Modern Western Massage is a hands on technique of working the soft tissues of the body, positively affecting the skin, the circulatory, lymphatic, and muscular systems of the body. It is applied through seven traditional techniques: effluerage, petrissage, tapotement, friction, vibration, non-moving touch, and joint movements. There are many approaches to massage from lymphatic, aromatherapeutic, myofacial, trigger, to deep tissue are just some of the many examples.Swedish massage is the probably the most known.

Massage has a rich and long history going back to most all cultures. The seed of massage today can be found in ancient Arabic, Greek and Roman texts discussing the healing quality of massage through friction and rubbing. Massage today is attributed to several people but the two main characters are  Pehr Henrik Ling of Sweden and Johann Georg Mezger of Amsterdam. Ling developed Medical Gymnastics, a movement cure of passive and active movements used to treat chronic disease conditions. Being a poet, his theories had a metaphorical quality, believing human beings are a blend of mechanical, chemical and dynamic forces.

Mezger, a physician, also believed passive movements heal. He was responsible for naming and categorizing effleurage, petrissage,friction, and tapotement, four main techniques of massage.

The work of these two men, the Swedish Movement Cure was brought to the US in 1854 and eventually evolved into what is Swedish massage today.

For a massage therapist, it is important to know the anatomy and  physiology of the body. Muscles, bones, and functions of the body should also be understood.  There are many positive results from traditional massage. The reduction of pain, tissue repair, increased circulation of blood and lymph, and relaxation are some of the many benefits. This holistic approach to healing the body through deep relaxation helps reduce stress allowing the body to return to homeostasis and  therefore heal.

It is most often executed on a massage table to an unclothed client who is respectfully covered with a sheet, towel and blanket. Lotion, oils, powders may or may not be used. There are many approaches to massage these days. A therapist often has an eclectic blend of techniques to pull from often blending eastern and western techniques.

There are many contraindications a massage therapist is aware of, and a health history may be attained from their client and/or a conversation with their health care professional may be requested. Like all bodywork and massage, should not be given without assessment of a qualified health professional for medical conditions.

I am a New York Licensed Massage Therapist and Nationally Certified for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. My work tends to be deep work, but I can also be more relaxing. I often incorporate eastern techniques with the traditional massage.