Chinese medicine has deep roots in Oriental massage. Massage therapists at Massage Den report that there are two basic Oriental massage techniques, Tui Na and Zhi Na. Tui Na dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is used primarily as a healing massage to break down scar tissue and increase blood circulation. Tui Na focuses on kneading, pushing and stretching tight muscles. Zhi Na also is used in healing and focuses on the same acupressure points that are used in acupuncture to align the chi, or body energy. While various massage therapists utilize a multitude of techniques, there are basic rules that are followed by Oriental massage practitioners.
Ethics
As massage therapists become more regulated and organized, those who used the techniques to exploit patients or hide illegal activities are being weaned from the field. The American Massage Therapy Association has developed a code of ethics that professional massage therapists are expected to follow. The ethics prohibit the use of sexual activities in the practice of Oriental and other forms of massage therapy and encourage ongoing continuing education on the part of professional therapists. Following the tacit beliefs of the Oriental origins of massage, the code of ethics requires professional therapists to respect the individual client and not portray any discrimination when treating patients. They are pressed to maintain confidentiality with all their clients to provide a safe haven where true Oriental bodywork can flourish.
Standards
In addition to ethics regulations, many states have instituted licensing and credentialing requirements for practitioners of massage therapy. In addition to varying hours of training and internships, massage therapists are required to maintain a safe, clean environment in which they provide their services. State and organizational rules cover areas such as physiological education so that Oriental massage therapists can accurately diagnose and treat various conditions. Best practices are being established as baseline rules to cover hygiene and sanitation, billing and record-keeping, confidentiality and open communication between client and therapist.
Practice
According to researchers at the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), massage therapy practitioners ideally will talk with a client to take a general history of the person's health. While Oriental massage requires the use of oils and the heat of the therapist's hands to increase the healing, patients must undress for a full-body massage. Rules maintain that clients remain covered with a sheet on the areas of the body that are not receiving direct contact. Although NCCAM researchers report that massage therapy generally is safe and carries few risks or side effects, therapists and consumers should be aware of basic rules to guide the safety of the procedures. For example, people with blood clotting problems should avoid vigorous massage that sometimes occurs in Tui Na sessions. Cancer patients should be wary of allowing a massage therapist to apply pressure to tumors as often is done in Zhi Na Oriental bodywork. Clients should also advise therapists of any allergies to oils or other products used during a massage therapy session.
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