The Benefits and History of Massage Therapy

The assignment discusses the history and benefits of massage therapy, including its use in ancient cultures, its effects on pain management, mental health conditions, and overall wellbeing. The essay also explores the differences between remedial and relaxation massage, as well as the relationship of massage with allied health services and other complementary therapies such as reflexology, aromatherapy, and acupuncture.

Running head: DEVELOPMENT MASSAGE PRACTICE
Development Massage Practice
Name of student:
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DEVELOPMENT MASSAGE PRACTICE
Introduction about massage therapy
The term ‘massage therapy’ is an umbrella term that includes a number of techniques that
considers manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues for enhancing the individual’s
wellbeing and health. Though a section of scientific research done regarding effectiveness of
massage is conflicting, a considerable pool of evidence point out the beneficial effects of the
same.
Historical development of massage
History of massage therapy has been linked with ancient cultures that had a strong belief
in medical benefits of the same. The initial written records that document the use of massage
therapy have been found in Egypt and China. The first known message therapy tradition has been
perceived to originate from India. However, research indicates that the practice might have had
its origin around 3000 BCE or even earlier than that. The civilians in India relied on the art of
healing touch for medicinal uses. The massage was known to be the effective form of pain relief
and a way of producing a sense of wellbeing and peace. The use of massage therapy in the
western culture dates back to only early 1800s. As the form spread throughout Europe, different
cultures adopted it as a complement treatment option. It was believed that along with exercise
and nutritious food; massage is a prime factor for a healthy life. At present, massage therapy is
practiced across the world as it is embraced wholeheartedly (Salvo 2015).

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Differences between remedial and relaxation massage
Remedial massage is the systematic assessment and consecutive treatment of the muscles,
ligaments, tendons and connective tissues of the body with the aim of assisting in rehabilitation,
injury and pain management. Relaxation massage on the other hand is the full body, or shoulder,
neck or head massage given through continual flowing strokes with the aim of warming up the
body and providing relaxation. While remedial massage has a therapeutic aim, relaxation
massage helps in reducing stress, and addressing conditions such as depression and anxiety
(Micozzi 2014).
Benefits of massage a client might expect from treatment
The possible benefits that a client can receive from massage therapy are a multitude.
Though the effects of the therapy have been pointed out to be short-term, the benefits for
enhancing wellbeing are not to be ignored. Researchers have engaged in extensive research to
point out that massage therapy is useful for addressing conditions such as pain, headaches,
fibromyalgia, mental health conditions, cancer, infant health issues and certain other conditions.
The effectiveness of massages in treating various forms of pain such as osteoarthritis, chronic
low back pain and labour pain is well known. Massage therapy has been denoted as an element
of alternative and complementary medicine. Muscle tension and stress are often treated with
massages (Salvo 2015). In addition to the benefits for particular diseases and conditions,
massages are known to be effective for producing feelings of comfort, connection and care.
Human touch is incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. Massage, therefore, soothes depression and
anxiety. Further, massages encourage a restful sleep and patients undergoing certain therapies

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can have a relaxed state of body and mind. Studies have also pointed out that massage boosts the
immune system of the body and improves the immune function (Field 2014).
Relationship of massage with allied health services, and to reflexology, aromatherapy and
complementary therapy (acupuncture)
The relationship of massage with allied health services is distinct. Physiotherapy is an
approach that combines massage, manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises for patient healing.
Osteopathic treatment is the noteworthy holistic ‘whole body’ treatment in which the focus is on
soft-tissues for the promotion of overall wellbeing. Osteopathic massages are a good option for
individuals responding well to massages and stretching for holistic healing. There are also
differences between chiropractic and massage. The main goal of the former is the release of
subluxations in the spine for ensuring optimal functioning of the nervous system. The latter
focuses on relief from muscle pain, tension and stiffness through hands-on treatments.
Naturopathy is the system focused on restoring the body’s strength through establishing the
relation of the body with the principles of nature. Massage is a modality of naturopathy (Micozzi
2014).
Reflexology, though applied in combination with massage, is different from it. In its true
sense, reflexology is the practice of application of pressure to the reflex zones on different parts
of the body for gaining benefits similar to those of massage. Aromatherapy is the use of essential
oils for promoting healing and enabling better wellbeing in the recipient. Aromatherapy massage
is a Swedish massage therapy that uses essential oils for the same benefit. Acupuncture is a form
of complementary medicine that uses fine needles inserted in the skin of the individual at

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specific points for the promotion of the ability of the body to heal. The main goal of acupuncture
is same to that of massage (Salvo 2015).
Conclusion
The effectiveness of massage therapy has been established across literature that point out
the need for further research regarding its wider applications. Much of the existing evidence
points out that usefulness of massage therapy is multidimensional, and associated factors are to
be considered while applying it in practice. The potential of massage therapy is to be exploited to
gain maximal benefits for wellbeing.

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References
Field, T., 2014. Massage therapy research review. Complementary therapies in clinical
practice, 20(4), pp.224-229.
Micozzi, M.S., 2014. Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine-E-Book.
Elsevier Health Sciences.
Salvo, S.G., 2015. Massage Therapy-E-Book: Principles and Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences.