction on the muscles and moves the joints to aid flexibility.
A therapist giving a deep tissue massage uses patterns of strokes and deep finger pressure on parts of the body where muscles are tight or knotted, focusing on layers of muscle deep under the skin.
In trigger point massage (also called pressure point massage), the therapist uses a variety of strokes but applies deeper, more focused pressure on myofascial trigger points--"knots" that can form in the muscles, are painful when pressed, and cause symptoms elsewhere in the body as well.
In shiatsu massage, the therapist applies varying, rhythmic pressure from the fingers on parts of the body that are believed to be important for the flow of a vital energy called qi.1

Frequently Asked Questions About Massage Therapy

Are there any preparations I need to make before my appointment?

It is best to not eat for at least 90 minutes before your massage treatment. And only a light meal at that time. This is a similar process to swimming or a work out when your body will take all the blood away from the digestion process and take it to the working peripheral tissues therefore causing poor digestion and possible discomfort.

What can I expect when I go for a massage appointment?

On your first visit you will complete a confidential health history form. Your therapist will go over your health history form with you to determine your treatment needs and goals.

Must I undress for my massage?

Massage therapists are required to cover/drape you with a sheet so that they expose only the area which they are working on. You may need to undress for therapy. However, you do not need to expose yourself in any way that you are uncomfortable.

I bruise easily, can I still get a massage?

It is important to let your massage therapist know (this should be asked on the health history form you will asked to fill out on your first visit). Massage therapy is not recommended for people who suffer from hemophilia.

After my appointment, is there anything I need to have on hand or anything specific I should do?

An epsom salt bath is recommended to soothe and to calm muscles, and enhance the benefits of the massage. It will help to alleviate stiffness you may feel the next day, and it is also recommended for use after workouts for the same reason. Have on hand a 2kg bag of epsom salts, and drink plenty of water to keep your tissues hydrated.

Should I Stretch before and after exercising?

Yes you should do both:

After a 5 minute warm up as simple as marching on the spot to get the blood circulating through your muscles you can start your stretching routine safely. Hold each stretch 20 to 30 seconds and breath deeply. No bouncing and no pain.
After your work out and cool down you do your stretches all again with not pain.2

Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist.

Suggestions and/or information provided by Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods, and the
contents of this article, are for informational purposes only and should not be considered
a substitute for professional medical advice, nor a replacement for prescriptions,
nor an endorsement of any specific type of treatment. Always seek medical advice
for any health concerns from a qualified medical health care professional
before using any recommendations and/or information contained in Nutter's articles.

References:

1. Medicinenet.com, http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/page2.htm

2. Massage.ca, http://www.massage.ca/f_a_q_.html

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