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About Massage

Massage manipulates the soft tissues of the body.
It is used for the beneficial effects on the nervous, muscular systems and connective tissues and for enhancing the circulation of blood and lymph.
“Massage cannot be aptly explained in words but needs to be experienced to realize its full potential” – MC Nisbit

Massage may assist in the following areas:

Health maintenance and/or health promotion
Promotes general tissue health and encourages lifestyle and general health awareness.
Stress management
Helps relieve associated muscular tension and encourages general relaxation.
Injury Rehabilitation
Speeds recovery from injury and regaining full range of movement.
Post-operative care
Helps reduce recovery period, speeds up elimination of anaesthetic and reduces pain and stiffness associated with bed rest.
Emotional and/or psychological disorders
Releases endorphins that help to uplift and reduce depression.
Terminal illness
Helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with long term bed rest as well as providing support and reducing the effects of emotional stress for the patient as well as the family.
Chronic pain
Helps break the “pain – spasm” cycle whilst reducing associated muscle tightness. Deactivates trigger points which can cause referred pain.
Care of the disabled
Provides emotional support as well as assisting in the maintenance of general tissue health

Some of the reported physical benefits of massage:
• Increases blood and lymph circulation; Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues; Assists the clearing of metabolic wastes; May help remove excess fluid/ swelling.
• Decreases muscle tension to enhance functioning of muscles and associated vessels.
• Reduces or removes tension- related muscle pain.
• Speeds recovery of muscles from exercise.
• Frees up connective tissue layers for increased mobility and circulation.
• Can reduce nerve irritation and pain.
• Improves lung functioning by relaxing overtight muscles associated with breathing.
• Can improve immune function and encourage energy flow in the body.

Modern massage therapy has been assisted by the accumulation of scientific evidence that both supports and explains the beneficial effects of massage in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.
There are more and more research studies being done on the benefits of massage therapy. The following links will give further information on this subject.

Some Massage Research links:
Massage Therapy Foundation www.massagetherapyfoundation.org
Touch Research Institute www.miami.edu/touch-research/
Massage Magazine USA Research Organisations www.massagemag.com
Massage Therapy Research www.internethealthlibrary.com

Research databases:
Pubmed: www.pubmed.com
MANTiS: www.healthindex.com
Index New Zealand: www.innz.natlib.govt.nz

You can find the answers to frequently asked questions here

Use this link for information on Massage techniques

For articles submitted by MNZ members on a range of subjects related to massage therapy, click Articles

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