Austin Massage

Massage is the practice of soft tissue treatment with physical, practical, and in some cases mental purposes and goals. The word derived from the French massage "friction of kneading," or from Arabic Massa sense "to touch, feel or handle" An older etymology may even have been the Hebrew me-sakj "to massage with oil". In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was anatripsis and the Latin was frictio.

Massage involves performing and manipulating the body with pressure – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, activity, or vibration, done physically or with mechanical aids. Marked tissues may contain muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the gastrointestinal system. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are over (80) different recognized massage modalities. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as therapy have been client demand and perceived clinical efficiency.

In professional settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partially unclothed. Parts Of the body may be covered with towels, sheets etc.

The 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta was the first time that massage was offered as a core medical service. Massage has been employed by businesses and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing and Reebok etc.

Tables and chairs Massage
Dedicated massage tables and chairs are used to position clients during massages. A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and a horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be immobile or moveable. An orthopedic pillow or bolster can be used to correct body positioning.

Ergonomic chairs provide a similar function as a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or transferable models. Massage chairs are easier for the practitioner to carry than massage tables, and clients do not need to undress to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

Oil Massage

Many different types of oils can be used including fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Aromatherapy oils such as neroli oil and pine oil can also be mixed with carrier oils. Salts are also used in association with oils to remove dry skin.

Massage methods

Massage can be performed by a massage therapist, or by other health care professionals, such as chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, and/or physical therapists. Massage therapists work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses.

Contraindications to massage include deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever etc.

Acupressure

Acupressure (a blend of "acupuncture" and "pressure") is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, legs, or with various devices.

Ayurvedic Massage

Ayurveda is a natural health care system originating in India that incorporates massage, yoga, meditation and herbal remedies etc. Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga is usually performed by one or two therapists using a heated blend of herbal oils based on the Ayurvedic system of humors.

Stone Massage

A stone massage uses cold or water-heated stones to apply pressure and heat to the body. Stones coated in oil can also be used by the therapist delivering a variety of massaging strokes.

Relaxation (Swedish) Massage

A light, flowing massage primarily for relaxation purposes. Swedish massage is usually given as a full body treatment which involves gliding, kneading, and spreading strokes on the face, head, neck, arms, hands, legs, feet, and back. The client wears minimal or no clothing is carefully draped with sheet and/or blanket at all times. Quality massage lotion or oil is used. Swedish is the most common type of massage technique being taught in the United States today and is arguably the most popular style of massage given in spas. One of the principals of Swedish massage is to improve the return of blood to the heart and lungs. For this reason Swedish massage may be contraindicated for individuals with certain forms of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or cancer.

Therapeutic Massage

There are many different types of therapeutic massage, but generally speaking, these modalities address repetitive strain injuries, stress disorders, and aches and pains of the neck, shoulder, and back and encorporate many site specific techniques in order to achieve particular objectives such as pain relief, increased function, or rehabilitation. More specific forms of Therapeutic

Aromatherapy Massage

A wonderfully relaxing massage during which premium essential oils (distilled organic herbal compounds) are applied to the body in specific combinations and amounts so as to promote physical, mental and emotional healing. Essential oils have powerful anti-stress, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties and have been used by natural healers for at least 3 millennia. They contain powerful phyto compounds that can activate certain beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters and bring about muscular, endocrine and organ balance.

Hot Stone Massage

This sensually delicious treatment combines the properties of Swedish massage, hot & cold therapy, and the healing power of the mineral kingdom to literally melt away the tension, stress, bumps, and knots. A truly relaxing therapeutic treatment that you will never forget. Especially effective on areas of chronically held rigidity.

Chair Massage

The chair massage is a simple approach to bodywork which allows effective techniques to be applied while the client, fully clothed, sits in a specially designed chair. Minimal oils or lotions are used and typical treatments are ten or twenty minutes. Great for the first time massage client or for those in need of quick back, neck & shoulder relief. The portability of the massage chair allows on site massage to be offered in a wide range of settings. Chair massage is often available in malls, airports, sporting events and as part of corporate wellness programs.

Healing Touch

An eclectic approach to energy healing involving the assessment and treatment of the subtle energetic aspects of the whole human being. Practitioners typically read the subject's auric eminations and seek to smooth, calm, cool, fortify, etc. in order to bring balance and assist the individual's inate healing power. The Healing Touch technique has been embraced by many in the nursing profession.