...massage treatment[1], intended to relieve pressure and tension in myofascial tissue. The fascia is a network of thin connective tissue[2] distributed throughout the body; myofascial membranes are the ones that enclose muscle tissue. After muscle overuse, trauma, disease or other factors, it is believed that some areas of the fascia may contract[3], causing pain, restricted movement and poor circulation.  The practice of myofascial release is usually taught as continuing professional education, building on massage qualifications. By completing a short course, practitioners who are already trained in fields such as massage[4], anatomy or physiology[5] may obtain certification in myofascial release therapy. Myofascial release and myotherapy are terms which may seem similar; they both involve the root ‘myo’, meaning ‘muscle’, derived from ancient Greek[6]. The difference is that myofascial release is focused more on the fascia, while myotherapy targets the muscle tissue within, and is based on conventional Western understanding[7] of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of myofascial release is to reduce muscular tension within the fascia[8], improving the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, and trigger a ‘stretch reflex’, allowing tight muscle groups to relax. The treatment involves a practitioner feeling for areas of tension and rigidity within the myofascial system, then massaging the area to gradually release pressure[9], increasing suppleness and flexibility.  Because the fascia comprises such a complex network within the body, myofascial massage in one area may relieve pain in a different body part[10]. The way myofascial release works is not fully understood, although ongoing research suggests the mechanism of action may be related to the high concentration of sensory nerves within the fascia[11]. Benefits of myofascial release therapy The results of a randomised controlled trial suggest myofascial release techniques may be an effective complementary treatment to improve function and reduce the severity of pain[12] in people suffering from fibromyalgia. It is reported that myofascial release may be an effective way of treating myofascial pain syndrome[13], a condition with similarities to fibromyalgia, but which tends to produce more localised symptoms. There is evidence to suggest myofascial release therapy may be a “promising treatment”[14] for restricted mobility and chronic pain following surgery for breast cancer, but more research is recommended. It is reported that myofascial release, in combination with kinesiotherapy, may improve circulatory function in post-menopausal women[15]. Research suggests both direct and indirect methods of myofascial may help relieve chronic tension-type headache[16], and it is reported that myofascial release may be a practical way of managing lateral epicondylitis[17] (‘tennis elbow’). There is also evidence to suggest myofascial release therapy may reduce “pain-related disability” and depression[18], as well as improve quality of sleep, in elderly patients suffering from chronic lower-back pain. Myofascial release therapy may assist in relieving symptoms related to: What to expect from a myofascial release therapy session Your first myofascial release session is likely to take up to 90 minutes, and will usually start with your practitioner asking you about your medical history[19]. Any injuries, trauma or surgery you might have had in the past may have an effect on the network of fascia in your body, and may give your practitioner a clue about problem areas they need to work on.  You will usually be invited to lie on a massage table for the treatment. Your myofascial release practitionermassage therapist will not ask you to remove any more clothing than you are comfortable with[20], and will provide you with a towel so that you don’t feel exposed. Your practitioner will use gentle touch to locate areas of myofascial tension[21] and rigidity, and then stretch and massage those areas using their hands. Releasing the tension in each area may take several minutes, and to ensure they can accurately feel the changes in your fascia, your practitioner will not normally use massage...

...massage or physiotherapy by its unique and holistic approach to help the body heal from musculoskeletal and neuromuscular dysfunction.  While remedial massage exclusively uses massage techniques to assist with muscle pain and physiotherapy is primarily concerned with the rehabilitation of joint injuries[4], Myotherapists have a deep understanding of the human anatomy and offer a more comprehensive treatment[5] protocol to treat pain and misalignment. Myotherapists are considered primary healthcare providers[6] and may operate from stand-alone practices or in multidisciplinary environments.   In Australia, Myotherapists receive qualifications from government-accredited institutions and must be registered with a recognised professional body such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association[7] or Myotherapy Association Australia.[8] Benefits of myotherapy The benefits of myotherapy are numerous given its comprehensive approach to muscle therapy and reliance on a range of evidence-based techniques. Trigger point dry needling[9], for example, is one such technique with clinical research to support its efficacy for reducing acute and chronic pain, as well as improving motor performance and range of motion. Notably, two separate publications validate dry needling as effective for the management of myofascial pain[10] originating in the neck[11], shoulders and spinal muscles. Massage...

...massage which may also include gentle stretches and postural alignments, intended to restore the balance of qi (vital energy). The word ‘shiatsu’ literally means ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese[1], although practitioners also use their elbows, palms, thumbs, even their feet and knees, to apply pressure as appropriate. Shiatsu is a Japanese technique of therapeutic touch which originated from traditional Chinese massage[2]. The intention of these styles of massage involves promoting a healthy flow of qi through the body’s meridians (invisible energy pathways). It is believed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concepts were introduced to Japan between the fifth and sixth century[3]. The term ‘shiatsu’ was coined by a Japanese practitioner named Tamai Tempaku, who published a book on the method in 1919[4]. Another pioneering practitioner, Tokujiro Namikoshi, further refined shiatsu techniques, and his emphasis on including a Western perspective of physiology contributed to shiatsu therapy being formally recognised as a distinct healing modality[5] by the Japanese government in 1964. Namikoshi famously treated various Western celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali[6].  Benefits of shiatsu Traditionally, the intention of shiatsu is to dissolve blockages of qi through the meridians of the body and restore optimal flow of qi[7] to areas of ‘energy stagnation’. It is believed that when a person’s energetic balance is restored, symptoms ranging from aches and pains to insomnia and digestive difficulties can be alleviated. There is evidence to suggest that shiatsu may help trigger spontaneous labour[8] in post-term women, and the results of a pilot study indicate that it may have beneficial effects on pain reduction and sleep quality[9] in people suffering from fibromyalgia. Research suggests shiatsu may improve quality of life by reducing the severity[10] of chronic lower-back pain. Shiatsu combined with physical activity has also been studied as a way of significantly reducing depression[11] in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Shiatsu is reported to possibly be an effective way of managing refractory migraine[12], reducing the quantity of painkillers taken by people suffering from primary headaches. There is evidence to suggest shiatsu may be a useful way of reducing pain as well as managing anxiety and stress[13] in cancer patients, although further research is recommended. Studies suggest that shiatsu may decrease the intensity of pain[14] and levels of anxiety[15] in burns patients. Shiatsu may assist in relieving symptoms related to: What to expect from a shiatsu session The session will begin with your shiatsu practitioner asking you about your general medical history and any specific pain or ill health[16] you might be experiencing, as well as the state of your emotional wellbeing. Your practitioner may also use traditional diagnostic techniques such as looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse, as well as a hara examination[17] (evaluating your abdominal area using gentle touch).  The shiatsu treatment itself involves lying down, fully clothed, on a futon, although some practitioners may offer you a massage chair, depending on your needs[18]. Practitioners will often cover you with a sheet for greater comfort. Your practitioner will apply deep, focused pressure to key points along your energy meridians according to a sequence that is personalised to your ‘state of qi’[19]. They will use their thumbs, fingertips, palms, elbows, feet and knees to carry out the massage...

...massage (known as romiromi or mirimiri) on pressure points is often used as a technique to facilitate spiritual wellness. Rongoā Māori also uses ‘karakia’, or prayers or chants, to promote spiritual healing. Rongoā Māori has not always had a smooth history in New Zealand. The arrival of Europeans, the introduction of new diseases and a shift towards a Western medical system saw the Tohunga Suppression Act passed in 1907 due to concerns about ‘rogue Tohunga[3]. Despite this background, Rongoā Māori is now seen as integral to the culture of New Zealand, with the Te Kāhui Rongoā Trust established to promote and protect Rongoā Māori[4]. The New Zealand government currently funds some rongoā providers[5] to provide services such as massage, prayer support and cultural support. Providers of Rongoā Māori funded by the government are required to adhere to the rongoā standards, the Tikanga ā-Rongoā[6], that sets out a framework for providing quality services. Other organisations may choose to adhere to these standards voluntarily.  Benefits of Rongoā Māori Every aspect of Rongoā Māori is relational, with the healing based on love and care for the person and aimed at bringing wholeness instead of simply treating the illness. Healers invite spiritual healing for their patients, and even the process of picking and preparing plants involves communication with the plants and prayer in the preparation of the medicine.  In addition to bringing healing to the spirit and soul, Rongoā Māori is also used to treat physical symptoms. The traditional knowledge of the Tohunga[7] has seen native plants used to treat conditions ranging from sunburn and wounds[8] to respiratory disorders such as cough and bronchitis, or toothache and diarrhoea. While the Māori have been using these treatments for years, scientific studies have only recently begun to examine the large array of plants used in Rongoā Rākau. However, some native New Zealand plants have been the subject of scientific studies and are known to provide established benefits. One of the most widely studied is the Manuka plant, from which Manuka honey and Manuka oil are made. The leaves and bark of the Manuka plant have been used to treat skin diseases, heal cuts and burns, and ease itching or for pain relief, with multiple studies finding that Manuka has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties[9].  Native plants used in Rongoā Rākau have also been studied as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. In particular, natural properties in the karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa plants have been found to have potential effects on the metabolism of glucose in the body[10], suggesting anti-diabetic effects.  Rongoā Māori may assist in relieving symptoms related to: What to expect from a Rongoā Māori session?  Each Rongoā Māori session is customised to the person’s concerns and state of health. As a holistic modality, the healer will seek to address the root cause instead of the presenting issue. This means that your healer may ask questions you think are unrelated, or use techniques such as chanting that do not seem to directly address the issue.  Rongoā Māori often involves the use of massage, which is also used as a tool to help release emotional tension and spiritual blockages[11]. This can be an intense physical experience as masseurs utilise their arms, legs and various body parts to provide the massage...

...massage, breath, ceremony and traditional plants or mixtures[1] to release blockages and heal ailments. Indigenous Aboriginal people are the oldest known civilisation on earth[2], and traditional Aboriginal healing has a similarly rich and lengthy history. Rooted in the Indigenous belief system, Ngangkaṟi Healing understands that sickness has a spiritual component[3], which means they approach healing from a holistic perspective and utilise healing techniques not known to Western medicine. Some of the main techniques for healing include pampuni[4] (a touch or massage technique), bush medicine, smoking ceremonies and spirit realignment.  Some traditional medical settings in South Australia and Central Australia are beginning to invite Ngangkaṟi Healers to work alongside doctors in their hospitals[5]. In South Australia, the Mental Health Act 2009 recognises the importance of Ngangkaṟi Healers and specifies that mental health services for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people can “when practicable and appropriate, involve collaboration with health workers and traditional healers from their communities[6]”. The Ngangkaṟi are the traditional healers of Anangu of the Western Desert in Central Australia[7], which includes the Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra and Yankunytjatjara peoples’. 'Ngangkaṟi' means healer in the Pitjantjatjara language, with healers born into this ability through ancestral lines[8] and healing knowledge passed down through the generations.  The Aṉangu Ngangkaṟi Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation[9] (ANTAC) is the first organisation of Aboriginal traditional healers in Australia, and it makes Ngangkaṟi Services[10] accessible to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. All members are accredited through a strict accreditation process in accordance with Ngangkari’s Law which is at the core of the Ngangkaṟi’s traditional medical knowledge system, and listed in the Register of Ngangkaṟi. The Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council[11] (NPYWC) is another body that facilitates the provision of Ngangkaṟi Healing services in local communities, clinics and hospitals. Benefits of traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing is strongly focused on connection to the Country and embedded in the rich diversity[12] of local cultural practice across Australia. It differs[13] widely, depending on the varieties of bush medicine available, technique and name by local language groups. While there are no scientific studies of Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island healing, it is increasingly being accepted by the mainstream healthcare system as a complementary and alternative medicine. For instance, ANTAC now offers its services in regional clinics and at South Australia’s Royal Adelaide Hospital. In those clinics, some who have used Ngangkaṟi Healing for pain management have reported relief from their symptoms[14]. An additional benefit of having Ngangkaṟi Healers in hospital settings is their ability to help Aboriginal people feel more at ease in a medical establishment. Akeyulerre Healing Centre in Alice Springs[15] provides bush rubs and other free healing treatments to their communities, subsidised by their collection and sale of bush medicines to the wider public. Healers work under their own unique names and techniques based on language groups, bush medicines available and local conditions.  Due to their understanding of the spirit-body connection, Ngangkaṟi Healers specialises in treating psychological issues, and some have reported a release from fear and a sense of being 'brand new'[16] after treatment. Two Ngangkaṟi healers were recognised in 2009 by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and in 2011 by the World Council for Psychotherapy for their contributions to mental health[17] in the Aboriginal communities of Central Australia.  Ngangkaṟi Healers accept the role of Western medicine[18], and some see it as the responsibility of Western systems to treat problems brought about by European settlement and not previously known to Indigenous communities – such as those caused by diets high in processed sugar and flour[19]. Their focus is to treat people suffering from mental distress or physical conditions such as knee pain, repetitive strain injuries, joint pain, trauma, and pregnancy-related issues[20].  Apart from mental and physical conditions, a key benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing is its ability to help Indigenous people right their spirit and reconnect with their culture, which is the lifeblood of their spiritual being[21]. These healing modalities are increasingly being offered to those outside local communities. Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island healing may assist in relieving symptoms related to: What to expect from a Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing session The assessment process for a Ngangkaṟi healing session is very different from a traditional medical examination[8]. Instead of simply assessing the site of the problem, the Ngangkaṟi healers are likely to assess your whole body. Unlike traditional medical examinations which rely largely on your narration of the problem, Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healers will also observe, listen and use touch to assess the issue. This will allow them to determine whether there are blockages in your body that are contributing to the presenting condition, and use techniques such as massage...

...massage, joint manipulations, and herbal remedies to detect and correct imbalances. This practice is not merely a physical intervention but is enriched with spiritual rituals and diagnostic techniques rooted in Filipino culture. For instance, some manghihilot perform the suob ritual—a form of aromatherapy under a cloak—to cleanse negative energies and promote healing. Engaging in Hilot can lead to: Physical Relief: Alleviating musculoskeletal pains, sprains, and tensions through targeted massage and manipulation[2]. Emotional Balance: Incorporation of spiritual practices aims to harmonize emotions, reducing stress and anxiety. Cultural Connection: Participating in Hilot allows individuals to connect with Filipino heritage, preserving ancestral wisdom and practices[3]. Benefits of Hilot While Hilot is deeply rooted in tradition, its therapeutic benefits have garnered attention in contemporary wellness circles[4]: Holistic Healing: Hilot addresses the person as a whole, considering the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Personalized Care: Each session is tailored to the individual's specific needs, with practitioners employing various diagnostic methods, such as pulse reading and body heat assessment, to identify imbalances. Integration of Natural Remedies: The use of indigenous herbs and natural oils complements manual therapies, enhancing the body's innate healing processes. Scientific exploration into Hilot is ongoing. A study published in the International Multidisciplinary Journal of Excellence delved into the transformation of Hilot from traditional practice to contemporary wellness therapy, highlighting its enduring relevance and adaptability[5]. Hilot may assist in relieving symptoms related to: What to Expect from a Hilot Session A typical Hilot session is a deeply immersive experience that blends physical therapy with spiritual cleansing[6]: Consultation: The session begins with a discussion of the client's health history and current concerns. Assessment: The manghihilot employs traditional diagnostic techniques, such as palpation, pulse reading, and observing body heat variations, to identify areas of imbalance or tension. Therapeutic Intervention: Based on the assessment, the practitioner applies a combination of massage...

...massage therapist, in the 1950s[6]. His intuitive bodywork was systematically documented by his student and associate Oswald Rentsch, who went on to develop a structured training program educating other practitioners in the Bowen technique. To ensure you receive Bowen treatment of the highest standard, choose a practitioner registered with a professional association such as the Bowen Therapists Federation of Australia[7] and  Bowen Association Australia[8]. This national organisation is committed to ensuring professional conduct and overseeing the educational standards of its members, who are obliged to uphold its Code of Ethics. Benefits of Bowen therapy Empirical research into Bowen therapy is ongoing, with the results of one study suggesting it may be an effective way to improve hamstring flexibility[9]. There is evidence to suggest Bowen therapy may increase mobility and function in cases of frozen shoulder[10], but further study is recommended. There is research to suggest Bowen therapy may reduce stress, improve the quality of sleep, increase energy levels[11] and enhance general feelings of wellbeing. The results of a pilot study also indicate that Bowen therapy may be an effective way to support the rehabilitation of people who have suffered a stroke[12]. Conditions that are often treated using Bowen technique[13] include carpal tunnel syndrome, planar fasciitis (foot pain), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, although these have not been the subject of academic research. It is also reported that Bowen therapy may be an effective treatment for lateral epicondylitis (‘tennis elbow’), various types of headaches, and lower-back pain[14]. Bowen therapy may assist in relieving in symptoms related to: What to expect from a Bowen therapy session It is recommended that you avoid any bodywork for four days prior[15] to receiving treatment. In the case of acute problems, it is advisable to commence treatment as soon as possible after you are injured or develop symptoms. This is believed to possibly prevent chronic problems from developing as other areas of the body attempt to compensate for the compromised part. To begin, your practitioner will ask you about your medical history and general well-being [16], as well as the health concern for which you are seeking treatment. After assessing the condition you are concerned about, your practitioner will invite you to lie on a massage table and use the Bowen technique to treat the area that is troubling you. Bowen therapy practitioners use their thumbs and fingers to massage and stimulate carefully targeted areas using characteristic ‘rolling’ motions, rather than ‘gliding’ over the skin. Between sets of moves, your practitioner will pause for calculated periods and usually leave the room, giving your body space to initiate the healing process. Bowen massage...

...massage and recommendations about exercise [19] and nutrition, as well as spinal adjustments.  A chiropractor performs an adjustment by delivering a swift and carefully...

...massage table or chair you may be on. Always communicate your concerns to your practitioner as they would want to address them and ensure you have a supportive session. You may also feel a little ungrounded after a session, so it is always advisable to take your time to come off the massage...

...massage, and activities which incorporate gentle exercise, such as tai chi, practitioners aim to correct qi imbalances and disruptions which are believed to cause ill health. Popular treatments associated with TCM Acupressure is a needle-free method of using fingertip pressure to stimulate key acupuncture points[7] along the body’s meridians. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin[8] at prescribed locations, with the aim of affecting the flow of qi through the body. Chinese herbal medicines are intended to have a holistic effect on wellness and are often prescribed for preventing ailments, not only treating them;[9] some traditional preparations also include animal extracts and mineral ingredients. Chinese massage (tui na), possibly one of the oldest forms of massage...