I love a good massage, from gentle to hold your breath intense - there's nothing better to release the tension built up from travel, and just life.
As a CPTSD survivor living in a state of hyper vigilance, I hold a great deal of stress in my muscles without even noticing. Add to that the hours spent hunched in a plane seat, over a laptop writing or at the sewing machine and the result is a muscular system made entirely of knots that a hot bath can barely take the edge off of.
Bonus, touch being one of my main love languages, a massage can put my whole being at ease mentally as well as physically, during the treatment, and leaves me loose and limber for days afterwards.
There are a seemingly infinite variety of massage styles practiced in the world and I hope to eventually experience them all!
Massage - from the French massage = friction of kneading, which could be from the Arabic massa = to touch, feel or Latin massa meaning mass, dough & Greek massō=to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough - is the manipulation of soft tissues, and sometimes joints, to relieve tension, stress, muscle tightness and myofascial pain.
Myofascial: Fascia is the thin, tough, elastic connective tissue that wraps most structures of the body. Myo-fascia is the facia covering the muscles.
The manipulation can be accomplished manually or with the assistance of a variety of massage tools - instruments like body-rocks,* balls, foam rollers, vibrators, oscillating guns, etc. I even once had a massage that utilized a car buffer, (and it was amazing!)
Most massages are administered with a client is at least partially undressed, (often covered by a sheet,) so soothing oils and lotions can be applied. I personally prefer to
be nude, but many people keep their underwear on and most traditions allow the client to choose their state of undress, no need to worry if your self-conscience.
Discussed in this Article
An Mo - Chinese Medicinal Massage
Shiatsu & Ashiatsu - Japanese Massage
Ayurvedic - Indian Medicinal Massage
Massage practices have been around as long as civilizations have existed. The ancient Greeks called them anatripsis and the Romans enjoyed their frictio.
In literature, massage with oils and aromatics is mentioned as a relaxation technique in the Iliad & Odyssey (762 BC,) for tired and wounded warriors. And archaeological evidence of massage has been found in Mesopotamia, China, India, Japan and Egypt - as early as 2330 BC in The Tomb of Akmanthor (Tomb of the Physician) in Saqqara, is a depiction of men having work done on their feet and hands.
Massage in various forms has since spread to every corner of the globe, but not all styles are created equal.
The Classic Swedish Massage
The Swedish Massage is actual a misnomer. It's techniques of slow steady strokes of even pressure were first described and named by a Dutch man, Johann Georg Mezger. The techniques were later mistakenly attributed to a Swedish gymnastics teacher, Pehr Henrik Ling and have been mislabeled Swedish ever since.
Most of Europe just calls this gentle, steady massage a Classic Massage. It consist of rubbing, kneading, and gentle thumping/beating motions among others. Usually performed with the therapists hands, palms, and knuckles and sometime elbows and forearms. The massage can be used on the full body or just a portion depending on the clients desires.
The classic massage is the basis of most western massages. A Deep Tissue massage is essential the classic massage with more pressure, (and possibly combine with trigger point therapy.) Even a Sports Massage is based on the same principles with added stretch and muscle manipulations.
Additional techniques like manual lymph node drainage, aromatherapy, stretch, Acupressure, use of heated stones, steams and fanciful oils, lotions or salts etc. can all be added to personalize and customize the experience. A client should always communicate with their therapist about the areas to focus on and the amount of applied pressure throughout the treatment.
Acupressure Massage
Acupressure techniques are practiced all over the world, (originally based in Eastern Medicine traditions.) They are targeted applications of pressure to stimulate acupoints.
Acupoints are specific points of focus in life-force body theories. Their exact location may vary from practice to practice as they are defined by each cultures life-force tradition, but they usually derive in some way from the Chinese concept of Qi.
Qi (also ch'i, chi, ki or gi) is the Chinese concept of the life force, breath or vital energy that is part of all that exists. Qi is said to flow along Meridians in the body. (They are not anatomical structures and their existence is not accepted by Western medicine.)
The Qi is believed to sometimes get blocked along the meridians at certain acupoints and this blockage is what acupressure attempts to address.
The term acupressure is very broad. It includes everything from the thumb repeatedly pressing on acupoints, bracelets that continuously press on the points, ice massage or application of essential oils or ointment on acupoints and even a branch that only stimulates points on the ears (called ‘auricular acupressure’ or ‘ear-acupressure.’)
In acupressure massage the stimulation can be accomplished by many means using fingers, palms, elbows or massage tools, like trigger balls or oscillation guns.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger Points were first mapped in the mid 20th century. They're points on the body that relate to dysfunctions in myoneural or neuromuscular junctions
Neuromuscular junctions, NMJ - are the chemical synapses, or communication between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber that transmits a signal to muscle causing contraction.
The therapy aims to deactivate the malfunctioning NMJ sending unnecessary muscle contraction signals, causing local or nerve referral pain, (like headaches.) The points can be addressed with manual pressure through massage, vibrations, or injections to interrupt the signals and 'reset' the synapses to relieve myofascial pain.
Trigger Points are often confused with Pressure Points - which areas of the body that can produce significant pain when manipulated even by relatively weak pressure. Pressure points are areas of extreme sensitivity, and weakness in the Eastern Martial Arts Tradition. (The existence of pressure points are not disputed but the claims in Martial Arts that they can cause instant death are.)
In practice Trigger Point therapy can overlap with Acupressure, where the acupressure technique is being applied to the trigger point instead of an acupoint.
Trigger Point therapy can also be similar to Manual Lymphatic Drainage, were the lymph nodes are targeted with massage and Biomechanical Stimulation (BMS), were connected tendons to the troubled muscular points are target, usually with instruments of vibration or oscillation guns.
Reflexology
Chinese Foot/Hand Massage & Reflexology (also known as "zone therapy") is the application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. The pure form is practiced without the use of oil or lotion.
Reflexology is based on the belief in a system of zones that reflect an image of the body onto the feet and hands, (where specific areas of the feet and hands are connected to various parts of the body via the Qi)
Working on these zones on the feet and hands is therefor believed to effect a physical change to the connected parts. Rubbing the toes, for instance to effect the head and relieve headaches. Chinese Foot Massage is thought to be particularly beneficial for the elderly.
Theory aside, in practice many Chinese Foot Massages are similar to a Western Pedicure service - they start with soaking the feet in warm water infused with herbs, oils or salts (peppermint & lavender are popular) followed by oils or creams rubbed on the feet, massaging the soles and toes and then the sides of the feet and the ankles.
An Mo & Traditional Chinese Medicinal Massage
Meaning press/ rub/ knead, An Mo is the original ancient term for Chinese massage. It is part of the broader Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, which includes massage adjacent treatments lie acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion)
An Mo now encompasses a variety of massage techniques. Like most Eastern massage the focus is on the balancing of or increasing flow of Qi, for relaxation or healing, with less emphasis on specifically releasing muscle tension.
Pu Tong (An Mo) - a general, non-specialised massage used for relaxation not the treatment of illnesses or injuries. The biggest difference between Western massage and this technique is the use of finger tips, knuckles and other isolated parts of the hand or elbows used in circular rotating motions rather than strokes.
Tui Na (An Mo) or Tuina - meaning push grasp, focuses on stretching, tapping, thumping and kneading along the meridians with smooth gliding or rolling movements
It includes the practice of Zhu Ya ( finger pressure,) a form of acupressure that is used in combination with aromatherapy, herbal oils and hair treatments.
Practitioners apply targeted pressure or pinching along the Qi meridians. They also utilize elbows to apply stronger pressure at acupoints while massaging.
Dian Xue (Am No) - Cavity pressing massage. A full body pure acupressure massage.
Traditionally In China, skin to skin contact was seen as a disruption to a body’s energy flow so old school Chinese Massage was done through clothing.
Kampo, Anma & Shiatsu
Kampo introduced in the 6th century, is the Japanese adaptation of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a stronger emphasis on herbal studies.
Also based on a Chinese predecessor, An Mo, there is an Anma Massage tradition in both Japan and Korea that has been practiced for centuries. Amma involves a variety of techniques, including deep tissue bodywork, friction, kneading, pressing, and stretching, and can incorporate aspects of Shiatsu to help relieve pain and discomfort.
The traditional Japanese version of Chinese, Zhu Ya acupressure massage, Shiatsu (shi=finger & atsu=pressure) uses fingers, palms, and thumbs to apply pressure to specific acupoints on the body. It can be performed either on a mat on the floor or a massage table, while the client remains fully clothed. It may also incorporate stretching and joint mobilization techniques.
Japanese Ashiatsu Massage
Also known as Barefoot Massage - from the Japanese ashi = foot + atsu = pressure, in Ashiatsu, the practitioner uses heels, arch, and whole surface of the foot, to deliver treatment; creating large compression areas, tension and forces with less pointed pressure than an elbow. It's ideal for large muscles, such as in thigh, or for long-duration upper trapezius compressions.
Ayurvedic Massage
Ayurveda, or Abhyangam in Sanskrit, is an ancient Indian medicine practice focused on balancing body, mind and spirit. It means the science of life, and teaches that everything consists of five elements: water, air, earth, fire and ether. The elements combine to form three doshas making up the vital life force, Prana, which must be kept in balance.
Each dosha corresponds to a particular body type. Vata dosha, formed by air and ether, are slim & athletic, Pitta dosha, fire and water, are of medium build and driven, and Kapha dosha,water and earth are heavier and grounded. Most people are a blend with a dominant dosha that needs balancing out.
Ayurveda is part of the dincharya (Daily Regimen) of a healthy Indian life, (though the massage portion of Ayurveda is rarely practiced daily.) There are a variety of Ayurveda massage techniques utilizing oils and herbs & spices in heated poultices.:
Abhyangam involves long and flowing strokes with pressure in the downward direction to calm the Vata Dosha, it uses a heated, medicated oil specific to the client's constitution (Prakriti) or medical condition.
In Udvartana the body is massaged vigorously with powdered herbs or a herbal paste in the direction opposite of hairgrowth to increase circulation and remove toxins trapped in body tissues.
A Pizhichil massage is performed with warm medicated oil poured over the body from a special vessel called a Kindi.
With a focus on the lymphatic zones, Ayurveda involves lots of frontal body work. For women this means boob kneading action, which can be a surprise for those used to the Western tradition that focus on the muscular system, and therefor back, of the torso.
Champissage
More than a thousand years old, the tradition of Indian Head Massage, Champissage,
began as a mother-daughter hair treatment ritual. It was also part of Indian men's barbering practices before it became part of the Ayurvedic Medicine tradition (above) then developing into its own category of specialized head massage.
It uses coconut, almond or olive oil along with buttermilk applied to the hair and scalp by massage. Modern champissage has expanded to include the face, neck and shoulder massages. Clients receive the massage sitting up and clothed.
Chavutti Thirumal
Meaning foot pressure, the Indian Chavutti Thirumal, also known as "foot/rope massage" or just Barefoot Massage. was developed by Kalari Martial Artists, (Kalaripayattu), and it is believed to be two thousand years old. The technique involves long, sweeping motions over the full body administered by the feet of a practitioner who stands on the prone client, supporting themself with rope.
The main focus is to activate the energetic channels (called Nadi in India), increase flexibility, strengthen postural muscles and open the thoracic area (hips), for training purposes of Kalari warriors, so the positioning of the recipient's body on the floor is paramount. In the Martial Art a treatment was given over a 15 day period, with the pressure increasing, a peak, then decreasing over the 15 days with only one day of no massage.
The Kalaripayattu developed a range of training and healing techniques known as Kalari Chikitsa, which included various massage techniques; in addition Chavutti Thirumal, they also practiced Marma Massage (or Uzhichil, similar to pressure point), and the application of medicinal herbal oils.
Thai Massage
Known as Nuat phaen boran = ancient/traditional massage, in Thailand , Thai Massage is based on a combination of Indian and Chinese medicine traditions and used to manage musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.
It's a deep, full-body massage starting from the feet ant working up, often with the client laid out on a mat on the floor instead of a table, focusing on Sen (Thai energy lines,) clearing blockages and stimulating blood and lymph flow.
Utilizing assisted yoga like stretching and joint movements to improve flexibility, acupressure and reflexology techniques, plus a bit of chiropractic cracking, the practitioner manipulates the clients body through a series of positions rather than kneading the muscles. Thai massage is practiced without oils and the client fully clothed, and Thai singing bowls are sometimes incorporated.
Burmese Massage^
Yoe Yar Nhake Nal Chin, meaning simply traditional massage, or Burmese Massage has its origins in ancient Thai, Chinese and Indian medicine. Its a full body massage that starts at the head and works down using kneading, reflexology techniques and acupressure with the practitioner using their elbows in addition to gentle knocking of the pressure points.
Modern Burmese massages also includes the use of local natural products like Thanaka (a distictive Burmese paste made from ground bark) which helps to promote smooth skin and prevents sunburn.
^Burma is also officially known as the Republic of Myanmar
Balinese Massage
While know more for their instagram worthy geothermal mountain springs and flower baths, Indonesia also has a signature massage style. Like the other Asian massage traditions, the Balinese practice Qi centered lifestyles and their massages are aimed for life force balance. Traditional Balinese massage uses gentle stretch and acupressure techniques, including skin rolling, (with massage rollers) kneading & stroking, combined with the aromas of essential oils. Modern practice also incorporates reflexology theory.
LomiLomi
LomiLomi, also known as the loving hands massage, is an indigenous traditional massage of Oceania brought by Polynesian settlers to the Hawaiian Islands.
Lomi means to rub, knead, and make into small pieces in Hawaiian.
Though it can vary by island and family, the LomiLomi usually starts with a Pule (short prayer.) The massage is considered a dance ritual performed on the skin with not only hands but also with the soft part of the forearms, knees and feet, involving deep, rhythmic motions and continuous flowing strokes. The masseuse may even hum and dance during the treatment as part of the ritual.
It utilizes natural Hawaiian oils like coconut, jojoba & kukui while the receiver lays uncovered directly on the table, not on a towel, making it possible to perform the rhythmic strokes under the body and over the body simultaneously without interrupting the flow of the massage. (To ensure the comfort of the receiver, the room is heated and a small cloth is used to cover the groin.)
The word lomilomi also is used for massage in Samoa (also known as lolomi and milimili) and in East Futuna, milimili and lusilusi, (or fakasolosolo, amoamo, kinikini, fai’ua.) Similar massage has been documented in Tikopia in the Solomon Islands, Rarotonga, in Pukapuka and in Western Samoa. The Māori call their tradition romiromi and mirimiri. In Tonga it's fotofota, tolotolo, and amoamo. In Tahiti, rumirumi. On Nanumea in Tuvalu, popo, (specifically pressure application is kukumi, and heat application is tutu.)
Missionaries considered LomiLomi a 'pagan practice' and in 1865 the Hawaiian Medicine Act prohibited all native healing practices not recognized by the Medical Board. Not until the mid 20th century were the laws revised allowing LomiLomi to be performed again.
African Rubga Massage
A rungu is a small baton that's an important emblem of warrior status for the Maasai (an East African, largely nomadic people in mainly in Kenya and Tanzania.)
African Runga Massage is rarely preformed with actual rungas now, but the moderninstrument is similar: a long, narrow handle with two rounded ends, (one large, one small.)
The long handle can be used like a rolling pin on larger areas of the body while the rounded ends are used to work out knots or areas of tension (essentially as a trigger point therapy.) The massage is often accompanied by African drumming.
Hammam Massage
A traditional Hammam Massage is received at the hammam, or Ottoman Bathhouses (most commonly a Turkish Bath.)
The massage is just one part of the longer hammam bathing ritual. It's performed on a heated marble slab after a steam bath, while the client is still wet and mostly if not completely nude. It involves vigorous muscle kneading and also joint cracking and twisting of limbs, that is quite similar to modern chiropractic adjustments.
Aquatic Massage & Watsu
Variations of Aquatic massage are basically just hydro therapy with massages performed in water. The buoyancy and range of motion while floating makes it particularly helpful to those with mobility issues.
Techniques, like Water-Dance or Watsa, (shortening of water-shiatsu, originally developed in Switzerland), Healing Dance and Jahara are used many places, including a tradition that comes from the Mayans and is still practiced in Mexico.
The most common, Watsu technique, developed in California is characterized by continuous support and gentle movement; rocking, stretching etc. combined with various massage techniques.
Practiced in swim wear, the massage portion is relatively light with more emphasis on guided stretch and movements in the water.
So far, I've experienced seven of these massage techniques, and I tend to prefer the ones with more pressure - Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Chinese Foot Massage and Barefoot Massage. But I can't wait to continue my research and I'm really looking forward to trying a Hammam!
How about you? What's your favorite style? Know of a technique I haven't mentioned? Let me know in the comments...
*A body rock is a serpentine-shaped tool, usually carved out of stone. It amplify the therapist's strength applying focused pressure. It can be used directly on the skin with a oil or corn starch or directly over clothing.
Bamboo and rosewood tools are also common in southeast Asia. Some are heated, oiled, or wrapped in cloth.
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