Once complete it will contain a list of articles submitted by MNZ members on a range of subjects related to massage therapy.

Habitual movement patterns brought to the clients awareness, and the creation of new movement patterns, are taught with the aim of restoring a full range of client function.

Through gentle manual and verbal guidance, a client is encouraged to re-educate their posture to achieve ease of movement and good health. The fully clad client is taught how to break old patterns of holding and movement.

Miri Miri or Makoha – meaning natural gift – is the traditional Maori massage. It is steeped in Maori customs and culture, encompassing whanau ora (family health), tinana ora (physical health), hinengaro ora (mental health) and wairua ora (spiritual health). Miri miri is very much a holistic tradition, used for healing the physical and spiritual elements of a person’s life.
A massage is preceded by a karakia (traditional prayer) and waiata (song) that will soothe and welcome your spirit. The actual massage is characterised by a technique that uses therapeutic rhythmic strokes inspired by the tempo of the ocean. Miri Miri takes much of its inspiration from the natural elements.

Most massages stimulate the movement of lymph as a matter of course, but Lymphatic Massage provides external pressure specifically to promote this flow. Many practice the Vodder Technique developed in France in the 1930s. It is very light, pulsing or pumping massage which has a lulling, relaxing effect on the autonomic nervous system. It is effective in the treatment of Fibromyalgia, sinusitis, burns, acne, scars, arthritis, emphysema and migraines, as well as the more common usage for oedema, sprains and bruises. It is especially effective when combined with Fascial Kinetics.

is the name given to the work taught by Russell Sturgess, who studied the soft tissue therapy (Tom Bowen’s) under Ossie Rentsch. It addresses fascial and connective tissue restrictions in a very gentle and less obtrusive manner by applying transverse (across the) muscle fibre moves in a specific sequence. This creates a window of opportunity for the fascia to re-hydrate, which assists in bringing harmony to the mechanical and physiological functions of the body (the healing response of the connective tissue, ie fascia), thereby reducing inflammation, swelling and pain significantly and increasing mobility (due to rehydration of the fascia.) This treatment is suitable for everyone.
Conditions that can be treated include: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and headaches, frozen shoulder, back and neck problems, Sprains/Strains, Sciatica, TMJ dysfunction, (tennis elbow) RSI. It is extremely effective during pregnancy.

This is a very gentle, yet dynamic remedial therapy that empowers the body to heal itself. Exact moves over muscles, tendons and ligaments are applied to disturb the fascia. There are frequent pauses between each series of moves to allow the body time to benefit from the treatment. This promotes healing through physical, emotional, mental and energetic levels, as well as offering relief from pain and discomfort from a multitude of chronic and acute conditions.
Bowen does not interfere with the effectiveness of other disciplines except acupuncture. Bowen is effective on its own, may complement other therapies and has few contraindications. It is related to Fascial Kinetics.

Practitioners use the principle of ‘spontaneous positional release’. With this gentle technique the client’s body is guided into its most preferred posture or position of comfort, in order for self correction to occur. Compressions may be gently applied to dysfunctional muscles and released.

Born out of osteopathy, this technique has its foundation in what is considered the deepest rhythm of the body – The rhythm of the central nervous system with the ebb and flow of the cerebro-spinal fluid. The practitioner typically palpates this rhythm by gently holding the cranium and/or sacrum, and can assess and treat many deep seated traumas, stress, headaches, chronic pain, and muscular skeletal dysfunctions.

A method devised by New Zealand therapist/teacher Margaret Nisbet. It combines acupressure, polarity massage of Randolph Stone, deep tissue massage of Katoning, reflexology, aromatherapy, auric, kinesiology. Students trained in this method have also undergone a programme of personal and transpersonal development.

(Polarity, Reflexology, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and others)
Energy healing is used to relax the body and help heal physical, mental and emotional ailments. Most are performed fully clothed. In Polarity, the therapist uses gentle touch, pressure, rocking and gentle shaking on a prone client to restore energetic balance to the mind and body. In Reiki the practitioner may lay their hands over chakra points and organs and act as a channel for universal life energy to flow into the body. Counselling, dietary advice, exercise and positive thinking may also be included in these treatments.

A gentle manipulative therapy involving spinal and joint treatment for back, joint and organ problems.

Ida Rolf developed a system of; structural integration; involving the manipulation of the myofascial system in order to restore flexibility, movement and health. Generally conducted over ten sessions, the client receives deep manual pressure and stretch to free the fascia of the body. There are only a few Rolfing therapists in New Zealand.

Neuromuscular Therapy is based on balancing the nervous system with the muscular system and searches for the underlying causes of long standing pain. The treatment begins with a thorough case history generally followed by a postural analysis, muscle length testing and tissue palpation. The treatments aim to release muscle spasm and eliminate trigger points, which cause referred pain (see below). This can bring back flexibility and improve the strength of muscles. It is beneficial for the treatment of many painful dysfunctions including headache, OOS, chronic back, jaw and neck pain.

Also known as Remedial or Deep Tissue massage, therapeutic massage is used to address specific soft tissue injuries and dysfunctions by manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Generally techniques are applied deeper into the soft tissues (muscle, tendons and ligaments) in order to have a therapeutic effect on the body, and to address specific chronic muscular pain and postural dysfunction.
Therapeutic massage is applied to injury rehabilitation and may reduce inflammation related pain caused by arthritis, tendonitis and many other muscular conditions. The massage techniques may include deep longitudinal strokes (deep effleurage), kneading (petrissage), friction, vibration and percussion (tapotement), myofascial release, trigger point therapy, to name but a few. Generally practitioners will have a diploma in therapeutic massage.

Based on the extensive works of Dr Janet Travell and Dr David Simons, trigger point therapy involves a systematic de-activation of trigger points which are tight bands in the muscles, tendons or ligaments which refer pain to other areas. The treatment may be followed by stretches with ice, followed by heat and then movement. Trigger point work is often a part of Neuromuscular Therapy and is beneficial wherever chronic, aching pain is felt.

Sports massage involves the application of massage to meet the performance needs of the athlete or physically active person. A thorough knowledge is required of the movements, exercises, injuries and training protocols involved in team and individual sports. It may include pre-event, inter-event, post-event and maintenance massage and may employ a variety of massage techniques. Many therapists specialise in this field and are encouraged to have a sports massage diploma to work with elite sports people.

MFR is a useful method of treating neck and back pain, headaches, fibromyalgia and other chronic pain, by working on the connective tissue (fascia), which lies under the skin and surrounds all our muscles, organs and bones. Gentle pressure and stretch is applied to the skin over areas of tension and restriction, until a release is felt.

The concept that the total body is reflected in the ear, eye, palm of the hand and bottom of the feet is founded in Chinese medicine. William Fitzgerald brought attention to Chinese foot massage in the USA in 1913 and called it ”Zone therapy”. The technique uses compression, generally using the thumbs, in order to identify and treat signs associated with the body part reflected on the feet.
Manipulating reflex points on the hands and feet may help improve circulation, ease pain and increase relaxation.

This massage utilises essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers, resin, woods and roots. For thousands of years the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used essential oil massage to aid relaxation, improve circulation and help the healing of injuries. Frenchman Rene Maurice Gattefosse revived the art and coined the name aromatherapy in a book published in 1928. Each freshly prepared oil mixture is individually prepared and has its own characteristics and benefits.

This is a fully clothed massage performed on a person while they are seated in a massage chair or using a desk attachment. The beauty of this technique is that it can be performed in a corporate or business setting. The benefits include relieving work related stress, and easing neck pain, shoulder and back tension. A variety of techniques are used, including pressure points, stretches, ranges of joint movement, and percussion methods borrowed from Japanese and Swedish techniques.

Pregnancy is a time to be pampered. A therapist trained to perform pregnancy massage understands the changes occurring in the mother’s body during pregnancy and adapts the massage to suit. Pregnancy massage can promote increased circulation, thereby bringing fresh nutrients and removing wastes. You may experience greater energy, less fatigue and reduced swelling as a result. The client may have a special body support system to lie face down on, or may prefer a side-lying position especially in the third trimester. Pre-labour massage helps sedate the nervous system and release endorphins, which are natural pain killers, and so lead to a state of deep relaxation.

(Massage for the elderly and terminally ill)
Massage of the elderly can help alleviate the isolation and loneliness many older people feel. It can revitalise a bond with others and re-affirm self-esteem. The gentle massage and range of motion techniques can increase circulation, mobilise the joints and improve skin condition. It may also lower blood pressure, reduce oedema and relieve tension headaches.

Baby massage can be a continuation of pregnancy massage. The parents’ loving touch can enhance the foundation of trust and caring, and can help establish parent-child bonding. Studies indicate that infant massage may promote a faster release from birth trauma, increase infant growth, reduce irritability, deepen sleep and ease digestive difficulties including colic. It can be especially effective with premature babies to promote weight gain. Infant massage can be taught to parents by qualified instructors.

Named after Joseph Heller, this system of treatments combines realignment of the fascia with movement education and structural integration. Myofascial techniques are often employed.

Shiatsu (Japanese for ‘finger pressure’) has its origins in eastern philosophy. It treats the whole person and not just the symptoms, and utilises the energy meridian systems in a manner similar to acupuncture. The client usually lies clothed on a mat on the floor while the practitioner applies compression with thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows and knees to specific pressure points. Stretching is also utilised, with the goal of assisting the flow of energy in the body.

The Importance of taking a Client History and Assessment: Client history includes finding out about you and the history of your ailment, aggravating factors (what makes it worse), previous diagnosis and treatment, and effectiveness of any previous treatment. It also builds up information about your general health, since there are a number of conditions which can contribute to muscular problems; a previous whiplash injury, for example, could lead to headaches or dizziness.
A client history ensures that the massage therapist’s diagnosis of the condition they are treating, as well as the treatment they give, is accurately recorded for future reference if necessary. Since the treatment you receive is likely to continue over a period of time, and may involve more than one visit, the therapist can monitor your progress and vary the treatment if necessary to ensure you receive the optimum benefit.
A client history includes an initial assessment of your condition: this enables the therapist to use the appropriate techniques to help relieve any discomfort that you may be experiencing. If you have any serious health issues, these should be disclosed during the assessment; the therapist can then determine if it is appropriate for you to have massage at that time or whether your condition is contraindicated for massage.
Your massage therapist is aware of their limitations, and is required to work within their scope of practice. Taking a client history when you first arrive will allow them to talk through all your needs to establish if it would be in your best interest to be referred to another health professional, or whether having complementary treatment (eg using acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy or physiotherapy) is going to be beneficial to you. Taking the time to sit down to discuss what is causing you discomfort gives you time to become comfortable with the therapist, especially if you are new to massage therapy; it is the first step in building a rapport and trust between you both.

Per Hendrick Ling (1776 – 1839) of Sweden developed a method of massage and medical gymnastics which became universally known through his published theories of massage and movement and through foreign students studying at the Central Institute of Stockholm from 1813. Today we refer to most “standard” massage as Swedish massage or sometimes as “relaxation massage” and the stroke names of “effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement” have become associated with the basic techniques as first illustrated by Ling.

“Massage cannot be aptly explained in words but needs to be experienced to realize its full potential” – MC Nisbit
Modern massage therapy has been assisted by the accumulation of scientific evidence that both supports and explains the beneficial effects of massage in the treatment of soft tissue injuries.
There are more and more research studies being done on the benefits of massage therapy. The following links will give further information on this subject.
Some Massage Research links:
Massage Therapy Foundation – http://www.massagetherapyfoundation.org
Touch Research Institute – http://www6.miami.edu/touch-research/
Massage Magazine USA Research Organisations – http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2006/issue120/Orgs.php
Massage Therapy Research – http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/MassageTherapy-Research.htm
Research databases:
Pubmed: http://www.pubmed.com
MANTiS: http://www.healthindex.com/
Index New Zealand: http://innz.natlib.govt.nz

Health maintenance and/or health promotion
Promotes general tissue health and encourages lifestyle and general health awareness.
Stress management
Helps relieve associated muscular tension and encourages general relaxation.
Injury Rehabilitation
Speeds recovery from injury and regaining full range of movement.
Post-operative care
Helps reduce recovery period, speeds up elimination of anaesthetic and reduces pain and stiffness associated with bed rest.
Emotional and/or psychological disorders
Releases endorphins that help to uplift and reduce depression.
Terminal illness
Helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with long term bed rest as well as providing support and reducing the effects of emotional stress for the patient as well as the family.
Chronic pain
Helps break the “pain – spasm” cycle whilst reducing associated muscle tightness. Deactivates trigger points which can cause referred pain.
Care of the disabled
Provides emotional support as well as assisting in the maintenance of general tissue health

• Increases blood and lymph circulation; Increases supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues; Assists the clearing of metabolic wastes; May help remove excess fluid/ swelling.
• Decreases muscle tension to enhance functioning of muscles and associated vessels.
• Reduces or removes tension- related muscle pain.
• Speeds recovery of muscles from exercise.
• Frees up connective tissue layers for increased mobility and circulation.
• Can reduce nerve irritation and pain.
• Improves lung functioning by relaxing overtight muscles associated with breathing.
• Can improve immune function and encourage energy flow in the body.

Massage manipulates the soft tissues of the body. It is used for the beneficial effects on the nervous, muscular systems and connective tissues and for enhancing the circulation of blood and lymph.

The following conditions should be checked out with your doctor before getting a massage:
• Severe back pain, especially if pain is keeping you awake at night.
• A high fever or the symptoms of a cold or flu.
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Skin conditions such as burns, cold sores, bruises, open wounds or swollen areas. You should not have a massage in those areas.
• Pregnancy, especially during the first trimester (massage is not advised during the 10 to 12 week period).
• Osteoporosis.
• High blood pressure.
• Allergies (especially to nuts, as many therapists use sweet almond oil).
• Varicose veins.
• Lymph node removal.
If you have any concerns about any existing conditions, you should always check with your healthcare provider to see if massage is an appropriate treatment for you.

Massage works well with physiotherapy, chiropractic and osteopathy. It can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture. You should inform the massage therapist and any other healthcare professional of the treatment you are undergoing, however, to ensure the treatments complement each other.

Unfortunately it is not covered by ACC. Southern Cross Medical Insurance does have policies which include refunds for massage therapy payments made to MNZ RMT members

Your therapist should explain a feedback scale or system to you at the start of the treatment, so that you can let them know how you are feeling. Sometimes there may be some discomfort involved if you are having treatment for a particular muscle problem, but you should advise your therapist if the treatment is too painful so that they can adjust their treatment and make it more effective.

All massage therapists are trained to drape/cover their clients so that only the part of the body they are working on will be exposed. If this does not happen, you should ask to be covered or ask your therapist why you are not covered. If you are not satisfied with the answer you can terminate the appointment.

Massage is a healthcare practice that needs clothes to be removed as it involves using oil, massage waxes and lotions. It is a ‘whole body’ treatment which requires direct contact between the therapist and client. It is usual for the therapist to leave the room while you undress and get on the table. It is not always necessary to remove all clothing; this depends on what your massage needs are at the time of treatment. Even with a full body massage you can leave your lower undergarments on.

MNZ therapists have ongoing training requirements of at least 20 hours each year to keep their skills and knowledge base up to date. Our Association also has a Code of Ethics, which MNZ therapists must display in their clinics for clients to read, and which gives details of a Complaints Procedure for clients to use if they feel dissatisfied with their treatment or the therapist’s behavior.

Ask your therapist where they were trained; there are many reputable massage training institutions in New Zealand. Their training can range from a 3 to 6 month course for a Certificate (relaxation massage only)to a 3 year Degree course, and most of these courses are recognized by Massage New Zealand. As there are different levels of massage expertise throughout our country, our members have to meet specified requirements to fit into each level of membership that we have. Most members of MNZ hold a diploma in therapeutic massage, having undertaken a 12 to 18 month training course.