Signed in as:. Sign out. Massage involves working and acting on the body with various pressure. Techniques are commonly applied using hands , fingers , elbows , knees , forearm , feet , or a device. The purpose of massage is generally promoted as treatment for stress or pain. In professional settings massage clients are treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair , or lying on a mat on the floor.
Archaeological evidence of massage has been found in many ancient civilizations including China , India , Japan , Korea , Egyp t, Rome , Greece , and Mesopotamia.
It is known that some form of massage has been used BC and probably a lot longer than that. AD Dutch massage practitioner Johan Georg Mezger applies French terms to name five basic massage techniques, and coins the phrase "Swedish massage system". These techniques are still known by their French names effleurage long, gliding strokes , petrissage lifting and kneading the muscles , friction firm, deep, circular rubbing movements , tapotement brisk tapping or percussive movements , and vibration rapidly shaking or vibrating specific muscles.
China: Massage has developed continuously in China for over years. Western ideas are considered within the traditional framework. It is widely practiced and taught in hospital and medical schools and is an essential part of health maintenance and primary healthcare. There are many different types of massage, some of the common ones are listed below:.
Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through "meridians" in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices. Ayurvedic Massage is one of the most common and important Ayurvedic therapies.
