Massage can be defined as a systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body of the purpose of maintaining health. The history of massage and healing touch is long and complex, with more than 75 different types of massage and bodyworks. Historical evidence indicates that massage has been practiced for thousands of years in all parts of the world. I’ll explain the comparison of the development of massage in the eastern and western traditions, role of Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell & Cyriax in the development of massage in the western tradition, A comparison of Maori massage (miri miri & romi romi) with western massage, The massage scandals of the 1800s and their impact on the massage industry, The development of professional massage in New Zealand including MINZI,
NZATMP, TMA & MNZ, and discuss how the following philosophical approaches to massage (body, body-mind, body-mind-spirit) relate to the historical and cultural contexts discussed.
A comparison of the development of massage in the eastern and western traditions
Eastern massage had been handed down over generations from healers over 2500 years ago. In eastern massage there are similar forms of massage from different cultural backgrounds, all of which base their practice around energy and energy systems. Their energy work is based on the Traditional Asian Medicine Model of Health which involves the body-mind-spirit approach. Western massage is based around physiology anatomy and pathology.
These ways of massage were developed in different areas of the world at different times where there were many different beliefs on how the body works.
The role of Hippocrates, Galen, Ling, Metzger, Kellogg, Vodder, Travell & Cyriax in
the development of massage in the western tradition.
Hippocrates (460-375 BC): was known as the father of medicine because he was the first person to practice looking at techniques and analyzing there effectiveness. He was a follower of a new health and medicine concept which had taken place in the West. He also believed that illness had a physical and rational explanation. He also believed that Massage stroke should be directed toward the centre of the body toward the heart to get rid of waste products from the body.
Galen (130-201 AD): Was a physician and philosopher of Greek origin, the first to relate massage with anatomy and physiology. He related anatomy and physiology and contributed much of his early writing on massage.
Ling (1776 – 1839): blended massage with physiology. Ling is regarded as the Father of Swedish Massage. He believed Swedish gymnastics used properly would therapeutically influence movement in the body, and help those in need to overcome any discomfort of the body.
Metzger (1839 - 1909): was a Dutch physician who made massage an important component of physical rehabilitation. Introduced massage to those of the scientific community. Metzger also introduced the use of the names effleurage, Pétrissage and tapotment.
Kellogg (1952 - 1943): Helped make massage popular in America. He used massage and hydrotherapy and wrote numerous books on massage.
Vodder (1896 - 1986): developed Manual Lymph Drainage. Vodder pioneered lymphology using careful hand movements to stretch and twist the skin to promote lymph movement. Today this is called manual lymphatic drainage.
Travell (1901 - 1997): Was the first woman ever to serve as the White House Physician. She was an expert in diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain and introduced trigger point release.
Cyriax (1904 - 1985): Focused on the range of motion assessment and deep transverse friction. He developed the system off assessment for range of motion and was widely known as the father of Orthopaedic Medicine.
A comparison of maori massage (miri miri & romi romi) with western massage.
Miri Miriis is the traditional Maori approach for wellbeing it has been practiced by Maori for over 700 years. There are four aspects of Mirimiri. These include family health, physical health, mental health and spiritual health. If one of these is damaged or missing the person becomes unwell or unbalanced They incorporate physical massage, manipulation, energetic work, herbal medicine & counseling. Their treatments known as Miri Miri focus on the emotional/spiritual root of the problem.
Romi Romi is the use of elbows, hands, knees, feet, raaku (stick/wood), kohatu/toka (stones) and, moana (seawater), to do very deep tissue body work.
The massage scandals of the 1800s and their impact on the massage industry.
In the 1890’s massage had become well recognized, with this growth there was an increased demand for trained therapists. Consequently, there was an increase in training facilities and the market soon became saturated with therapists. Women with out a lot of money were encouraged into these positions, for the exchange of free training and future employment in the school clinics. The reputation of massage soon went downhill after the false advertising of massage parlors being associated with prostitution. Due to this prostitution problem the American Association of Masseurs & Masseuses was formed in 1943. There were specific educational requirements needed from anyone wanting to be accepted into this school. This school was taught at a very high standard, regular written and practical exams had to be completed during their training.
The development of professional massage in New Zealand including MINZI,
NZATMP, TMA & MNZ
The Massage Institute of New Zealand (MINZ) was formed in 1985 by Bill Wareham a massage therapist that contacted all the other massage therapists in Auckland city to arrange a meeting. The focus of MINZ was to have set standards, on-going education and annual conferences for further skill development.
In 1989 Jim Sanford formed The New Zealand Association of Therapeutic Massage Practitioners (NZATMP). He saw the need for a professional association for therapeutic massage practitioners in NZ. NZATMP would focus on education, professional image, distribution of information and to increase public awareness of the massage therapy industry.
In 1990's the name was changed from NZATMP to Therapeutic Massage Association (TMA). There was a change in focus on supporting and representing the needs of the qualified therapist, and being a voice for the massage industry.
MINZ & TMA joined together to create Massage New Zealand (MNZ) where all is working fine.
Contemporary massage
Contemporary massage developed from traditional techniques and from a physiological theory. These techniques are often referred to as bodywork. It is based on Swedish massage including trigger point release, myofacial release and lymphatic draining.
The following philosophical approaches to massage (Body, Body-Mind,
Body-Mind-Spirit)
Body massage is the physiological approach, where the massage treatment is focused on the body, taking in to account the effects that the body have within.
Body mind massage takes the clients way of thinking in to account as this can have an effect on the body. Body mind massage can also involve counseling and hypnosis .
Body, mind, spirit approach focuses on your actions that may lead to effecting you body, in incorporates a spiritual dimension into your health.
Massage is still a widely growing industry that has evolved greatly. Most of the techniques used in the past are still being used to date, i find this amazing and cant wait to see what the future has in store for us a massage therapists.
References:
Salvo, S. (2007). Massage Therapy Principles & Practice (3rd ed.). A Historical Perspective of Massage. Missouri: Saunders Elsevier
McQuillan, D. (2009). Fundamentals of Massage. Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago Polytechnic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
www.krisprocter-massagetherapy.blogspot.com
http://anitasawesome.blogspot.com/
http://andreawereta.blogspot.com/
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Task 5 – Sustainable Massage Practice
Principles of sustainable massage practice is considered to have three aspects.
environmental, social and economic. Sustainability is defined, as sustainable developments as those that "meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" (defining sustainability 2009).
The environment is such a hard thing to describe, we see it every day and can take hardly any notice of it, even when its a huge part of everyone’s life. The environment has been treated very badly for so many years now that it will never be clean again. People have started to realize what we have done to this planet. We are now recycling etc, Using less power by turning power off at the wall, using energy saving light bulbs. Using the input and output rule will help keep the environment healthy and safe from degradation. Output rules states that waste should be at a level which can be assimilated without environmental degradation and the input rule states that in the case of renewable resources, harvesting should not impair renewal. Non renewable resources should be used at less than the historical rate in which renewable substitutes can be found or manufactured. Ideally we should use materials within our practice that are from renewable resources and not disposing of good materials that cannot be reabsorbed back into the environment.
Social sustainability in relation to massage practice refers to a lot of things, including surrounding yourself by nice cheerful people that will keep you focused, this will reflect on your clients. By being friendly and welcoming to any new person that is need of a massage, this will help the start of a healthy relationship. Also to make our practice more socially sustainable we need to have a wide variety of networks we can use to refer to etc.
economic sustainability in relation to our massage practice is the ability to make a profit, to be able to afford new materials such as towels and oils etc. to make this profit to be able to compensate your own well-being and the well-being for the clinic, you have to get your business known. To make your practice known as good value, including safe professional massages at affordable prices, you have to to some advertising to spread the word about your great business, the best way to do so at an affordable price is to promote through word, by telling all your friends and family etc. Financial sustainability now encompasses the environment and social sustainability otherwise known as “triple bottom line”.
To make the massage practice more sustainable i feel as a therapist that using materials that are mainly renewable, recyclable and overall safe for the environment . This will reflect that you are trying to make a difference.
By increasing you network base would make your practice more sustainable towards social and economic aspects as you would have more people to learn from, ask for help and refer clients to and from.
By optimizing your target range towards a wide variety of different people your practice would become more sustainable socially and economically by massaging a large rang of people, you should get a lot of recognition resulting in further clients, meaning more profit.
Making a sustainable practice will take time, effort and a lot of planning. But in the end will result in a well functioning professional business.
references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Salvo, S. (2007) Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice (3rd Ed). Saunders: Mosby.
environmental, social and economic. Sustainability is defined, as sustainable developments as those that "meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs" (defining sustainability 2009).
The environment is such a hard thing to describe, we see it every day and can take hardly any notice of it, even when its a huge part of everyone’s life. The environment has been treated very badly for so many years now that it will never be clean again. People have started to realize what we have done to this planet. We are now recycling etc, Using less power by turning power off at the wall, using energy saving light bulbs. Using the input and output rule will help keep the environment healthy and safe from degradation. Output rules states that waste should be at a level which can be assimilated without environmental degradation and the input rule states that in the case of renewable resources, harvesting should not impair renewal. Non renewable resources should be used at less than the historical rate in which renewable substitutes can be found or manufactured. Ideally we should use materials within our practice that are from renewable resources and not disposing of good materials that cannot be reabsorbed back into the environment.
Social sustainability in relation to massage practice refers to a lot of things, including surrounding yourself by nice cheerful people that will keep you focused, this will reflect on your clients. By being friendly and welcoming to any new person that is need of a massage, this will help the start of a healthy relationship. Also to make our practice more socially sustainable we need to have a wide variety of networks we can use to refer to etc.
economic sustainability in relation to our massage practice is the ability to make a profit, to be able to afford new materials such as towels and oils etc. to make this profit to be able to compensate your own well-being and the well-being for the clinic, you have to get your business known. To make your practice known as good value, including safe professional massages at affordable prices, you have to to some advertising to spread the word about your great business, the best way to do so at an affordable price is to promote through word, by telling all your friends and family etc. Financial sustainability now encompasses the environment and social sustainability otherwise known as “triple bottom line”.
To make the massage practice more sustainable i feel as a therapist that using materials that are mainly renewable, recyclable and overall safe for the environment . This will reflect that you are trying to make a difference.
By increasing you network base would make your practice more sustainable towards social and economic aspects as you would have more people to learn from, ask for help and refer clients to and from.
By optimizing your target range towards a wide variety of different people your practice would become more sustainable socially and economically by massaging a large rang of people, you should get a lot of recognition resulting in further clients, meaning more profit.
Making a sustainable practice will take time, effort and a lot of planning. But in the end will result in a well functioning professional business.
references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Salvo, S. (2007) Massage Therapy: Principles and Practice (3rd Ed). Saunders: Mosby.
Task 4 – The ethics of professional practice
Ethics are key to a good massage therapist, it is a contract between the practitioner and the client to provide a trusted service. There a many aspects of ethics in which the massage therapist should take into account throughout their profession.
Client-centered care.
client centered care is the overall consideration towards the client. This is when attitudes, decisions, and activities of the practice are in the best interests of the clients health and well-being. (Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson)
Boundaries.
Any discussion of ethical professional practices must include an understanding of boundaries, both personal and professional. Boundaries delineate personal comfort zones, the realm in which we operate with a sense of safety and control. (Mark f. Beck)
A boundary is a space within a perimeter that may be a physical, emotional or mental space. The emotional space is determined by past experiences, values and morals. The physical space is the actual physical limits of space that is needed by each person to feel safe and secure. Boundaries should be well communicated by verbal conversations or body language before the massage begins. (thebodyworker.com)
Informed Consent.
Informed consent is a clients written authorization of professional services based on adequate information from the massage therapist about the massage, including expectations, potential benefits, possible undesirable effects, and professional and ethical responsibility. (Mark f. Beck)
The contents of the document are discussed with the client during the interview so he or she has a chance to ask questions and receive answers before signing.
Scope of practice.
Scope of practice is the professions working parameters. it is often divided from the legal definition of massage and represents professional boundaries and limitations. Scope of practice defines what services that massage therapists can and cannot provide. (salvo 3rd ed)
An individuals scope of practice is directly related to the skills he or she has gained and the training he or she has received. (Mark f. Beck) The practitioner should not perform anything he or she has not been properly trained for.
Confidentiality.
Confidentiality is the safekeeping or nondisclosure of privileged information. the therapist must closely protect this information. a breach of confidentiality is both illegal and unethical. Confidentiality concerns each clients right to and guarantee of privacy and safety within the therapeutic relationship. Trust is a key element in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship. (salvo 3rd ed)
Power differentials.
Practitioner/client relationships by their very nature exhibit a power differential. The client seeks the services of the practitioner due to his or hers knowledge, skill and authority. The practitioner is in a place of power to provide a service to further the well-being of the more vulnerable client. (Mark f. Beck) it is very important that the therapist dose not abuse the power difference, this would not be ethical and could cause an untrustworthy relationship.
Relationships.
The therapeutic relationship is a practitioner/client relationship that is client centered. Therapeutic relationships directly influence a clients mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to provide an environment that safe and secure. (Mark f. Beck) It is important the the practitioner keeps the relationship completely professional to maintain trust and respect of the client.
Transference and Counter-transference.
Transverse happens when a client personalizes, either negatively or positively, a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a therapist. A client may attempt to become more personally involved with the practitioner by asking non related questions, bringing gifts, asking for extra time at the end of a session etc.
Counter-transverse happens when a therapist personalizes a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a client. this is almost detrimental to a therapeutic relationship. Signs of counter-transverse include strong emotional feelings toward the client, thinking excessively about the client, spending extra time with the client.
By completely obeying a professional code of ethics we as massage therapists should have no problems in keeping a healthy professional relationship with future clients.
Reference:
Introduction to Massage Therapy
By Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson
Beck, M. F. (2006). Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage (4th ed.). New York, United States of America: Thomson The balanced body Delmar Learning.
Salvo, S. (2003) Massage therapy: principles and practice (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
Client-centered care.
client centered care is the overall consideration towards the client. This is when attitudes, decisions, and activities of the practice are in the best interests of the clients health and well-being. (Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson)
Boundaries.
Any discussion of ethical professional practices must include an understanding of boundaries, both personal and professional. Boundaries delineate personal comfort zones, the realm in which we operate with a sense of safety and control. (Mark f. Beck)
A boundary is a space within a perimeter that may be a physical, emotional or mental space. The emotional space is determined by past experiences, values and morals. The physical space is the actual physical limits of space that is needed by each person to feel safe and secure. Boundaries should be well communicated by verbal conversations or body language before the massage begins. (thebodyworker.com)
Informed Consent.
Informed consent is a clients written authorization of professional services based on adequate information from the massage therapist about the massage, including expectations, potential benefits, possible undesirable effects, and professional and ethical responsibility. (Mark f. Beck)
The contents of the document are discussed with the client during the interview so he or she has a chance to ask questions and receive answers before signing.
Scope of practice.
Scope of practice is the professions working parameters. it is often divided from the legal definition of massage and represents professional boundaries and limitations. Scope of practice defines what services that massage therapists can and cannot provide. (salvo 3rd ed)
An individuals scope of practice is directly related to the skills he or she has gained and the training he or she has received. (Mark f. Beck) The practitioner should not perform anything he or she has not been properly trained for.
Confidentiality.
Confidentiality is the safekeeping or nondisclosure of privileged information. the therapist must closely protect this information. a breach of confidentiality is both illegal and unethical. Confidentiality concerns each clients right to and guarantee of privacy and safety within the therapeutic relationship. Trust is a key element in establishing and maintaining the therapeutic relationship. (salvo 3rd ed)
Power differentials.
Practitioner/client relationships by their very nature exhibit a power differential. The client seeks the services of the practitioner due to his or hers knowledge, skill and authority. The practitioner is in a place of power to provide a service to further the well-being of the more vulnerable client. (Mark f. Beck) it is very important that the therapist dose not abuse the power difference, this would not be ethical and could cause an untrustworthy relationship.
Relationships.
The therapeutic relationship is a practitioner/client relationship that is client centered. Therapeutic relationships directly influence a clients mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to provide an environment that safe and secure. (Mark f. Beck) It is important the the practitioner keeps the relationship completely professional to maintain trust and respect of the client.
Transference and Counter-transference.
Transverse happens when a client personalizes, either negatively or positively, a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a therapist. A client may attempt to become more personally involved with the practitioner by asking non related questions, bringing gifts, asking for extra time at the end of a session etc.
Counter-transverse happens when a therapist personalizes a therapeutic relationship by unconsciously projecting characteristics of someone from a former relationship onto a client. this is almost detrimental to a therapeutic relationship. Signs of counter-transverse include strong emotional feelings toward the client, thinking excessively about the client, spending extra time with the client.
By completely obeying a professional code of ethics we as massage therapists should have no problems in keeping a healthy professional relationship with future clients.
Reference:
Introduction to Massage Therapy
By Mary Beth Braun, Stephanie J. Simonson
Beck, M. F. (2006). Theory and Practice of Therapeutic Massage (4th ed.). New York, United States of America: Thomson The balanced body Delmar Learning.
Salvo, S. (2003) Massage therapy: principles and practice (3rd ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
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