| *1: [[manipulation]] of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for [[therapeutic]] [[purposes]] | | *1: [[manipulation]] of tissues (as by rubbing, kneading, or tapping) with the hand or an instrument for [[therapeutic]] [[purposes]] |
| '''Massage''' is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance [[function]], aid in the [[healing]] [[process]], and promote [[relaxation]] and well-being. The word comes from the French ''massage'' "[[friction]] of kneading", or from Arabic ''massa'' meaning "to [[touch]], [[feel]] or handle" or from [[Latin]] ''massa'' meaning "mass, dough", cf. [[Greek]] verb μάσσω (''massō'') "to handle, [[touch]], to [[work]] with the hands, to knead dough". In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was ''anatripsis'', and the [[Latin]] was ''frictio''. | | '''Massage''' is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance [[function]], aid in the [[healing]] [[process]], and promote [[relaxation]] and well-being. The word comes from the French ''massage'' "[[friction]] of kneading", or from Arabic ''massa'' meaning "to [[touch]], [[feel]] or handle" or from [[Latin]] ''massa'' meaning "mass, dough", cf. [[Greek]] verb μάσσω (''massō'') "to handle, [[touch]], to [[work]] with the hands, to knead dough". In distinction the ancient Greek word for massage was ''anatripsis'', and the [[Latin]] was ''frictio''. |
− | Massage involves [[acting]] on and manipulating the [[body]] with [[pressure]] – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, [[motion]], or [[vibration]], done manually or with [[mechanical]] aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal_system gastrointestinal system]. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty [[different]] recognized massage [[Mode|modalities]]. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as [[therapy]] have been client demand and [[perceived]] clinical effectiveness. | + | Massage involves [[acting]] on and manipulating the [[body]] with [[pressure]] – structured, unstructured, stationary, or moving – tension, [[motion]], or [[vibration]], done manually or with [[mechanical]] aids. Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, or organs of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal_system gastrointestinal system]. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty [[different]] recognized massage [[Mode|modalities]]. The most cited reasons for introducing massage as [[therapy]] have been client demand and [[perceived]] clinical effectiveness. |
− | In [[professional]] settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage_chair massage chair], or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the [[body]] may be covered with towels or sheets. Those who [[practice]] massage as a [[career]] are referred to as masseurs, masseuses, or, if certified, as massage therapists.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage] | + | In [[professional]] settings massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting in a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage_chair massage chair], or lying on a mat on the floor. The massage subject may be fully or partly unclothed. Parts of the [[body]] may be covered with towels or sheets. Those who [[practice]] massage as a [[career]] are referred to as masseurs, masseuses, or, if certified, as massage therapists.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massage] |