special subjects
Massage Therapy
Introduction
In massage therapy (a Manipulative and Body-Based Practices ), body tissues are manipulated to reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and reduce stress. Massage therapy involves a variety of light-touch and deep-touch techniques, from stroking and kneading (as used in Swedish massage) to applying pressure to specific points (as used in Shiatsu, acupressure, and neuromuscular massage). (See also Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine .) 