Massage consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure and holding and causing the body to move. Primarily the hands are used, but sometimes forearms, elbows, and feet are used also. These techniques can affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, and nervous systems.
Massage therapy encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix naturae helping the body heal itself.
Most states require 500 or more hours of education from a recognized school program and a licensing examination. Massage therapy techniques include Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, sports massage, neuromuscular massage, and manual lymph drainage. Other physical healing methods include reflexology, zone therapy, tuina, acupressure, Rolfing, Trager, Feldenkrais method and Alexander technique. Expanding Medical Horizons, a report prepared under the auspices of the Workshop on Alternative Medicine, held in Chantilly VA on September 14-16, 1992. Inc. All rights reserved.