Massage

“Massage is the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques to enhance function, aid in the healing process and promote relaxation and well-being. Archaeological evidence of massage has been found in many ancient civilizations including China, India, Japan, Korea, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia. Chinese massage has developed continuously for over 5000 years and is the basis for many modern massage systems and techniques.

Massage involves working and acting on the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, motion, or vibration, done manually or with mechanical aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, lymphatic vessels or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet.” (Wikipedia, 2012)

Some of the most well-known types of massage are: Swedish/Classic Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Remedial Massage, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, etc.