INTRODUCTION TO MASSAGE
Massage is one of the oldest
healing arts: Chinese records dating back 3,000 years document
its use; the ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians applied forms
of massage for many ailments; and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending
the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.
Today, the benefits of massage are varied and far-reaching. As
an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programs, massage
therapy has also proven beneficial for many chronic conditions,
including low back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fatigue, high blood
pressure, diabetes, immunity suppression, infertility, smoking
cessation, depression, and more. And, as many millions will attest,
massage also helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday
living that can lead to disease and illness.
So What Is It Exactly?
Massage, bodywork and somatic therapies are defined as the application
of various techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues
of the human body. Specifically:
Massage: The application of soft-tissue
manipulation techniques to the body, generally intended to reduce
stress and fatigue while improving circulation. The many variations
of massage account for several different techniques.
Bodywork: Various forms of touch
therapies that may use manipulation, movement, and/or repatterning
to affect structural changes to the body.
Somatic: Meaning “of the
body.” Many times this term is used to denote a body/mind
or whole-body approach as distinguished from a physiology-only
or environmental perspective.
There are more than 200 variations
of massage, bodywork, and somatic therapies and many practitioners
utilize multiple techniques. The application of these techniques
may include, but is not limited to, stroking, kneading, tapping,
compression, vibration, rocking, friction, and pressure to the
muscular structure or soft tissues of the human body. This may
also include non-forceful passive or active movement and/or application
of techniques intended to affect the energetic systems of the
body. The use of oils, lotions, and powders may also be included
to reduce friction on the skin. Click here for more information
on what to expect.
Please note: Massage, bodywork
and somatic therapies specifically exclude diagnosis, prescription,
manipulation or adjustments of the human skeletal structure,
or any other service, procedure or therapy which requires a license
to practice orthopedics, physical therapy, podiatry, chiropractic,
osteopathy, psychotherapy, acupuncture, or any other profession
or branch of medicine.
Will My Insurance Cover It?
The services of a bodywork professional may be covered by health
insurance when prescribed by a chiropractor or osteopath. Therapies
provided as part of a prescribed treatment by a physician or
registered physical therapist are often covered.
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