Massage therapy is used to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness.

It involves
manipulating the soft tissues of the body. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both
Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people
used to try to relieve pain.
The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques. The most common form of massage
therapy in Western countries is called Swedish or classical massage; it is the core of most
massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to
accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions derived
from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Tuina.

Relaxation techniques include a number of practices such as progressive

relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and deep breathing exercises.
The goal is similar in all: to produce the body's natural relaxation response,
characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a feeling of increased
well-being.

Meditation and practices that include meditation with movement, such as yoga and tai

chi, can also promote relaxation. You can find information about these practices
elsewhere on the NCCIH Web site.

Stress management programs commonly include relaxation techniques. Relaxation

techniques have also been studied to see whether they might be of value in managing
various health problems.

Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the

body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including
herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person -- that

means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an
illness -- not just stop the symptoms.