MassageHistory, Styles & the Spiritual Touch

Part one is the history: anmo, tui na and the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon in China, Ayurveda and abhyanga in India, the tomb of Ankhmahor in Egypt, Hippocrates, Galen and the Roman baths, anma and shiatsu in Japan, Wat Pho in Thailand, lomilomi in Hawaii, the hammam, and Per Henrik Ling and the real story of “Swedish” massage.

Part two describes 26 styles you are likely to see offered in the UK, from Thai and shiatsu to hot stone and reflexology, with what the evidence says about each and a comparison table. Part three looks at the spiritual side of touch: the Buddhist loving-kindness at the heart of Thai massage, the energy maps of sen, qi, marma and prana, lomilomi, aloha and the huna debate, and touch as ritual and presence.

Part four is practical: what the science says, when not to have a massage, how to find a qualified therapist in the UK and Fife, and simple self-massage and partner massage to try at home. Claims are labelled Record, Legend or Modern. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, read the safety chapter and speak to your GP first.

• China, India and Egypt
• Greece, Rome, Japan and Thailand
• Hawaii, the hammam and “Swedish” massage
• 26 styles of massage and bodywork
• Metta: loving-kindness in Thai massage
• Maps of energy: sen, qi, marma and prana
• What does the science say?
• When not to have a massage
• Finding a qualified therapist in the UK and Fife
• Try it at home