Massage Methods and Therapies

Practitioners of massage include massage therapists, athletic trainers and physical therapists. Massage practitioners work in a variety of medical and recreational settings and may travel to private residences or businesses.

Contraindications to massage include deep vein thrombosis, bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners such as Warfarin, damaged blood vessels, weakened bones from cancer, osteoporosis, or fractures, and fever.

10 Most Popular Types Of Massage Therapy

Which Massage Is Right For You?

By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide

Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of massage therapy to help you figure out which massage therapy style is right for you.

Koho Anma

Traditional Japanese Massage & Bodywork

Anma means to press (An) and rub (Ma). It also means to spread peace by rubbing or to calm with the hands. Anma is one of the oldest forms of massage in the world and it is the oldest form of bodywork in the Orient. This therapy comes from ancient China and is over 5000 years old. Some speculate that Anma's true origins lie in India and is well over 10,000 years old. Anma was first brought to Japan by warrior monks from China through Korea about 1,500 years ago. In China this therapy is pronounced Anmo. When Anmo was brought to Japan the technique was further refined and developed into its own therapeutic art form. Over the years Anma has influenced the birth of many other forms of massage. Such as Shiatsu, Tuina and Swedish Massage.

What is Bowen Technique Therapy?

Bowen technique involves a rolling movement over fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. It is said not to involve deep or prolonged contact with muscle tissues as in most kinds of massage, but claims to relieve muscle tensions and strains and to restore normal lymphatic flow.