Thoughts | Feelings | Ethics
About Scientific Massage

by Ingeborg Schlobohm, Registered Massage Therapist

Massage practitioners rightfully take great pride in the historidcal background of their skilled professions, which demands a personalized, unhurried approach. Massage is the oldest form of healing known to man. Records of application of massage by the Japanese, dating back to 2,000 B.C. are still in existence; indeed, massage is recognized in Japan today as one of the foremost forms of healing. Hippocrates, who is recognized as the "Fther of Medicine," advised the application of massage in the year 460 B.C. The first institution for the scientific study and application of Swedish Massage was established in Stockholm in the year 1314 by Peter Henry Ling (Per Henrik Ling) of Sweden.

Massage should be considered a necessity of life, a form of health and beauty insurance. Massage brings to the muscles the same benefits as a hike of several miles, without causing fatigue. Massage is for everyone from children to grandparents. Massage is a healing art. It is a simple art that makes us more fully whole in health, relaxing mind and body. Massage is an aid to restore health and muscle tone, not a cure for diseases.

There is a growing public interest in holistic health. To quote Thomas Edison, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."

Choosing the place and atmosphere for a massage are the most important ingredients. The first thing to look for is solitude and quiet. A person receiving a massage enters a universe where the sense of touch alone is important. For this reason any outside noise and bustle can be extremely disconcerting. The next thing to consider is warmth. Nothing destroys an otherwise good massage more quickly than physical coldness. The temperature in the room should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (a room feels about five degrees colder if your skin is oiled). Silence or minimum conversation is preferred during treatment in order to get the maximum benefit, for the client's sake and yours!

Proper draping procedure dictates that all of the body be covered during supine and prone positions, except the head and face (extra sheet, large towel, blanket, moist eye-pad for special comfort). Your professionalism shows in your draping!

Massage & Bodywork | Summer 1996