Many modern therapeutic approaches to health and wellness are steeped in ancient techniques that have survived the test of time. Massage therapy is one of these techniques with a long history of success that spans across many cultures, disciplines and centuries.
Evidence of massage can be found as far back as 4th century B.C. Hippocrates, known as the “father of medicine,” mentioned massage in his writing. The rich history and roots of massage are also found woven through early Asian and Egyptian medical approaches.
- Shiatsu, a form of bodywork which originated centuries ago in Japan, incorporates massage techniques.
- Egyptian pictographs from 2300 B.C. show a time-honored therapeutic technique called reflexology which focuses on the feet and hands using massage pressure techniques.
These ancient methods and many more have survived and evolved into healing disciplines which are all part of formal training in therapeutic massage.
Finger Lakes School of Massage in Mount Kisco is one of the premier educational institutes specializing in massage training. Their curriculum incorporates renowned and time-honored massage techniques as well as the latest innovations and approaches.
Massage Techniques and Benefits
During a massage, the therapist applies varying levels of pressure with hands, fingers, and sometimes the forearms to relieve muscle tension. The therapist also puts pressure to work through a variety of muscle manipulation techniques that are designed to achieve specific therapeutic outcomes.
No matter the approach, all forms of massage release the body’s natural pain killers, or endorphins. As the pain is gently alleviated, comfort increases and a sense of wellbeing and peace prevail.
Types of Massage
Hands-on training is a vital part of the foundation of therapeutic massage in Mount Kisco. Many specific types of massage exist and each uses different techniques to heal body, mind and spirit.
Here are a few of the most recognized and popular types of massage:
- Swedish Massage: The most well-known type of bodywork which is intended to increase oxygen in the blood and remove toxins from the muscles. This is accomplished through a variety of techniques that apply pressure to surface muscles with movements that follow the direction of blood flow to the heart. The result is improved circulation, reduced stress, relaxed muscles, greater flexibility and improved overall health and wellness.
- Sports Massage: This modality is used to achieve a specific goal when working with an athlete. It includes the focused application of massage techniques, hydrotherapy (the application of heat and cold), and facilitated range of motion exercises. Sports massage techniques assist the athlete in preparing for an event, coming back into physical balance after the event, supporting the process of injury recovery and promoting maximum muscle health between events.
No matter what type of massage you choose to experience, you can be certain of positive results. Make sure you talk to a licensed professional to find out which type of massage is best for you.
