muscles and tendons) using pressure, traction and vibration. Background Massage is as old as medicine itself; indeed, it seems to be a human reflex to rub ourselves where we feel pain. Today many variations exist; for example, classical ‘Swedish’ massage focuses on muscular structures and is popular throughout Europe. Other forms of massage treatment include: Bowen therapy: gentle soft-tissue technique influencing the nervous system. Lymphatic drainage: massaging along lymph channels to enhance lymph flow. Marma massage: traditional Indian massage. Myofascial release: technique reducing tension in fascia and connective tissue. Relaxation massage: gentle superficial techniques. Rolfing: forceful massaging where the therapist’s whole body applies pressure. Sports massage: muscular techniques adapted for the needs of athletes. While many massage therapies are based on a sound understanding of anatomy, some rely on unproven and unlikely philosophies. These more exotic forms of massage therapies include shiatsu, craniosacral therapy and reflexology (which are all discussed elsewhere in this appendix), as well as polarity massage (balancing positive and negative energy), trigger-point massage (pressurizing trigger points aimed at reducing local pain or influencing the function of distant organs) and acupressure (pressurizing, rather than needling, acupuncture points).
