What is massage service?

Massage service is the practice of applying structured or unstructured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration — manually or with mechanical aids — to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a beneficial response. A form of therapy, massage service can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to aid the process of injury healing, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physiological, mental, and mechanical benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage" or manipulative therapy.

In professional settings, a massage service involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. Except for modalities such as Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Thai Massage, or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is generally unclothed, also referred to as disrobed, and their body may be "draped" with towels or sheets. The practice of covering the parts of the body that are not being massaged is referred to as draping and its practice varies from one part of the world to another.

In addition to making a professional statement and providing a boundary, draping helps keep the client warm which aids in the relaxation response. In the United States draping is a standard of the profession, while in other parts of the world, such as some parts of Europe, it is not practiced at all. In most massage services, the session begins with the client face up, referred to as supine, or face down, referred to as prone, for the first part of the session and then the client rolls over for the second half. Relaxation is necessary for benefits to be achieved.

Misconceptions about massage service :

Unfortunately, many Americans still have misconceptions about massage and its therapeutic benefits.

One of the most persistent of these misconceptions is that the massage service originated in India or China and was taught to them by foreign doctors. There is no historical evidence to indicate that any medical practitioners were ever sent to India or Thailand from China or anywhere. Nor is there any evidence that traditional massage was influenced by other practitioners. On the contrary, historical evidence reveals that massage is an authentic healing art developed by people over thousands of years.

Because much of the information regarding massage services was collected at temples, another serious misconception developed, namely, that massage was originally practiced and taught by monks.

The rules of conduct for monks makes this claim impossible, as monks are not permitted to touch a woman at all, even for the purpose of giving a massage. The only exception is for a person who is gravely ill, in which case touching the body is regarded as an ethical and humanitarian act. Hence, while it was possible for monks to study Thai medicine, there were strict limitations on their ability to perform therapeutic massage.

How massage helps?

Although a single massage will be enjoyable, the effects of massage are cumulative and a course of massage treatments will bring the most benefits. Regular massage can have the effect of strengthening and toning the entire body mechanism, and so help to prevent unnecessary strains and injuries that might otherwise occur due to excess tension and any resulting structural weaknesses. Massage can stimulate or calm the nervous system-depending upon what is required by the individual-and thus help reduce fatigue, leaving the receiver with a feeling of replenished energy. At its best, massage has the potential to restore the individual physically, mentally and spiritually.

Some benefits of massage:

1.Relaxing.
2.Soothing.
3.Healing.
4.Reassuring.
5.Eases tension, stiffness, and pain.
6.Improves breathing.
7.Improves circulation.
8.Enhances well-being.

Other benefits of body massage:

1. Assists weight loss;
2. Improves and increases blood circulation and the flow of tissue fluid (lymph);
3. Nourishes the skin (with the right oils);
4. Soothes and relaxes nerves;
5. Assists in removal of deposits of tissue;
6. Releases emotional and mental tension;
7. Creates a feeling of well-being;
8. Gives pleasure.

If you have any illness it is always advisable to inform a doctor before you go for a body massage.

Selection of a massage service :

When selecting a massage service always look for the following:

Communication :

• Massage therapists will accurately inform patients/clients, other health care practitioners and the public regarding the scope of their discipline and will represent their personal qualifications honestly, including education, experience, and professional affiliations upon request or in advertising.

Providing Treatment:

• Massage therapists will have a sincere commitment to provide the highest quality of care to those who seek their professional services, and will provide only those services which they are qualified to perform.

• Massage therapists will provide treatment only when there is a reasonable expectation that it will be advantageous to the patient/client. The therapist will acknowledge the limitations, precautions, and the contraindications for their practice, and will refer patients/clients to other licensed health care professionals when the patient's/client's needs are outside of the therapist's scope of practice.

• Massage therapists will conduct their business and professional activities with honesty and integrity, and will act with respect toward colleagues, including all other health professionals.

• Massage therapists will avoid any interest, activities, or influences which might conflict with their obligation to act in the best interest of their patients/clients.

Confidentiality:

• Massage therapists will safeguard the confidentiality of all patient/client information, including patient/client records, unless disclosure is required by law or court order. Any situation which requires the revelation of confidential information should be clearly delineated in records of massage therapists.

Consent:

• Massage therapists will respect the patient's/client's right to an informed and voluntary consent for the release of patient/client information. Massage therapists will obtain and keep a record of the informed consent of the patient/client, or, in the case of a minor, of the person in parental responsibility before releasing information, unless required by law to do so.

• Massage therapists will respect the patient's/client's right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment, regardless of prior consent for such treatment.

• Massage therapists will not cause the patient/client more pain than the patient/client is willing to accept, nor will they exert any psychological pressure to induce the patient/client to accept a level of pain higher than the patient/client has expressly agreed to experience.

• When massage of breast tissue is therapeutically indicated, the female patient/client must be fully informed and give consent before the therapist undrapes the breast for treatment.

Boundaries:

• Massage therapists will respect the patient's/client's boundaries with regard to privacy, exposure, emotional expression, beliefs and reasonable expectations of professional behavior. Therapists will respect the patient's/client's autonomy.

• Massage therapists will avoid exerting undue influence on patients/clients and will never engage in sexual behavior during the course of the professional relationship. The therapist should not engage in sexual conduct or activities, even if the patient/client attempts to sexualize the relationship.

• No manipulation of the genital areas is permitted, even at the patient's/client's request.

Immoral Conduct:

• Massage of genital areas and massage of a patient/client who is not properly draped for massage shall be considered immoral conduct.

• The practice of massage by a massage therapist who is not properly dressed shall be considered immoral conduct.

• Draping includes methods used by a massage therapist to protect modesty, privacy, warmth and/or comfort of a patient/client by the use of sheets, towels, blankets or any item that serves this purpose.

Discrimination:

• Massage therapists do not discriminate in providing services to patients/clients based upon culture, ethnicity, age gender, belief, or sexual orientation. Massage therapists may, however, restrict their practice to specific age, gender groups, or to specific conditions as long as this is consistent and not arbitrarily applied.

Hygiene:

• Massage therapists will maintain their premises, including supplies, in a sanitary manner. This includes adherence to techniques of communicable disease control (universal precautions).

Competency:

• Massage therapists are expected to maintain competency in their practice. This can be done by taking continuing education classes and workshops, and by the independent reading of research and technique materials.

• Massage therapists will not practice under the influence of prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, alcohol, drugs or any other illegal substances which can impair their functioning.