Massage Therapy Trend: Focus on Holistic Massage Therapy

What is shaping the future of massage therapy? That is a question every massage therapy professional needs to ask themselves to prepare for emerging client needs. In response to the public’s embrace of alternative health and wellness remedies, many massage therapists are expanding their service offering to include holistic massage therapy treatments that focus on energy flow, emotional healing, and mind-body balance in addition to therapies that provide relief from muscle and joint pain or reduce stress. [1]

Understanding holistic massage

Holistic massage is based on the belief that all parts of our body are interconnected. Because of this if one part of the body is experiencing pain or suffering, other parts will be affected as well. A holistic massage therapist aims to bring body, mind, and spirit into harmony. Therefore, if a client is suffering from shoulder muscle pain, for example, a holistic massage treatment will consider other parts of the body to provide relief and aid healing, which makes for a highly personalized experience.

Types of holistic massage

The types of massage treatments used by holistic massage therapists include:

Ayurvedic medicine: One of the world’s oldest medical systems, Ayurveda, which originated in India 5,000 years ago, focuses on providing balance between the physical body, mind, spirit, and the world through lifestyle change and natural treatments, therapies, and remedies.

Ayurvedic massage, commonly known as "Abhyanga", is a full-body massage performed using warm, medicinal oils that are carefully selected based on a person’s body condition. An ayurvedic full body massage aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit so an individual can connect with their inner self. Ayurvedic massage stimulates specific energy points (marmas) on the body to promote physical healing, improve circulation, and enhance mental clarity.[2]

Cranialsacral therapy: CST focuses on the gentle placement of hands to help release tension in the body’s fascia. Since the human body is interconnected both structurally and functionally, one area of the body can affect another. The goal of CST is tension relief (fascial clearance), which may help other connected parts of the body function better through: [3]

• Self-regulation.
• Self-correction.
• Self-healing.

Energy work: Energy work is a broad term referring to therapeutic techniques that manipulate the body's energy field. This energy field, which surrounds and penetrates the body, is known as the biofield in Western terminology or the aura in Eastern traditions. Practitioners of energy work use touch, intention, meditation, visualization, and other modalities to clear blockages, balance energy, and encourage healing flows to bring the body's energy systems into alignment and harmony. [4] The technique is based on a Chinese concept that uses the body's natural electricity to maintain the energy field.

Reiki: Reiki has roots in ancient Japanese healing practices and is considered a form of energy healing. The theory is that a Reiki master (a practitioner trained in Reiki) can channel the “universal life force energy” to a person either by either lightly placing their hands on a person or by hovering them just above you, using a series of hand positions.[5]

Hand and foot reflexology: Reflexology involves the application of pressure to certain points in the hands, feet, and ears. Thousands of years ago it was used to alleviate symptoms of medical conditions and promote relaxation. Underscoring reflexology is the theory that the feet, hands, and ears are connected to organs and certain systems of the body so applying pressure to these areas helps provide relief from pain and stress. [6] Reflexology massage aligns with the holistic approach to health because it focuses on the interconnection between the body, mind, and spirit.

Rocking and Shaking: A simple technique that involves gently rocking and shaking the body. It helps relax muscles, calm the nervous system, open joints, and bring the body into balance.[7]

Shiatsu:  Originating from Japan, practitioners believe that disruption to the energy flow can cause illness or disease. Shiatsu is about freeing any blockages or imbalances and rejuvenating the body by restoring energy to where it is most needed. The technique involves applying pressure to or stretching any points that lie along the lines of energy referred to as meridian channels to promote balance and alleviate tension.[8]

Thai massage: Instead of a massage table, the client lies on a mat on the floor while the massage therapist manipulates the body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility. Thai massage, part of traditional Thai medicine, works with the body's energetic pathways.[9]

Holistic massage can address certain physical and mental problems. However, advise clients to seek medical expertise if you think they have a serious medical or health problem.