Massage, << muh SAHZH, >> is the manipulation of the body’s soft tissue, mainly using the hands, to promote health and relaxation. There are six basic manipulations, or strokes, in the most basic and popular “Western” or “Swedish” styles of massage. They are (1) stroking, (2) effleurage, (3) petrissage, (4) tapotement or percussion, (5) friction, and (6) compression. Stroking is gliding hands over the skin, with the stroke being pulled toward the therapist. Effleurage is a gliding stroke applied with the entire hand and or forearm in progressively deeper and slower strokes. Petrissage means lifting and kneading the skin and the muscles near the surface. Tapotement or percussion is striking the body with the hand or fist. Friction involves moving the surface tissue without sliding or gliding on the skin. Compression is the rhythmic pressing and releasing of surface tissues against deeper structures. Each stroke has a different purpose.
Many other massage styles have become popular, including sports massage and deep tissue massage. “Eastern massage” includes many of the same methods, but it applies pressure at certain points of the body according to the techniques of acupuncture (see Acupuncture ).
Massage can improve circulation, relax muscles, stimulate nerves in the skin, and promote a feeling of general well-being. Its effects can be either relaxing or invigorating. Massage is often used to promote healing of an injury or muscle soreness or to relieve tension. People who give massages should be well trained and knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, and medical problems of the muscles and skeleton.
