Eastern systems utilize an advanced understanding of the holistic nature of the body. Specialized applications became part of the massage therapist's repertoire. As Western therapists learned more about acupressure, reiki and chakras, their clients benefited from that knowledge. When the American Massage Therapy Association began in 1979, there were only a couple thousand therapists. Now there are 25,000 or so.
Massage still feels great.
But now it can be much more. Here are some of the specialties you may find at your massage therapist. After each is a brief description and explanation of what the proponents believe about them. Acupressure - This is a form of pressure point massage that utilizes the same notion as acupuncture, though, of course, without needles. By working on specifically identified points along the body's meridians, acupressure improves the flow of healthy energy or chi.