Massage#Regulations

The word comes from the French {{lang|fr|massage}} 'friction of kneading',{{Cite book |last=李清如编著 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2dTxEAAAQBAJ&dq=%22The+word+comes+from+the+French+massage+'friction+of+kneading'%22&pg=PT507 |title=老外最想和你聊的101个英语话题·时事生活篇 |date=2013-07-01 |publisher=Beijing Book Co. Inc. |isbn=978-7-5430-6708-0 |language=en}} which, in turn, comes either from the Arabic word {{lang|ar|مَسَّ}} massa meaning 'to touch, feel',{{Cite web |title=Definition of Massage |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage |website=www.merriam-webster.com|date=21 May 2023 }}
{{Cite web |title=the definition of massage |url=http://www.dictionary.com/browse/massage |website=www.dictionary.com}}

{{Cite web |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt |title=The American Heritage Dictionary entry: massage |url=https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=massage |website=www.ahdictionary.com}}

the Portuguese {{lang|pt|amassar}} 'knead', from the Latin {{lang|la|massa}} meaning 'mass, dough',{{Cite web |title=Online Etymology Dictionary, massage |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=massage |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Etymonline.com}} or the Greek verb {{lang|el|μάσσω}} ({{lang|el-Latn|massō}}) 'to handle, touch, to work with the hands, to knead dough'.Liddell, Henry George; Robert Scott. [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3Dma%2Fssw μάσσω A Greek-English Lexicon.] Perseus.

The ancient Greek word for massage was {{lang|grc-Latn|anatripsis}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KEyOi-KN0rgC&q=massage+etymology&pg=PA2 |title=The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from Around the World |vauthors=Calvert R |date=1 April 2002 |publisher=Healing Arts Press }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite book |last=Ubani |first=Dr Lumumba Umunna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uSQRAwAAQBAJ&dq=%22The+ancient+Greek+word+for+massage+was+anatripsis%22&pg=PA91 |title=Preventive Therapy in Complimentary Medicine: Volume I to Liberate Humankind from the Pain and Furffering of Synthetic and Chemicalized Medications |date=2011 |publisher=Xlibris Corporation |isbn=978-1-4628-7685-3 |pages=91 |language=en}} and the Latin was {{lang|la|frictio}}.{{Cite journal |last1=Iorio |first1=Silvia |last2=Gazzaniga |first2=Valentina |last3=Marinozz i |first3=Silvia |date=30 August 2018 |title=Healing bodies: the ancient origins of massages and Roman practices |url=http://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/MedHistor/article/view/7473 |journal=Medicina Historica |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=58–62 |name-list-style=vanc |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923204245/https://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/MedHistor/article/view/7473 |url-status=dead }}

File:Thai massage.jpg points on Sen lines at Wat Pho temple in Thailand]]

Archaeological evidence of massage has been found in many ancient civilizations including China, India, Japan, Egypt, Rome, Greece, and Mesopotamia.

2330 BC: The Tomb of Akmanthor{{Cite web |title=File:Akmanthor.jpg — Wikimedia Commons |date=22 February 2004 |url=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Akmanthor.jpg |access-date=15 August 2012 |publisher=Commons.wikimedia.org}} (also known as "The Tomb of the Physician") in Saqqara, Egypt, depicts two men having work done on their feet and hands, possibly depicting a massage.{{Cite book |last1=Krapp |first1=Kristine M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NJNqAAAAMAAJ&q=Egypt,+depicts+two+men+having+work+done+on+their+feet+and+hands,+possibly+depicting+a+massage |title=The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine |last2=Longe |first2=Jacqueline L. |date=2001 |publisher=Gale Group |isbn=978-0-7876-5002-5 |pages=1470 |language=en}}

File:Akmanthor.jpg

1363–912 BC: The word muššuʾu ("massage") is written for the first time on a Middle Assyrian tablet. Its use is described in a list of recipes concerning diseases of the foot.{{Cite journal |last=Sibbing-Plantholt |first=Irene |date=January–April 2013 |title=Book review BÖCK, B. — Das Handbuch Muššu’u 'Einreibung'. |url=https://www.academia.edu/4154039/_2013_Book_review_B%C3%96CK_B_Das_Handbuch_Mu%C5%A1%C5%A1u_u_Einreibung_Bibliotheca_Orientalis_70_1_2_130_132 |journal=Bibliotheca Orientalis |volume=70 |issue=1-2 |pages=130–132 |via=Academia.edu}}

722–481 BC: Huangdi Neijing is composed during the Chinese Spring and Autumn period. The Nei-jing is a compilation of medical knowledge known up to that date, and is the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine. Massage is referred to in 30 different chapters of the Nei Jing. It specifies the use of different massage techniques and how they should be used in the treatment of specific ailments, and injuries. Also known as "The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon," the text refers to previous medical knowledge from the time of the Yellow Emperor ({{circa|2700{{nbsp}}BC}}), misleading some into believing the text itself was written during the time of the Yellow Emperor (which would predate written history).Kellogg, J. H. (1895). The Art of Massage, p. 9.Calvert, Robert Noah (2002). The History of Massage, p. 35.Steinfeld, Alan (2003). Careers in Alternative Medicine, p. 48.

762 BC: In the Iliad and the Odyssey, massage with oils and aromatic substances is mentioned as a means to relax the tired limbs of warriors and as a way to help the treatment of wounds.

700 BC: Bian Que, the earliest known Chinese physician, uses massage in medical practice.{{Cite web |title=Bian Que: A Legendary Doctor |url=http://english.eastday.com/e/zx/userobject1ai4059567.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807223016/http://english.eastday.com/e/zx/userobject1ai4059567.html |archive-date=7 August 2014 |access-date=5 August 2014 |website=www.english.eastday.com/}}

500 BC: Jīvaka Komarabhācca was an Indian physician who according to the Pāli Buddhist Canon was Shakyamuni Buddha's physician. Jivaka is sometimes credited with founding and developing a style of massage that led to the type of massage practiced in modern Thailand. Though this claim is disputed.

493 BC: A possible biblical reference documents daily "treatments" with oil of myrrh as a part of the beauty regimen of the wives of Xerxes (Esther, 2:12).{{Cite web |date=1 September 2006 |title=Massage Therapy as CAM |url=http://nccih.nih.gov/health/massage/ |access-date=26 September 2007 |publisher=The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)}}

460 BC: Hippocrates wrote "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing."{{Cite web |title=Massage therapy |url=https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Massage_therapy |access-date=5 September 2006 |website=www.health.harvard.edu|date=September 2006 }}

300 BC: Charaka Samhita, sometimes dated to 800 BCE, is one of the oldest of the three ancient treatises of Ayurvedic medicine, including massage. Sanskrit records indicate that massage had been practiced in India long before the beginning of recorded history.{{Cite web |title=Ayurveda, History of Ayurveda |url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/46631/Ayurveda/281886/History-of-Ayurveda |access-date=5 August 2014 |website=Encyclopædia Britannica}}

AD 1st or 2nd: Galen mentioned Diogas (Διόγας) who was an iatralipta (ἰατραλείπτης) (rubber and anointer/physiotherapist).[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0104%3Aalphabetic+letter%3DD%3Aentry+group%3D11%3Aentry%3Ddiogas-bio-1 A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology, Diogas]

AD 581: China establishes a department of massage therapy within the Office of Imperial Physicians.

One of the greatest Persian medics was Avicenna, also known as Ibn Sina, who lived from 980 AD to 1037 AD. His works included a comprehensive collection and systematization of the fragmentary and unorganized Greco-Roman medical literature that had been translated Arabic by that time, augmented by notes from his own experiences. One of his books, Al-Qānūn fī aṭ-Ṭibb (The Canon of Medicine) has been called the most famous single book in the history of medicine in both East and West. Avicenna excelled in the logical assessment of conditions and comparison of symptoms and took special note of analgesics and their proper use as well as other methods of relieving pain, including massage.

AD 1150: Evidence of massage abortion, involving the application of pressure to the pregnant abdomen, can be found in one of the bas reliefs decorating the temple of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It depicts a demon performing such an abortion upon a woman who has been sent to the underworld. This is the oldest known visual representation of abortion.{{Cite book |last1=Potts |first1=Malcolm |title=Gynecology and Obstetrics |last2=Campbell |first2=Martha |date=2002 |volume=6 |chapter=History of contraception |chapter-url=http://big.berkeley.edu/ifplp.history.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217025152/http://big.berkeley.edu/ifplp.history.pdf |archive-date=17 December 2008 |url-status=dead |name-list-style=vanc}}

In Southeast Asia, massage traditions and techniques have already been entrenched in the people's diverse cultures for centuries before trade contact with Europe in the 16th century. In the Philippines, a distinct massage and healing tradition called hilot developed,{{cite web | url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/129612/healing-hands-hilot | title=The healing hands of a hilot | date=15 April 2017 }}{{cite web | url=https://mb.com.ph/2022/12/11/hilot-to-become-developmental-science/ | title=Hilot to become developmental science | website=Manila Bulletin }}{{Cite web |last=Domingo |first=Katrina |date=Sep 6, 2021 |title=License for albularyos? Senate bills seek regulating traditional, alternative medicine |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/06/21/regulation-on-hilot-albularyo-other-traditional-medicine-sought |website=ABS-CBN}} while in Thailand, the tradition of massage that developed was called nuad thai. Nuad thai was declared in 2019 as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.{{cite web | url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/nuad-thai-traditional-thai-massage-01384 | title=UNESCO - Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage }}

AD 1776: Jean Joseph Marie Amiot and Pierre-Martial Cibot, French missionaries in China translate summaries of Huangdi Neijing, including a list of medical plants, exercises, and elaborate massage techniques, into the French language, thereby introducing Europe to the highly developed Chinese system of medicine, medical-gymnastics, and medical-massage.

AD 1776: Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish physical therapist and teacher of medical-gymnastics, is born. Ling has often been erroneously credited for having invented "Classic Massage", also known as "Swedish Massage", and has been called the "Father of Massage".{{Cite web |last=Calvert |first=Robert Noah |title=Swedish Massage |url=http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php |access-date=15 June 2013 |publisher=Massage Magazine |name-list-style=vanc |archive-date=24 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224084509/http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php |url-status=dead }}{{Cite book |last=Kumar |first=Parmod |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ct_6DwAAQBAJ&dq=known+as+%22Swedish+Massage%22,+and+has+been+called+the+%22Father+of+Massage%22.&pg=PA161 |title=Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation |date=2020-09-03 |publisher=Friends Publications (India) |isbn=978-93-88457-98-9 |pages=161 |language=en}}{{why|date=November 2023}}

AD 1779: Frenchman Pierre-Martial Cibot publishes "Notice du Cong-fou des Bonzes Tao-see", also known as "The Cong-Fou of the Tao-Tse", a French language summary of medical techniques used by Taoist priests. According to English historian of China Joseph Needham, Cibot's work "was intended to present the physicists and physicians of Europe with a sketch of a system of medical gymnastics which they might like to adopt—or if they found it at fault they might be stimulated to invent something better. This work has long been regarded as of cardinal importance in the history of physiotherapy because it almost certainly influenced the Swedish founder of the modern phase of the art, Pehr Hendrik Ling. Cibot had studied at least one Chinese book but also got much from a Christian neophyte who had become expert in the subject before his conversion." Science and Civilization in China by Joseph Needham, Vol. 5, page 17

AD 1813: The Royal Gymnastic Central Institute for the training of gymnastic instructors was opened in Stockholm, Sweden, with Pehr Henrik Ling appointed as principal. Ling developed what he called the "Swedish Movement Cure". Ling died in 1839, having previously named his pupils as the repositories of his teaching. Ling and his assistants left a little proper written account of their methods.1886: Chamber's Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts, Volume 3 By William Chambers, Robert Chambers (page 594).{{Cite journal |vauthors=Ottosson A |year=2010 |title=The first historical movements of kinesiology: scientification in the borderline between physical culture and medicine around 1850 |journal=The International Journal of the History of Sport |volume=27 |issue=11 |pages=1892–1919 |doi=10.1080/09523367.2010.491618 |pmid=20653114 |s2cid=205633105}}

AD 1868: 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)).

File: Massage room in Shanghai.jpg

As of 2005, with the city of Shanghai alone there were an estimated 1,300–2,000 foot massage centers, with more than 3,000 in Shenzhen. It was also estimated that there were nearly 30,000 massage workers in Shanghai and over 40,000 in Shenzhen.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Ye X, Wong O, Fu H |date=December 2005 |title=World at work: health hazards among foot massage workers in China |journal=Occupational and Environmental Medicine |volume=62 |issue=12 |pages=902–4 |doi=10.1136/oem.2005.020099 |pmc=1740926 |pmid=16299101}} The average rate of pay for a worker in the massage industry in China is over 10,000 yuan per month, making them a well-paying job in China's service sector.{{Cite web |last=李松 |title=Massage therapists top service sector pay list – China – Chinadaily.com.cn |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2016-12/13/content_27651021.htm |website=www.chinadaily.com.cn}}

Massage started to become popular in the United States in the middle part of the 19th century and was introduced by two New York physicians, George and Charles Taylor, based on Pehr Henrik Ling's techniques developed in Sweden.{{Cite web |title=History of Massage Therapy {{!}} Massage Therapy Journal |url=https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/history-of-massage/ |access-date=2022-03-08 |website=American Massage Therapy Association |language=en}}{{Cite book |last=Fritz |first=Sandy |title=Mosby's Fundamentals of Therapeutic Massage – E-Book |date=2016 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=9780323413961 |page=18}}

During the 1930s and 1940s, massage's influence decreased as a result of medical advancements of the time, while in the 1970s massage's influence grew once again with a notable rise among athletes. Until the 1970s, nurses used massage to reduce pain and aid sleep.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2004 |title=Hospitals Getting a Grip: Massage Therapy Finds Place in Patient Care for FM and More |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/6151/searchtext/massage%20and%20cancer%20pain |access-date=31 August 2007 |vauthors=MacGregor H |archive-date=28 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928014114/http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/id/6151/searchtext/massage%20and%20cancer%20pain/ |url-status=dead }} Popular books and videos, such as Massage for Relaxation, helped introduce massage to popular culture outside of a health setting. The massage therapy industry is continuously increasing. In 2009, U.S. consumers spent between $4 and $6 billion on visits to massage therapists.{{Cite web |title=The Growing Massage Therapy Industry |url=http://teachingmassage.com/why-massage-school.html |access-date=8 July 2013 |publisher=Central Maryland School of Massage |archive-date=16 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516190411/https://www.teachingmassage.com/why-massage-school.html |url-status=dead }} In 2015, research estimates that massage therapy was a $12.1 billion industry.IBIS World Industry Report OD6028 Massage Services, November 2015

All but five states require massage therapists to be licensed, and licensure requires the applicant to receive training at an accredited school, and to pass a comprehensive exam. Those states that require licensure also typically require continuing education in massage techniques and in ethics.{{Cite news |date=10 July 2024 |title=Massage Therapy State Licensing Requirements |url=https://www.abmp.com/practitioners/state-requirements |access-date=10 July 2024 |work=Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals}}

The service of massage or "physiological shampooing" was advertised in The Times from as early as 1880. Adverts claimed it as a cure for obesity amongst other chronic ailments."Classified Advertising", The Times (page 14), 4 March 1880

File:2006INGTaipeiMarathon-138.jpg

Massage developed alongside athletics in both Ancient China and Ancient Greece. Taoist priests developed massage in concert with their Kung Fu gymnastic movements, while Ancient Greek Olympians used a specific type of trainer ("aleiptes"){{Cite web |title=CTCWeb Glossary: A (abnocto to Avesta) |url=http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/glossary/glossarya.html |access-date=15 August 2012 |publisher=Ablemedia.com}} who would rub their muscles with oil. Pehr Ling's introduction to massage also came about directly as a result of his study of gymnastic movements.

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles was the first time that massage therapy was televised as it was being performed on the athletes. And then, during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage therapy was finally offered as a core medical service to the US Olympic Team.{{Cite web |title=Massage Facts |url=http://www.ncbtmb.com/consumers_massage_facts.php |access-date=27 September 2007 |publisher=National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork |archive-date=9 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109222934/http://www.ncbtmb.com/consumers_massage_facts.php |url-status=dead }} Massage has been employed by businesses and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Boeing and Reebok.{{Cite web |date=28 December 2000 |title=Massage craze: Hands-on therapy attracting more patients |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/12/28/massage.therapy/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616201443/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/12/28/massage.therapy/index.html |archive-date=16 June 2006 |access-date=31 August 2007 |publisher=CNN |vauthors=Goodman T}} Athletes such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James have personal massage therapists that at times even travel with them.

{{Main|Acupressure}}

Acupressure [from Latin acus "needle" (see acuity) + pressure (n.)[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=Acupressure Acupressure] Online Etymology Dictionary] is a 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 those meridians. Pressure may be applied by fingers, palm, elbow, toes or with various devices.

Some medical studies have suggested that acupressure may be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting, for helping lower back pain, tension headaches, stomach ache, among other things, although such studies have been found to have a high likelihood of bias.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Lee EJ, Frazier SK |date=October 2011 |title=The efficacy of acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review |journal=Journal of Pain and Symptom Management |volume=42 |issue=4 |pages=589–603 |doi=10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.01.007 |pmc=3154967 |pmid=21531533}}

File: USACE host Health Fair 2.jpg

In ashiatsu, the practitioner uses their feet to deliver treatment. The name comes from the Japanese, ashi for foot and atsu for pressure.{{Cite book |last=Capellini |first=Steve |title=The Complete Spa Book for Massage Therapists |date=2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=9781133416517 |page=400}} This technique typically uses the heel, sesamoid, arch, and/or whole plantar surface of foot, and offers large compression, tension and shear forces with less pressure than an elbow and is ideal for large muscles, such as in thigh, or for long-duration upper trapezius compressions.Fix Pain: Bodywork Protocols for Myofascial Pain Syndromes Author: John Harris, Fred Kenyon {{ISBN|978-0-9665843-1-8}} Publication Date: 2002 Other manual therapy techniques using the feet to provide treatment include Keralite, Barefoot Lomilomi, and Chavutti Thirumal.

Ayurvedic massage is known as Abhyangam in Sanskrit. According to the Ayurvedic Classics Abhyangam is an important dincharya (Daily Regimen) that is needed for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The massage technique used during Ayurvedic Massage aims to stimulate the lymphatic system. Practitioners claim that the benefits of regular Ayurvedic massage include pain relief, reduction of fatigue, improved immune system and improved longevity.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Garodia P, Ichikawa H, Malani N, Sethi G, Aggarwal BB |date=2007 |title=From ancient medicine to modern medicine: ayurvedic concepts of health and their role in inflammation and cancer |journal=Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=25–37 |doi= |url=https://www.jivaresearch.org/research/curcumin/From_ancient_medicine_to_modern_medicine-_Ayurvedic_concepts_of_health_and_their_role_in_inflamma.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091229214025/http://www.jivaresearch.org/research/curcumin/From_ancient_medicine_to_modern_medicine-_Ayurvedic_concepts_of_health_and_their_role_in_inflamma.pdf |archive-date=2009-12-29 |url-status=live |pmid=17309811}}

File:Burmese Massage in Myanmar.jpg]]

"Known in Myanmar as Yoe Yar Nhake Nal Chin, meaning 'traditional massage', Burmese massage has its ancient origins from Thai, Chinese and Indian medicine. It includes the use of local natural ingredients such as Thanaka which helps to promote smooth skin and prevents sunburn."{{Cite web |last=adminsakthong |title=About Massage |url=https://thai-massage-tenerife.com/en/about-massage |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=Thai Massage Tenerife {{!}} Sak Thong Thai Massage & Therapy Center |language=en-gb |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424191237/https://thai-massage-tenerife.com/en/about-massage |url-status=dead }}

Burmese massage is a full body massage technique that starts from head to toes, drawing on acupuncture, reflexology and kneading. Signature massage strokes include acupressure using the elbows, quick gentle knocking of acupressure points, and slow kneading of tight muscles. The massage aims to improve blood circulation and quality of sleep, while at the same time help to promote better skin quality.{{Cite book |last=Speer |first=Kevin P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r_EI7b2bhIQC&dq=The+massage+aims+to+improve+blood+circulation+and+quality+of+sleep&pg=PA67 |title=Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation for Active Older Adults |date=2005 |publisher=Human Kinetics |isbn=978-0-7360-4031-0 |pages=67 |language=en}}{{Cite book |last1=Casanelia |first1=Lisa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xFZPQtontdUC&dq=The+massage+aims+to+improve+blood+circulation+and+quality+of+sleep&pg=PA176 |title=Foundations of Massage |last2=Stelfox |first2=David |date=2009-12-22 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-7295-7869-1 |pages=176 |language=en}}

Biomechanical stimulation (BMS) is a term generally used for localised biomechanical oscillation methods, whereby local muscle groups are stimulated directly or via the associated tendons by means of special hand held mechanical vibration devices. Biomechanical oscillation therapy and training is offered in a variety of areas such as competitive sports,{{Cite web |date=June 2009 |title=Nie mehr Rückenschmerzen Sanfte Erfolgsstrategien gegen ein quälendes Volksleiden |trans-title=No more back pain |url=https://www.biomagazin.de/files/bio-magazin/content/archiv/2009/bio-magazin_2009-06.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504160202/https://www.biomagazin.de/files/bio-magazin/content/archiv/2009/bio-magazin_2009-06.pdf |archive-date=2018-05-04 |url-status=live |publisher=BIO Ritter GmbH |location=Germany |page=30 |language=de}} fitness, rehabilitation,{{Cite journal |last1=Siegmund |first1=Lee Anne |last2=Barkley |first2=Jacob E. |last3=Knapp |first3=Danielle |last4=Peer |first4=Kimberly S. |date=15 January 2014 |title=Acute Effects of Local Vibration With Biomechanical Muscle Stimulation on Low-Back Flexibility and Perceived Stiffness |journal=Athletic Training & Sports Health Care |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=37–45 |doi=10.3928/19425864-20140115-01 |s2cid=72531737 |name-list-style=vanc}} medicine,{{Cite journal |last1=Klyscz |first1=Thomas |last2=Ritter-Schempp |first2=Claudia |last3=Jünger |first3=Michael |last4=Rassner |first4=Gernot |date=1 May 1997 |title=Biomechanische Stimulationstherapie (BMS) zur physikalischen Behandlung des arthrogenen Stauungssyndroms |journal=Der Hautarzt |language=de |volume=48 |issue=5 |pages=318–322 |doi=10.1007/s001050050589 |pmid=9303905 |s2cid=349058 |name-list-style=vanc}} prevention, beauty and used to improve performance of the muscles and to improve coordination and balance. It is often used in myofascial trigger point therapy to invoke reciprocal inhibition within the musculoskeletal system. Beneficial effects from this type of stimulation have been found to exist.{{Cite web |last1=Otto |first1=Olaf |last2=Dickreiter |first2=Bernhard |last3=Schuhmacher |first3=Jane |year=2011 |title=Matrix-Therapie – Ergebnisse einer Therapiestudie |trans-title=Matrix Therapy – Results of a Therapy Study |url=https://www.zellmatrix-akademie.de/matrix-therapie/Presse/Matrix-Studie.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425005156/http://zellmatrix-akademie.de/matrix-therapie/Presse/Matrix-Studie.pdf |archive-date=2012-04-25 |url-status=live |website=zellmatrix-akademie.de |language=de |name-list-style=vanc}}

{{Main|Biodynamic massage}}

Biodynamic massage was created by Gerda Boyesen as part of Biodynamic Psychotherapy. It uses a combination of hands-on work and "energy work" and also uses a stethoscope to hear the peristalsis.{{Cite book |last=Stauffer |first=Kathrin A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BkSjQQAACAAJ |title=Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists: Connecting Body and Soul |date=2010 |publisher=W.W. Norton |isbn=978-0-393-70604-8 |edition=1st |location=New York |page=130}}

{{Main|Craniosacral therapy}}

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a pseudoscience* {{Cite journal |last1=Norcross |first1=John C. |last2=Koocher |first2=Gerald P. |last3=Garofalo |first3=Ariele |year=2006 |title=Discredited psychological treatments and tests: A Delphi poll |journal=Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |volume=37 |issue=5 |pages=515–22 |doi=10.1037/0735-7028.37.5.515 |s2cid=35414392}}

• {{cite journal |vauthors=Mac Manus M |title=Unproven medical devices and cancer therapy: big claims but no evidence |journal=Biomed Imaging Interv J |volume=4 |issue=3 |pages=e25 |date=July 2008 |pmid=21610999 |pmc=3097732 |doi=10.2349/biij.4.3.e25 |type=Review}}
• {{cite journal |pmid=15537794 |year=2004 |last1=Bledsoe |first1=BE |title=The elephant in the room: Does OMT have proved benefit? |volume=104 |issue=10 |pages=405–6; author reply 406 |journal=The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association}}
• {{cite journal |doi=10.1186/1746-1340-14-10 |year=2006 |last1=Hartman |first1=Steve E |journal=Chiropractic & Osteopathy |volume=14 |pages=10 |pmid=16762070 |title=Cranial osteopathy: Its fate seems clear |pmc=1564028 |doi-access=free }}
• {{cite journal |pmid=15208545 |year=2004 |last1=Atwood |first1=KC |title=Naturopathy, pseudoscience, and medicine: Myths and fallacies vs truth |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=33 |pmc=1140750 |journal=MedGenMed}} that aims to improve fluid movement and cranial bone motion by applying light touch to the skull, face, spine, and pelvis.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Upledger JE |date=April 1995 |title=Craniosacral therapy |journal=Physical Therapy |volume=75 |issue=4 |pages=328–30 |doi=10.1093/ptj/75.4.328 |pmid=7899490}}

{{Main|Erotic massage}}

A type of massage that is done in an erotic way via the use of massage techniques by a person on another person's erogenous zones to achieve or enhance their sexual excitation or arousal and to achieve orgasm.

It was also once used for medical purposes as well as for the treatment of "female hysteria" and "womb disease".Pieter van Foreest (1631). Observationem et Curationem Medicinalium ac Chirurgicarum Opera Omnia, medical compendium. [https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30273942306 Facsimile reprint 2019]{{Cite book |last=Maines, Rachel P. |title=The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria", the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction |publisher=The Johns Hopkins University Press |year=1998 |isbn=0-8018-6646-4 |location=Baltimore |author-link=Rachel Maines}}

Nuru massage is a Japanese form of erotic massage.

File:Augustins - Le Massage. Scène de hammam - Edouard Debat-Ponsan 1883.jpg (1883). An Orientalist painting depicting a massage at a hammam.]]

In the traditional Hammam, massage involves not just vigorous muscle kneading, but also joint cracking, "not so much a tender working of the flesh as a pummeling, a cracking of joints, a twisting of limbs..."Richard Boggs, Hammaming in the Sham: A Journey Through the Turkish Baths of Damascus, Aleppo and Beyond, 2012, {{isbn|1859643256}}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=uoMH_psyizoC&pg=PT161 p. 161] An 18th-century traveler reported:

{{Blockquote

|text=...one of the attendants begins to press and handle the tops of the shoulders, the muscles of the arm, and successively the whole body; first gently, then by degrees increasing the pressure, till he comes to handle pretty roughly, but without giving pain. This is repeated at short intervals till the skin is perfectly softened. The attendant then taking hold of the bather's fingers, with a dexterous jerk makes each joint crack successively; after which, laying him flat on his back, and bringing the arms across the breast, the shoulder joints are made to crack in like manner.

|author=Alexander Russell

|title=The Natural History of Aleppo (1756)2nd edition, 1794, [https://books.google.com/books?id=EtTkC5ek_a8C&pg=PA134 p. 134-5]

}}

{{Main|Lomilomi massage}}

Lomilomi is the traditional massage of Hawaii. As an indigenous practice, it varies by island and by family. The word lomilomi also is used for massage in Samoa and East Futuna. In Samoa, it is also known as lolomi and milimili. In East Futuna, it is also called milimili, fakasolosolo, amoamo, lusilusi, kinikini, fai’ua. The Māori call it romiromi and mirimiri. In Tonga massage is fotofota, tolotolo, and amoamo. In Tahiti it is rumirumi. On Nanumea in Tuvalu, massage is known as popo, pressure application is kukumi, and heat application is tutu. Massage has also been documented in Tikopia in the Solomon Islands, in Rarotonga, in Pukapuka and in Western Samoa.Chai, R. Makana Risser, ed. Na Mo'olelo Lomilomi: Traditions of Hawaiian Massage and Healing, Bishop Museum, 2005; Parsons, Claire D. F., ed. Healing Practices in the South Pacific, 1985, The Institute for Polynesian Studies; Tregear, Edward. Maori-Polynesian Comparative Dictionary. Lyon and Blair, Wellington NZ, 1891

{{Main|Manual lymphatic drainage}}

Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique used to gently work and stimulate the lymphatic system, to assist in reduction of localized swelling. The lymphatic system is a network of slow moving vessels in the body that carries cellular waste toward the liver, to be filtered and removed. Lymph also carries lymphocytes and other immune system agents. Manual lymphatic drainage claims to improve waste removal and immune function.Milady's Guide to Lymph Drainage Massage; Ramona Moody French; Delmar/Cengage; 2004{{Cite book |last=Stillerman |first=Elaine |title=Modalities for Massage and Bodywork |publisher=Mosby |year=2009 |isbn=978-0323052559 |pages=129–143 |name-list-style=vanc}}{{Cite book |last=Levine |first=Andrew |url=https://archive.org/details/unset0000unse_k8j9 |title=The Bodywork and Massage Sourcebook |publisher=Lowell House |year=1998 |isbn=9780737300987 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/unset0000unse_k8j9/page/173 173–84] |url-access=registration |name-list-style=vanc}}

{{Main|Medical massage}}

Medical massage is a controversial term in the massage profession.{{Cite web |date=6 February 2013 |title=Medical Massage Controversy |url=http://www.massage-career-guides.com/medical-massage.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101161401/http://www.massage-career-guides.com/medical-massage.html |archive-date=1 November 2012 |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Massage-career-guides.com}} Many use it to describe a specific technique. Others use it to describe a general category of massage and many methods such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release and trigger-point therapy, as well as osteopathic techniques, cranial-sacral techniques and many more can be used to work with various medical conditions.{{Cite web |title=Introduction, With a Response to AMMA |url=https://www.massagetoday.com/articles/10631/Introduction-With-a-Response-to-AMMA |access-date=25 August 2020 |website=Massage Today}}

Massage used in the medical field includes decongestive therapy used for lymphedema which can be used in conjunction with the treatment of breast cancer. Light massage is also used in pain management and palliative care.{{Cite journal |last1=van Veen |first1=Suzan |last2=Drenth |first2=Hans |last3=Hobbelen |first3=Hans |last4=Finnema |first4=Evelyn |last5=Teunissen |first5=Saskia |last6=de Graaf |first6=Everlien |date=January 10, 2024 |title=Non-pharmacological interventions feasible in the nursing scope of practice for pain relief in palliative care patients: a systematic review |journal=Palliative Care and Social Practice |language=en |volume=18 |doi=10.1177/26323524231222496 |issn=2632-3524 |pmc=10785737 |pmid=38223744}} Carotid sinus massage is used to diagnose carotid sinus syncope and is sometimes useful for differentiating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) from ventricular tachycardia. It, like the valsalva maneuver, is a therapy for SVT.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Lim SH, Anantharaman V, Teo WS, Goh PP, Tan AT |date=January 1998 |title=Comparison of treatment of supraventricular tachycardia by Valsalva maneuver and carotid sinus massage |journal=Annals of Emergency Medicine |volume=31 |issue=1 |pages=30–5 |doi=10.1016/S0196-0644(98)70277-X |pmid=9437338}} However, it is less effective than management of SVT with medications.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Ballo P, Bernabò D, Faraguti SA |date=August 2004 |title=Heart rate is a predictor of success in the treatment of adults with symptomatic paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia |journal=European Heart Journal |volume=25 |issue=15 |pages=1310–7 |doi=10.1016/j.ehj.2004.05.011 |pmid=15288158 |doi-access=free}}

A 2004 systematic review found single applications of massage therapy "reduced state anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate but not negative mood, immediate assessment of pain, and cortisol level," while "multiple applications reduced delayed assessment of pain," and found improvements in anxiety and depression similar to effects of psychotherapy.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW |date=January 2004 |title=A meta-analysis of massage therapy research |journal=Psychological Bulletin |volume=130 |issue=1 |pages=3–18 |citeseerx=10.1.1.510.3401 |doi=10.1037/0033-2909.130.1.3 |pmid=14717648}} A subsequent systematic review published in 2008 found that there is little evidence supporting the use of massage therapy for depression in high quality studies from randomized controlled trials.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Coelho HF, Boddy K, Ernst E |date=February 2008 |title=Massage therapy for the treatment of depression: a systematic review |journal=International Journal of Clinical Practice |volume=62 |issue=2 |pages=325–33 |doi=10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01553.x |pmid=18081800 |s2cid=11890912|doi-access=free }}

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Myofascial release refers to the manual massage technique that claims to release adhered fascia and muscles with the goal of eliminating pain, increasing range of motion and equilibrioception. Myofascial release usually involves applying shear compression or tension in various directions, cross fiber friction or by skin rolling.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tot78_5FxZwC&pg=PP1 |chapter=Chapter 12: Myofascial release |vauthors=Spinaris T, DiGiovanna EL |title=An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-7817-4293-1 |edition=3rd | editor1=Eileen L. DiGiovanna | editor2=Stanley Schiowitz | editor3= Dennis J. Dowling |pages=80–82}}

Reflexology, also known as "zone therapy", is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet and hands with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is based on a pseudoscientific{{Cite web |last=Barrett |first=Stephen |author-link=Stephen Barrett |date=25 September 2004 |title=Reflexology: A close look |url=http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/reflex.html |access-date=12 October 2007 |publisher=Quackwatch |name-list-style=vanc}} belief in a system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands, with the premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.{{Cite book |last1=Kunz |first1=Kevin |url=https://archive.org/details/completeguidetof00barb |title=The Complete Guide to Foot Reflexology |last2=Kunz |first2=Barbara |publisher=Reflexology Research Project |year=1993 |isbn=9780960607013 |url-access=registration |name-list-style=vanc}}

Shiatsu (指圧) (shi meaning finger and atsu meaning pressure) is a form of Japanese bodywork based on concepts in traditional Chinese medicine such as qi meridians. It consists of finger, palm pressure, stretches, and other massage techniques. There is no convincing data available to suggest that shiatsu is an effective treatment for any medical condition.{{Cite book |last1=Ernst |first1=Edzard |title=Oxford Handbook of Complementary Medicine |last2=Pittler |first2=Max H |last3=Wider |first3=Barbara |last4=Boddy |first4=Kate |year=2008 |isbn=9780199206773 |doi=10.1093/med/9780199206773.001.0001}}

File:Francesca Piccinini; Parma - Bergamo, 04122011.jpg

Sports massage is the use of specific massage therapy techniques in an athletic context to improve recovery time, enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.{{Cite journal |last=Brummitt |first=Jason |date=February 2008 |title=The Role of Massage in Sports Performance and Rehabilitation: Current Evidence and Future Direction |journal=North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy |volume=3 |issue=1 |pages=7–21 |issn=1558-6162 |pmc=2953308 |pmid=21509135}} This is accomplished using techniques that stimulate the flow of blood and lymph to and from muscles. Sports massage is often delivered before or after physical activity depending on the subject's needs, preferences and goals. Sports massages may help with flexibility, pain and recovery but the scientific evidence is mixed.{{Cite web |title=Master Your Recovery: The Benefits Of Sports Massage |url=https://www.anotherround.co.uk/post/recovery-benefits-sports-massage#:~:text=A%20meta-analysis%20study%20of%20previous%20studies%20found,or%20reduce%20delayed%20onset%20muscle%20soreness%20(DOMS). |access-date=2025-02-13 |website=anotherround.co.uk |language=en}}

{{Main|Structural integration}}

Structural Integration's aim is to unwind the strain patterns in the body's myofascial system, restoring it to its natural balance, alignment, length and ease. This is accomplished by hands-on manipulation, coupled with movement re-education. There are about 15 schools of Structural Integration as recognized by the International Association of Structural Integration,{{Cite journal |vauthors=Jacobson E |year=2011 |title=Structural integration: origins and development |journal=J Altern Complement Med |type=Historical article |volume=17 |issue=9 |pages=775–80 |doi=10.1089/acm.2011.0001 |pmc=3162380 |pmid=21875349}} including the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute (with the brand Rolfing), Hellerwork, Guild for Structural Integration, Aston Patterning,{{Cite book |last=Claire |first=Thomas |url=https://archive.org/details/bodywork00thom |title=Bodywork: What Type of Massage to Get and How to Make the Most of It |publisher=William Morrow and Co. |year=1995 |isbn=978-1591202325 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/bodywork00thom/page/40 40]–56 |url-access=registration |name-list-style=vanc}} Soma,{{Cite book |last=Knaster |first=Mirka |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zLdAGUCyHGwC |title=Discovering the Body's Wisdom: A Comprehensive Guide to More Than Fifty Mind-Body Practices |publisher=Bantam |year=1996 |isbn=9780307575500 |pages=195–208 |name-list-style=vanc}} and Kinesis Myofascial Integration.{{Cite book |last=Myers |first=Thomas W. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l2aGtM1zkYkC |title=Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists |date=19 September 2001 |publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences |isbn=978-0-443-06351-0 |name-list-style=vanc}}

File:Eesti Massaaži- ja Teraapiakool 002-klassikaline-massaaz.jpg

The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage is Swedish massage. The Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous.{{Cite book |last=Braun |first=Mary Beth |title=Introduction to Massage Therapy |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |edition=Third |page=16 |name-list-style=vanc}} Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking.{{Cite web |title=Swedish Massage |url=http://www.massageregister.com/western-massage/swedish-massage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904080101/http://www.massageregister.com/western-massage/swedish-massage |archive-date=4 September 2012 |access-date=18 October 2013 |publisher=Massagereister.com}}

The development of Swedish massage is often inaccurately credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger applied the French terms to name the basic strokes.{{Cite web |title=Pages from history: Swedish massage |url=http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php |access-date=25 December 2006 |publisher=Massage Magazine |vauthors=Calver R |archive-date=24 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070224084509/http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2002/issue100/history100.php |url-status=dead }} The term "Swedish massage" is actually only recognized in English- and Dutch-speaking countries, and in Hungary and Israel. Elsewhere the style is referred to as "classic massage".

Clinical studies have found that Swedish massage can reduce chronic pain, fatigue,{{Cite journal |vauthors=Sritoomma N, Moyle W, Cooke M, O'Dwyer S |date=February 2014 |title=The effectiveness of Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil in treating chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized controlled trial |journal=Complementary Therapies in Medicine |volume=22 |issue=1 |pages=26–33 |doi=10.1016/j.ctim.2013.11.002 |pmid=24559813}}{{Cite journal |vauthors=Lovas J, Tran Y, Middleton J, Bartrop R, Moore N, Craig A |date=February 2017 |title=Managing pain and fatigue in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial feasibility study examining the efficacy of massage therapy |journal=Spinal Cord |volume=55 |issue=2 |pages=162–166 |doi=10.1038/sc.2016.156 |pmid=27897186 |doi-access=free}} joint stiffness and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Perlman AI, Ali A, Njike VY, Hom D, Davidi A, Gould-Fogerite S, Milak C, Katz DL |date=February 2012 |title=Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Dose-Finding Trial |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=e30248 |bibcode=2012PLoSO...730248P |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0030248 |pmc=3275589 |pmid=22347369|doi-access=free }}

File:Thaimassage.jpg

{{Main|Thai massage}}

Known in Thailand as Nuat phaen boran, meaning "ancient/traditional massage", traditional Thai massage is generally based on a combination of Indian and Chinese traditions of medicine.

Thai massage combines both physical and energetic aspects. It is a deep, full-body massage progressing from the feet up, and focusing on sen or energy lines throughout the body, with the aim of clearing blockages in these lines, and thus stimulating the flow of blood and lymph throughout the body. It draws on yoga, acupressure and reflexology.

Thai massage is a popular massage therapy that is used for the management of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Thai massage involves a number of stretching movements that improve body flexibility, joint movement and also improve blood circulation throughout the body. In one study scientists found that Thai massage showed comparable efficacy as the painkiller ibuprofen in the reduction of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Chiranthanut N, Hanprasertpong N, Teekachunhatean S |date=2014 |title=Thai massage, and Thai herbal compress versus oral ibuprofen in symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial |journal=BioMed Research International |volume=2014 |pages=490512 |doi=10.1155/2014/490512 |pmc=4165631 |pmid=25254207|doi-access=free}}

{{main|Traditional Chinese medicine}}

Massage of Chinese Medicine is known as An Mo (按摩{{lang-zh|p=Ànmó}}) (pressing and rubbing) or Qigong Massage and is the foundation of Japan's Anma. Categories include Pu Tong An Mo (普通按摩{{lang-zh|p=Pǔtōng ànmó}}) (general massage), Tui Na An Mo (推拿按摩{{lang-zh|p=Tuīná ànmó}}) (pushing and grasping massage), Dian Xue An Mo (cavity pressing massage), and Qi An Mo (氣按摩 {{lang-zh|p=Qì ànmó}}) (energy massage). Tui na (推拿{{lang-zh|p=Tuīná}}) focuses on pushing, stretching, and kneading muscles, and Zhi Ya(指壓{{lang-zh|p=Zhǐ yā}}) focuses on pinching and pressing at acupressure points. Technique such as friction and vibration are used as well.Jwing-Ming, Yang. 2005. [https://books.google.com/books?id=FdtXPQAACAAJ Qigong massage: fundamental techniques for health and relaxation], 2nd ed. Ymaa Publication Center. {{ISBN|978-1594390487}}.

Sometimes confused with pressure point massage, this involves deactivating trigger points that may cause local pain or refer pain and other sensations, such as headaches, in other parts of the body. Manual pressure, vibration, injection, or other treatment is applied to these points to relieve myofascial pain. Trigger points were first discovered and mapped by Janet G. Travell (President Kennedy's physician) and David Simons. Trigger points have been photomicrographed and measured electricallyDavid G Simons, Siegfried Mense and IJ Russell, Muscle Pain: Understanding Its Nature, Diagnosis, and Treatment Chapter: Myofascial Pain Caused by Trigger Points p.205–288 (1st hardcover edition), 2000, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and in 2007 a paper was presented showing images of Trigger Points using MRI.Chen et al., p.2 2007, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation These points relate to dysfunction in the myoneural junction, also called neuromuscular junction (NMJ), in muscle, and therefore this technique is different from reflexology acupressure and pressure point massage.

{{Main|Tui na}}

Tui na is a Chinese manual therapy technique that includes many different types of strokes, aimed to improve the flow of chi through the meridians.

{{Main|Watsu}}

Watsu, developed by Harold Dull at Harbin Hot Springs, California, is a type of aquatic bodywork performed in near-body-temperature water, and characterized by continuous support by the practitioner and gentle movement, including rocking, stretching of limbs, and massage. The technique combines hydrotherapy floating and immersion with shiatsu and other massage techniques. Watsu is used as a form of aquatic therapy for deep relaxation and other therapeutic intent. Related forms include Waterdance, Healing Dance, and Jahara technique.Schoedinger, P. 2011. Watsu in aquatic rehabilitation. In: Becker, BE and Cole, AJ (eds). Comprehensive aquatic therapy, 3rd edition. Washington State University Press. {{ISBN|978-0615365671}}. http://www.comprehensiveaquatictherapy.com/CAT3/Home_Page.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320171217/http://www.comprehensiveaquatictherapy.com/CAT3/Home_Page.html |date=20 March 2014 }}Dull, H. 2008. Watsu: freeing the body in water, 4th edition. Watsu Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1605853710}}.

File:СПА процедуры в Красной Поляне.jpg

Specialized massage tables and chairs are used to position recipients during massages. A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable, while home versions are often lighter weight or designed to fold away easily. An orthopedic pillow or bolster can be used to correct body positioning.

Ergonomic chairs serve a similar function as a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or portable models. Massage chairs are easier to transport than massage tables, and recipients do not need to disrobe 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.

Temperature-controlled warm-water therapy pools are used to perform aquatic bodywork.Osinski, A. 2011. Facility design and water management. Chapter 18 In Becker, BE and Cole, AJ (eds). Comprehensive aquatic therapy, 3rd edition. Washington State University Press. {{ISBN|978-0615365671}}. For example, Watsu requires a warm-water therapy pool that is approximately chest-deep (depending on the height of the therapist) and temperature-controlled to about 35 °C (95 °F).Blessing A and Blessing H. 2008. Watsu pool design and care. pp 186–193, Appendix G In: Dull, H. Watsu: freeing the body in water, 4th edition. Watsu Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1605853710}}.

File:Aqua massage Fargo IMG 1198.JPG

A dry-water massage table uses jets of water to perform the massage of the patient's muscles. These tables differ from a Vichy shower in that the client usually stays dry. Two common types are one in which the client lies on a waterbed-like mattress which contains warm water and jets of water and air bubbles and one in which the client lies on a foam pad and is covered by a plastic sheet and is then sprayed by jets of warm water, similar to a Vichy shower.{{Cite web |date=16 March 2007 |title=Using a Water Massage Machine |url=http://www.circlesoflight.com/alternative/water-jet-machine.html |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Circlesoflight.com}} The first type is sometimes seen available for use in shopping centers for a small fee.

A Vichy shower is a form of hydrotherapy that uses a series of shower nozzles that spray large quantities of water over the client while they lie in a shallow wet bed, similar to a massage table, but with drainage for the water. The nozzles may usually be adjusted for height, direction, and temperature to suit the patient's needs.

File:Aroma Massage at Tara Angkor Hotel 2011-07-09 (flickr 5918125059).jpg

Many different types of massage cremes, lotions, gels, and oils are used to lubricate and moisturize the skin and reduce the friction between skin (hands of technician and client).{{Cite book |last1=Capellini |first1=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KgFnbJ7E90IC&pg=PA20 |title=Massage For Dummies |last2=Welden |first2=Michel Van |date=11 May 2010 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-64275-7 |page=20}}

These instruments or devices are sometimes used during massages.{{Cite book |last=Stone |first=Victoria |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HSy8sMP-iyoC&dq=These+instruments+or+devices+are+sometimes+used+during+massages&pg=PA237 |title=The World's Best Massage Techniques The Complete Illustrated Guide: Innovative Bodywork Practices From Around the Globe for Pleasure, Relaxation, and Pain Relief |date=2010-12-01 |publisher=Fair Winds Press |isbn=978-1-61059-383-0 |pages=237 |language=en}} Some tools are for use by individuals, others by the therapist.

File:Bambusova masaz lytka.JPGInstrument-assisted soft-tissue massage can deploy stainless-steel devices to manipulate tissue in a way that augments hands-on work.

A body rock is a serpentine-shaped tool, usually carved out of stone. It is used to amplify the therapist' strength and focus pressure on certain areas. It can be used directly on the skin with a lubricant such as oil or corn starch or directly over clothing.

Bamboo and rosewood tools are also commonly used. They originate from practices in southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma. Some of them may be heated, oiled, or wrapped in cloth.

Cupping massage is often carried out using plastic cups and a manual hand-pump to create the vacuum. The vacuum draws the soft tissue perpendicular to the skin, providing a tensile force, which can be left in one site or moved along the tissue during the massage.

Hand-held battery-operated massaging and vibrating instruments are available, including devices for massaging the scalp following a haircut.

Vibrating massage pads come in a range of sizes, some with the option of heating.

Vibrating massage chairs can provide an alternative for therapy at home.

There is a widespread market in erotic massage instruments, including electric dildos and vibrators such as the massage wand.{{Cite news |last=Trout |first=Christopher |date=28 August 2014 |title=The 46-year-old sex toy Hitachi won't talk about |work=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/08/27/history-of-the-hitachi-magic-wand/ |access-date=30 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827183517/http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/27/history-of-the-hitachi-magic-wand/ |archive-date=27 August 2014}}

The main professionals that provide therapeutic massage are massage therapists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and practitioners of many traditional Chinese and other eastern medicines. Massage practitioners work in a variety of medical settings and may travel to private residences or businesses. Contraindications to massage include deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders, taking blood thinners such as warfarin, damaged blood vessels, or weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, fractures, and fever.

File:Öldispersionsbad mit badendem Menschen und Bürstenmassage.jpg

Peer-reviewed medical research has shown that the benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state of anxiety. Additional testing has shown an immediate increase in, and expedited recovery periods for, muscle performance.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Dupuy O, Douzi W, Theurot D, Bosquet L, Dugué B |year=2018 |title=An Evidence-Based Approach for Choosing Post-exercise Recovery Techniques to Reduce Markers of Muscle Damage, Soreness, Fatigue, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis |journal=Frontiers in Physiology |volume=9 |pages=403 |doi=10.3389/fphys.2018.00403 |pmc=5932411 |pmid=29755363|doi-access=free }} Theories behind what massage might do include: enhanced skeletal muscle regrowth and remodeling,{{Cite journal |vauthors=Miller BF, Hamilton KL, Majeed ZR, Abshire SM, Confides AL, Hayek AM, Hunt ER, Shipman P, Peelor FF, Butterfield TA, Dupont-Versteegden EE |date=January 2018 |title=Enhanced skeletal muscle regrowth and remodelling in massaged and contralateral non-massaged hindlimb |journal=The Journal of Physiology |volume=596 |issue=1 |pages=83–103 |doi=10.1113/JP275089 |pmc=5746529 |pmid=29090454}} blocking nociception (gate control theory),{{Cite journal |vauthors=Chen L, Michalsen A |date=April 2017 |title=Management of chronic pain using complementary and integrative medicine |journal=BMJ |volume=357 |pages=j1284 |doi=10.1136/bmj.j1284 |pmid=28438745 |s2cid=23149656}} activating the parasympathetic nervous system (which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis{{Cite journal |vauthors=Bove GM, Harris MY, Zhao H, Barbe MF |date=February 2016 |title=Manual therapy as an effective treatment for fibrosis in a rat model of upper extremity overuse injury |journal=Journal of the Neurological Sciences |volume=361 |pages=168–80 |doi=10.1016/j.jns.2015.12.029 |pmc=4729290 |pmid=26810536}} or scar tissue), increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Owais S, Chow CH, Furtado M, Frey BN, Van Lieshout RJ |date=October 2018 |title=Non-pharmacological interventions for improving postpartum maternal sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=Sleep Medicine Reviews |volume=41 |pages=87–100 |doi=10.1016/j.smrv.2018.01.005 |pmid=29449122|s2cid=23827078 }}

Infant massage has been found to hold therapeutic benefits for premature infants and their parents.{{Citation |journal=Infant Behavior and Development |vauthors=Hwu L, Tzeng Y, Teng Y, Liu S |year=2023 |title=Effects of massage intervention on discharged premature infants’ weight, parental stress, and parent–child attachment: A randomized controlled trial |volume=72 |pages= |doi=10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101867 }} Premature infants are susceptible to low birth weight and decreased immune function; massage has been found to counter these effects, causing weight increase, reduced pain, and increased immune function.{{Citation |journal=Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice |vauthors=Field T |year=2014 |title=Massage therapy research review |volume=20 |pages=224–229 |doi=10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002 |pmc=5467308 }} Administering infant massage also reduces stress and increased oxytocin in parental figures regardless of gender, and overall improves emotional attachment with their child.

Massage research is hindered from reaching the gold standard of scientific inquiry, which includes placebo-controlled and double blind clinical trials.{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=What Does the Research Say? |url=http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/therapies/massage/research |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121211104940/http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/therapies/massage/research |archive-date=11 December 2012 |access-date=6 December 2007 |publisher=Regents of the University of Minnesota |vauthors=Evans R}}{{Cite web |year=2004 |title=Anatomy of a Research Article |url=http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/pdf/Anatomy%20of%20a%20research%20article.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216045454/http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org/pdf/Anatomy%20of%20a%20research%20article.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2008 |access-date=6 December 2007 |publisher=Massage Therapy Foundation |vauthors=Muscolino J}} Developing a "sham" manual therapy for massage would be difficult since even light touch massage could have effects on a subject. It would also be difficult to find a subject that would not notice that they were getting less of a massage, and it would be impossible to blind the therapist. Massage research can employ randomized controlled trials, which are published in peer reviewed medical journals. This type of study could increase the credibility of the profession because it displays that purported therapeutic effects are reproducible.

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• Pain relief: Relief from pain due to musculoskeletal injuries and other causes is cited as a major benefit of massage. A 2015 Cochrane Review concluded that there is very little evidence that massage is an effective treatment for lower back pain.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Furlan AD, Giraldo M, Baskwill A, Irvin E, Imamura M |date=September 2015 |title=Massage for low-back pain |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |volume=2015 |issue=9 |pages=CD001929 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub3 |pmid=26329399|pmc=8734598 }} A meta-analysis conducted by scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign failed to find a statistically significant reduction in pain immediately following treatment.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Moyer CA, Rounds J, Hannum JW |date=January 2004 |title=A meta-analysis of massage therapy research |journal=Psychological Bulletin |volume=130 |issue=1 |pages=3–18 |citeseerx=10.1.1.509.7123 |doi=10.1037/0033-2909.130.1.3 |pmid=14717648}} Weak evidence suggests that massage may improve pain in the short term for people with acute, sub-acute, and chronic lower back pain.
• State anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce state anxiety, a transient measure of anxiety in a given situation.
• Blood pressure and heart rate: Massage has been shown to temporarily reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

• Pain relief: Massage may reduce pain experienced in the days or weeks after treatment.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Bishop MD, Torres-Cueco R, Gay CW, Lluch-Girbés E, Beneciuk JM, Bialosky JE |year=2015 |title=What effect can manual therapy have on a patient's pain experience? |journal=Pain Management |volume=5 |issue=6 |pages=455–64 |doi=10.2217/pmt.15.39 |pmc=4976880 |pmid=26401979}}
• Trait anxiety: Massage has been shown to reduce trait anxiety; a person's general susceptibility to anxiety.
• Depression: Massage has been shown to reduce sub-clinical depression.

Massage has been shown to reduce neuromuscular excitability by measuring changes in the Hoffman's reflex (H-reflex) amplitude.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Young JD, Spence AJ, Behm DG |date=April 2018 |title=Roller massage decreases spinal excitability to the soleus |url=http://research.library.mun.ca/12893/1/thesis.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721072448/http://research.library.mun.ca/12893/1/thesis.pdf |archive-date=2018-07-21 |url-status=live |journal=Journal of Applied Physiology |volume=124 |issue=4 |pages=950–959 |doi=10.1152/japplphysiol.00732.2017 |pmid=29357488|doi-access=free }} A decrease in peak-to-peak H-reflex amplitude suggests a decrease in motoneuron excitability.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Goldberg J, Sullivan SJ, Seaborne DE |date=June 1992 |title=The effect of two intensities of massage on H-reflex amplitude |journal=Physical Therapy |volume=72 |issue=6 |pages=449–57 |doi=10.1093/ptj/72.6.449 |pmid=1589464 |doi-access=free}} Others explain, "H-reflex is considered to be the electrical analogue of the stretch reflex... and the reduction" is due to a decrease in spinal reflex excitability.{{Cite journal|last1=Weerapong|first1=Pornratshanee|last2=Hume|first2=Patria A.|author-link2=Patria Hume|last3=Kolt|first3=Gregory S.|year=2005|title=The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention|journal=Sports Medicine|volume=35|issue=3|pages=235–256|doi=10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004|pmid=15730338|s2cid=44736682}} Field (2007) confirms that the inhibitory effects are due to deep tissue receptors and not superficial cutaneous receptors, as there was no decrease in H-reflex when looking at light fingertip pressure massage.{{Cite journal |last1=Field |first1=Tiffany |last2=Diego |first2=Miguel |last3=Hernandez-Reif |first3=Maria |year=2007 |title=Massage therapy research |journal=Developmental Review |volume=27 |pages=75–89 |doi=10.1016/j.dr.2005.12.002}} It has been noted that "the receptors activated during massage are specific to the muscle being massaged," as other muscles did not produce a decrease in H-reflex amplitude.

Because the art and science of massage is a globally diverse phenomenon, different legal jurisdictions sometimes recognize and license individuals with titles, while other areas do not. Examples are:

• Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) in Canada{{Cite web |date=2023-11-24 |title=How to Become an RMT in Canada |url=https://www.caringsupport.com/blog/become-registered-massage-therapist-canada |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=caringsupport.com |language=en}} and New Zealand{{Cite web |title=Levels |url=https://www.massagenewzealand.org.nz/site/membership/levels.aspx |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=www.massagenewzealand.org.nz |language=en-NZ}}
• Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) in New Zealand{{Cite web |title=Massage.ca: Massage Therapy Regulations and Licensing in New Zealand |url=https://www.massage.ca/regulation_and_licensing_nz.html |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=massage.ca}}
• Licensed Massage Practitioner (LMP){{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Licensed Massage Practitioner vs. Registered Massage Therapist: What's the Difference Between Them? - Zippia |url=https://www.zippia.com/licensed-massage-practitioner-jobs/licensed-massage-practitioner-vs-registered-massage-therapist-differences/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=www.zippia.com |language=en-US}}
• Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT){{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=Certified vs Licensed Massage Therapist: Key Differences |url=https://www.massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com/massage-therapist/cmt-vs-lmt/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=massageliabilityinsurancegroup.com |language=en-US}}
• Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist (LMBT) in North Carolina{{Cite web |date=2021-04-21 |title=RULES AND REGULATIONS of the NORTH CAROLINA BOARD of MASSAGE & BODYWORK THERAPY |url=https://www.bmbt.org/downloads/Rules/Rules%20and%20Regulations.pdf |access-date= |website=bmbt.org}}
• Therapeutic Massage Therapist (TMT) in South Africa{{Cite web |title=MTASA About Page |url=https://mtasa.co.za/about/ |access-date=2024-07-28 |website=mtasa.co.za |language=en-ZA}}

In some jurisdictions, practicing without a license is a crime. One such jurisdiction is Washington state, where any health professionals practicing without a license can be issued a fine and charged with a misdemeanor offense.{{Cite web |url=https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.130.190|title=RCW 18.130.190: Practice without license—Investigation of complaints—Cease and desist orders—Injunctions—Penalties.|website=app.leg.wa.gov}}

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In regulated provinces massage therapists are known as Registered Massage Therapists, in Canada six provinces regulate massage therapy:{{Cite web |date=10 June 2005 |title=Overview of Manual Therapy in Canada |url=https://nccih.nih.gov/node/3365 |publisher=The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) |vauthors=Verhoef M |access-date=26 August 2018 |archive-date=26 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826183046/https://nccih.nih.gov/node/3365 |url-status=dead }} British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick. Registered Massage Therapy in British Columbia is regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC).{{Cite web |title=Health Professions Act & Regulations |url=https://www.cmtbc.ca/law-standards/health-professions-act-regulations/ |access-date=13 July 2019 |website=College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia}} Regulated provinces have, since 2012, established inter-jurisdiction competency standards.{{Cite web |date=10 June 2012 |title=Inter-Jurisdiction Competency Standards |url=http://www.cmto.com/cmto-wordpress/assets/Inter-Jurisdictional-Competency-Standards-June-2012.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802121212/http://www.cmto.com/cmto-wordpress/assets/Inter-Jurisdictional-Competency-Standards-June-2012.pdf |archive-date=2013-08-02 |url-status=live}} Quebec is not provincially regulated. Massage therapists may obtain a certification with one of the various associations operating. There is the Professional Association of Specialized Massage Therapists of Quebec, also named Mon Réseau Plus, which represents 6,300 massage therapists (including ortho therapist, natural therapists, and others), the Quebec Federation of massage therapists (FMQ), and the Association québécoise des thérapeutes naturals; however, none of these are regulated by provincial law.

Canadian educational institutions undergo a formal accreditation process through the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation (CMTCA).

Most types of massage, with the exception of some traditional Chinese medicine, are not regulated in China. Although illegal in China, some of the smaller massage parlors are sometimes linked to the sex industry and the government has taken a number of measures in recent times to curb this. In a nationwide crackdown known as the yellow sweep ("Yellow" in Mandarin Chinese refers to sexual activities or pornographic content), limitations on the design and operation of massage parlors have been placed, going so far as requiring identification from customers who visit massage establishments late at night and logging their visits with the local police.{{Cite web |last=Ramzy |first=Austin |title=To Curb Prostitution, Guangdong Tries to Clean Up Massage Industry |date=8 July 2014 |url=https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/08/to-curb-prostitution-guangdong-tries-to-clean-up-massage-industry/ |name-list-style=vanc}}{{Cite news |title=Chinese Officials Widen Campaign Against Vices |newspaper=The New York Times|date=17 February 2014|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/18/world/asia/a-clampdown-on-prostitution-and-gambling-spreads-in-china.html|last1=Wong|first1=Edward}}

France requires three years of study and two final exams in order to apply for a license.{{Cite web |title=Décret n° 2009-494 du 29 avril 2009 relatif aux études préparatoires et au diplôme d'Etat de masseur-kinésithérapeute |url=http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=7F4C787EF6BFD7F0C51286E82C217E0F.tpdjo09v_1?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020567935&categorieLien=id |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Legifrance |language=fr}}

In Germany, massage is regulated by the government on a federal and national level. Only someone who has completed 3,200 hours of training (theoretical and practical) can use the professional title "Masseur und Medizinischer Bademeister" 'Masseur and Medical Spa Therapist'. This person can prolong his training depending on the length of professional experience to a Physiotherapist (1 year to 18 months additional training). The Masseur is trained in Classical Massage, Myofascial Massage, Exercise, and Movement Therapy. During the training, they will study anatomy, physiology, pathology, gynecology, podiatry, psychiatry, psychology, surgery, dermiatry, and orthopedics.{{Cite journal |last1=Menz |first1=Hylton B |last2=Borthwick |first2=Alan M |last3=Potter |first3=Mike J |last4=Landorf |first4=Karl B |last5=Munteanu |first5=Shannon E |date=2010-12-18 |title='Foot' and 'surgeon': a tale of two definitions |journal=Journal of Foot and Ankle Research |volume=3 |pages=30 |doi=10.1186/1757-1146-3-30 |issn=1757-1146 |pmc=3024919 |pmid=21167060 |doi-access=free }} They are trained in Electrotherapy and Hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy includes Kneipp, Wraps, underwater massage, therapeutic washing, Sauna, and Steambath. A small part of their training will include special forms of massage which are decided by the local college, for example, foot reflex zone massage, Thai Massage, etc. Finally, a graduate is allowed to treat patients under the direction of a doctor. Graduates are regulated by the professional body which regulates Physiotherapists. This includes restrictions on advertising and the oath of confidentiality to clients.{{Cite web |title=Code of Ethics in Massage Therapy: Principles & Violation Consequences |url=https://study.com/academy/lesson/code-of-ethics-in-massage-therapy-principles-violation-consequences.html |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Study.com |language=en}}

In India, massage therapy is licensed by The Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (India) in March 1995. Massage therapy is based on Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system that evolved around 600 BC. In ayurveda, massage is part of a set of holistic medicinal practices, contrary to the independent massage system popular in some other systems.{{Cite journal |last1=Sankaran |first1=Ravi |last2=Kamath |first2=Ravindranath |last3=Nambiar |first3=Vivek |last4=Kumar |first4=Anand |date=2019-04-01 |title=A prospective study on the effects of Ayurvedic massage in post-stroke patients |journal=Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=126–130 |doi=10.1016/j.jaim.2018.02.137 |issn=0975-9476 |pmc=6598790 |pmid=30579676}} In Siddha, Tamil traditional medicine from south India, massage is termed as "Thokkanam" and is classified into nine types, each for a specific variety of diseases.Shukla, S.S., Saraf, S., Saraf, S. (2011). "Fundamental Aspect and Basic Concept of Siddha Medicines." Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy. doi:10.4103/0975-8453.83439

File: Adolfo Farsari - Blind Shampoonier.JPG

{{see also|ja:あん摩マッサージ指圧師|Anma}}

In Japan, shiatsu is regulated but oil massage and Thai massage are not. Prostitution in Japan is not heavily policed, and prostitutes posing as massage therapists in "fashion health" shops and "pink salons" are fairly common in the larger cities.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In Myanmar, massage is unregulated.{{Cite news |date=24 December 2014 |title=Massage parlors avoid the squeeze as bribery remains entrenched |work=The Myanmar Times |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/opinion/12663-regional-government-happy-to-keep-the-bribes-flowing.html |access-date=9 December 2017 |archive-date=10 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015701/https://www.mmtimes.com/opinion/12663-regional-government-happy-to-keep-the-bribes-flowing.html |url-status=dead }} However, it is necessary to apply for a spa license with the government to operate a massage parlor in major cities such as Yangon. Blind and visually impaired people can become masseurs, but they are not issued licenses. There are a few professional spa training schools in Myanmar but these training centers are not accredited by the government.{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}

In Mexico massage therapists, called sobadores, combine massage using oil or lotion{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Christopher |date=24 May 2010 |title=What the heck are sobadores and pegas? |url=http://www.liveincostarica.com/blog/2010/05/what-the-heck-are-sobadores-and-pegas.html |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Liveincostarica.com |name-list-style=vanc}} with a form of acupuncture and faith.{{Cite web |last=Associated |first=The |date=24 March 2009 |title=Mexican tradition of massage lives on in Tijuana |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/latino/2009/03/25/2009-03-25_mexican_tradition_of_massage_lives_on_in-2.html |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Nydailynews.com}} Sobadores are used to relieve digestive system problems as well as knee and back pain. Many of these therapists work out of the back of a truck, with just a curtain for privacy. By learning additional holistic healer's skills in addition to massage, the practitioner may become a curandero.{{Cite web |last=Vanderbilt |first=Shirley |title=Curanderismo: Mexican Folk Healers |url=http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/208/Curanderismo%3A-Mexican-Folk-Healers |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Massagetherapy.com}}

In some jurisdictions, prostitution in Mexico is legal, and prostitutes are allowed to sell sexual massages. These businesses are often confined to a specific area of the city, such as the Zona Norte in Tijuana.

In New Zealand, massage is unregulated. There are two levels of registration with Massage New Zealand, the professional body for massage therapists within New Zealand, although neither of these levels are government recognized. Registration at the certified massage therapist level denotes competency in the practice of relaxation massage. Registration at the remedial massage therapist denotes competency in the practice of remedial or orthopedic massage. Both levels of registration are defined by agreed minimum competencies and minimum hours.{{Cite web |title=Levels of Membership |url=https://www.massagenewzealand.org.nz/Site/membership/levels.aspx |access-date=27 April 2018 |publisher=Massage New Zealand}}

In South Africa, massage is regulated, but enforcement is poor. The minimum legal requirement to be able to practice as a professional massage therapist is a two-year diploma in therapeutic massage and registration with the Allied Health Professions Council of SA (AHPCSA). The qualification includes 240 credits, about 80 case studies, and about 100 hours of community service.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

In South Korea, only blind and visually impaired people can become licensed masseurs.{{Cite news |date=30 October 2008 |title=Blind S Korea masseurs win case |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7699114.stm |access-date=5 April 2010}}

In Thailand, Thai massage is officially listed as one of the branches of traditional Thai medicine, recognized and regulated by the government. It is considered to be a medical discipline in its own right and is used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments and conditions. Massage schools, centers, therapists, and practitioners are increasingly regulated by the Ministries of Education and Public Health in Thailand.{{Cite web |title=Only in Thailand... You can get a Thai massage for under $5 |url=http://www.chiangraibulletin.com/2013/07/17/only-in-thailand-you-can-get-a-thai-massage-for-under-5/ |access-date=18 October 2013 |publisher=Chiangrai Bulletin |archive-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019140908/http://www.chiangraibulletin.com/2013/07/17/only-in-thailand-you-can-get-a-thai-massage-for-under-5/ |url-status=usurped }}{{Cite web |date=21 January 2013 |title=Contemplating Thai Massage Regulation |url=http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13826 |access-date=18 October 2013 |publisher=Massagetoday.com}}

To practice commercial massage or massage therapy in the UK, an ITEC{{Cite web |title=ITEC – Qualifications for the world |url=http://www.itecworld.co.uk/ |website=ITEC}} or VTCT[https://www.vtct.org.uk/ Awarding world-class qualifications]. VTCT. Retrieved on 26 August 2018. certificate must be obtained through training which includes Beauty and Spa Therapy, Hairdressing, Complementary Therapies, Sports & Fitness Training and Customer Service.

Therapists with appropriate paperwork and insurance may join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), a voluntary, government regulated, professional register. Its key aim is to protect the public.{{Cite web |title=CNHC Register |url=https://www.cnhcregister.org.uk/ |website=www.cnhcregister.org.uk |access-date=30 December 2017 |archive-date=8 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180308012831/https://cnhcregister.org.uk/ |url-status=dead }}

In addition, there are many professional bodies that have a required minimum standard of education and hold relevant insurance policies including the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT),{{Cite web |title=Federation of Holistic Therapists Directory Service |url=https://www.fht.org.uk/ |website=fht.org.uk}} the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA),{{Cite web |title=Complementary Therapists Association |url=http://www.ctha.com/ |website=www.ctha.com}} and the Complementary Health Professionals (CHP).{{Cite web|url=https://www.complementaryhealthprofessionals.co.uk/|title=Membership | Complementary Health Professionals | United Kingdom|website=chp-ltd}} In contrast to the CNHC these bodies exist to support therapists rather than clients.

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According to research done by the American Massage Therapy Association, as of 2012 in the United States, there are between 280,000 and 320,000 massage therapists and massage school students.{{Cite web |title=2012 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet |url=https://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/amta2012_industryfactsheet.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021085026/http://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/amta2012_industryfactsheet.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2012 |access-date=17 July 2012 |publisher=American Massage Therapy Association}} As of 2022, there are an estimated 872 state-approved massage training programs operating in the U.S.{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Massage Graduate Numbers on the Rise |url=https://www.abmp.com/updates/news/massage-graduate-numbers-rise |access-date=August 31, 2024 |website=Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals}} Most states have licensing requirements that must be met before a practitioner can use the title "massage therapist", and some states and municipalities require a license to practice any form of massage. If a state does not have any massage laws then a practitioner need not apply for a license with the state. Training programs in the US are typically 500 hours to 1000 hours in total training time and can award a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Sherman KJ, Cherkin DC, Kahn J, Erro J, Hrbek A, Deyo RA, Eisenberg DM |date=June 2005 |title=A survey of training and practice patterns of massage therapists in two US states |journal=BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine |volume=5 |pages=13 |doi=10.1186/1472-6882-5-13 |pmc=1182347 |pmid=15955245 |doi-access=free }} Study will often include anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, massage techniques, first aid and CPR, business, ethical and legal issues, and hands-on practice along with continuing education requirements if regulated. The Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) is one of the organizations that works with massage schools in the U.S. and there are almost 300 schools that are accredited through this agency.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastwestcollege.com/massage-school-education-and-regulation-by-the-numbers/|title=Massage School Education and Regulation, by the Numbers|date=28 December 2019}}

Forty-seven states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia offer some type of credential to professionals in the massage and bodywork field—usually licensure, certification or registration.{{Cite journal |vauthors=Myklebust M, Iler J |date=May 2007 |title=Policy for therapeutic massage in an academic health center: a model for standard policy development |url=https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63197/1/acm.2007.6323.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819042900/http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/63197/1/acm.2007.6323.pdf |archive-date=2017-08-19 |url-status=live |journal=Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=471–5 |doi=10.1089/acm.2007.6323 |pmid=17532742 |hdl=2027.42/63197|hdl-access=free }}{{Cite web |title=State Regulations {{!}} AMTA |url=https://www.amtamassage.org/state-regulations/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=American Massage Therapy Association |language=en}} Forty-five states require some type of licensing for massage therapists.{{Cite news |date=15 July 2007 |title=Beyond the Body Wrap: What Makes a Spa Stand Out? |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/15/business/yourmoney/15spa.html |access-date=20 September 2007 |vauthors=Stellin S}} There are two nationally recognized tests to gain a massage therapy license, as well as state-specific exams.{{Cite web |title=What you need to know |url=http://www.wellnessgeeky.com/states-require-ncbtmb-exams-national-certification-board-therapeutic-massage-bodywork |access-date=27 September 2007 |publisher=National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730013328/http://www.wellnessgeeky.com/states-require-ncbtmb-exams-national-certification-board-therapeutic-massage-bodywork |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=July 2024 |title=Massage State Regulation Guide |url=https://www.abmp.com/sites/abmp_com/files/state-regs/ABMPStateRegCard_072024.pdf |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals}} In the US, 38 states accept the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's (NCBTMB) later unavailable certification program as a basis for granting licenses either by rule or statute.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2022 |title=States that require NCBTMB exams |url=http://www.wellnessgeeky.com/states-require-ncbtmb-exams-national-certification-board-therapeutic-massage-bodywork |access-date=7 July 2024 |publisher=National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork |archive-date=24 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524044112/https://www.wellnessgeeky.com/states-require-ncbtmb-exams-national-certification-board-therapeutic-massage-bodywork/ |url-status=dead }} The NCBTMB formerly offered the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB) but {{asof|2024|lc=y}} only offers its certificate program, Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (BCTMB) which does not qualify for licensure.{{Cite web |last=Hultquist |first=Ivy |date=2010-11-08 |title=NCETMB vs MBLEx: Which massage exam should you take? |url=https://www.massage-therapy-blog.com/ncetmb-vs-mblex/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=Massage & Bloggywork |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Board Certification |url=https://ncbtmb.org/board-certification/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=NCBTMB |language=en-US}} Forty-three states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, accept the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx), administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB).{{Cite web |date=2024-04-03 |title=MBLEx - Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards |url=https://fsmtb.org/mblex/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=fsmtb.org |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-16 |title=Regulated States - Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards |url=https://fsmtb.org/regulated-states/ |access-date=2024-07-11 |website=fsmtb.org |language=en-US}} Between 10% and 20% of towns or counties independently regulate the profession.{{Cite web |title=Massage Therapy Law and Licensure and States Regulating Massage |url=http://www.naturalhealers.com/qa/massage.html |access-date=27 September 2007 |publisher=Natural Healers}} These local regulations can range from prohibition on opposite sex massage, fingerprinting and venereal checks from a doctor, to prohibition on house calls because of concern regarding sale of sexual services.{{Cite web |title=Massage craze: Hands-on therapy attracting more patients |url=http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2003/issue106/statelaw106.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807031336/http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2003/issue106/statelaw106.php |archive-date=7 August 2007 |access-date=31 August 2007 |publisher=Massage Magazine |vauthors=Walsh K}}

In the US, licensure is the highest level of regulation and this restricts anyone without a license from practicing massage therapy or calling themselves by that protected title. Certification allows only those who meet certain educational criteria to use the protected title and registration only requires a listing of therapists who apply and meet an educational requirement. In the US, most certifications are locally based. A massage therapist may be certified, but not licensed. Licensing requirements vary per state, and often require additional criteria be met in addition to attending an accredited massage therapy school and passing a required state-specified exam. Only Kansas, Minnesota, and Wyoming, California and Vermont do not require a license or a certification at the state level. Some states allow license reciprocity, where licensed massage therapists who relocate can relatively easily obtain a license in their new state.{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Neal |title=MTSI Institute |url=http://www.massagetherapyschoolsinformation.com/ |access-date=3 August 2013 |publisher=MTSI |name-list-style=vanc}}

In New York State in 2024, a man was arrested and charged with three counts of third-degree Sexual Abuse and three counts of Forcible Touching, as well as New York State Education Department Law violations, for providing massage therapy services without a New York State license to do so.[https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/unlicensed-man-gives-massages-accused-of-forcible-touching-at-a-queensbury-nail-salon-lily-spa-sexual-abuse-massaging-warren-county-ny-new-york-route-9- "Unlicensed man gives massages, accused of forcible touching at a Queensbury nail salon,"] CBS6Albany.

In 1997 there were an estimated 114 million visits to massage therapists in the US. Massage therapy is the most used type of alternative medicine in hospitals in the United States. Between July 2010 and July 2011 roughly 38 million adult Americans (18 percent) had a massage at least once.{{Cite web |date=17 February 2012 |title=2012 Massage Therapy Industry Fact Sheet – American Massage Therapy Association |url=https://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/amta2012_industryfactsheet.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021085026/http://www.amtamassage.org/uploads/cms/documents/amta2012_industryfactsheet.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2012 |access-date=18 October 2013 |publisher=Amtamassage.org}} People state that they use massage because they believe that it relieves pain from musculoskeletal injuries and other causes of pain, reduces stress and enhances relaxation, rehabilitates sports injuries, decreases feelings of anxiety and depression, and increases general well-being.

In a poll of 25–35-year-olds, 79% said they would like their health insurance plan to cover massage. In 2006 Duke University Health System opened up a center to integrate medical disciplines with CAM disciplines such as massage therapy and acupuncture.{{Cite web |date=January 2007 |title=First-of-its-Kind Center Treats the Whole Person |url=http://www.massagemag.com/News/2007/January/Whole.php |access-date=27 September 2007 |publisher=Massage Magazine}} There were 15,500 spas in the United States in 2007, with about two-thirds of the visitors being women.

The number of visits rose from 91 million in 1999 to 136 million in 2003, generating a revenue that equals $11 billion.{{Cite news |last=Ellin |first=A. |date=21 July 2005 |title=Now Let Us All Contemplate Our Own Financial Navels |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/21/business/21sbiz.html |access-date=20 September 2007}} Job outlook for massage therapists was also projected to grow at 20% between 2010 and 2020 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster than the average.{{Cite web |title=Massage Therapists |url=http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/massage-therapists.htm |access-date=8 July 2013 |publisher=Bureau of Labor Stats}}

• Manual therapy
• Massage chair
• Spa

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Category:Manual therapy

Category:Mind–body interventions