What Is the Difference Between Western or Eastern Massage?
Shannon Hankins
COM/170
May 29, 2012
Mary E. Blackford

What Is the Difference Between Western and Eastern Massage?
Massage an international phenomenon that has been passed down from generation to generation within groups of people. Massage is a systematic manipulation of soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing. The primary characteristics of massage are touch and movement. There are many styles of massage therapy. This essay will cover two of the most common groups of massage modalities, Western and Eastern, and explain the overall benefits of massage, the similarities and differences of Western and Eastern massage techniques, and Western and Eastern philosophy of healing behind each one. Although Western and Eastern massage outcome are similar, it is amazing how different their concepts are. Western and Eastern Massage have similar environments. For example, in the massage room sounds of soft tranquil music will be playing, the soft light of candles or dim lighting, the trickling sounds from a water fountain, a lovely sent of aroma therapy and a massage therapist eager to help his or her next client. There are some differences between the two environments. Western massage rooms have a massage table, where his or her clients will undress and get under the sheets like getting into bed. The massage therapist will use lotion or oil on his or her client’s skin during the massage session. Eastern massage rooms have a shiatsu mat on the floor; the mat will have a top sheet that the clients will lay on fully clothed. The therapist does not use lotion and oils during their sessions. Some of the Western modalities consist of Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Cross Fiber, Longitude Release, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation stretches. Some of the Eastern modalities consist of Shiatsu, Tai massage, Reflexology, Acupressure, Trigger Point, Polarity, and Energy work. Both modalities use similar techniques such as, cupping, percussion, compression, vibration, stretching, and the use of energy. Both Western and Eastern therapists will also use proper body mechanics to keep themselves from getting injured or tired. Western massage techniques consist of effleurage, kneading, friction circles, and petrissage, whereas Eastern massage use their fist, open hand, and or feet using compression, as well as fingers and thumbs for trigger point, acupressure, and reflexology. The benefits of Western and Eastern Massage have many similarities. Massage relieves stress, anxiety emotional release, and enhances the growth and development of infants. The outcome of Western and Eastern are similar their philosophy about the body are very different. In Western medicine, humans are considered separate from and largely unaffected by phenomena of nature. Each body system, each organ, each symptom is viewed as a separate from others and from the individual as a whole. Humans are seen as machines with the heart working like a pump, lungs as bellows and the brain as a computer without internet access yet subject to disabling viruses. As with machine, parts wear out and can be replaced. Western has specific effects on the different organ systems of the body. These systems are known as the Integumentary system includes the skin, hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat glands. The Skeletal system includes the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and other stabilizing connective tissue structures. Muscular system includes skeletal muscles, connective tissue such as fascia and tendons, and proprioceptors. Nervous and Endocrine systems work together to coordinate organ system functions and respond to environmental stimuli. The nervous system controls relatively swift responses, like those related to movement, while the endocrine system regulates slower responses such as metabolic rate. The Cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, arteries, veins, and blood. The Lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic vessels, fluid called lymph, and lymph nodes that contain a large number of lymphocytes. The lymphatic systems functions are to return fluids from the body tissues to the blood; transport hormones, nutrients, and waste products from tissues into circulation; and defend the body from infection and disease via white blood cells or lymphocytes. The Respiratory system includes the lungs, and the passageways leading to the lungs for example nose, nasal cavity and sinuses, trachea, bronchial tubes. The Digestive system consists of a muscular tube called the digestive tract also known as, the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. The accessory organs include the salivary glands, gall bladder, liver and pancreas. The structure of the Urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and the urethra. Finally we have the Reproductive system. (For examples of Western charts of the body please see appendix figures one and three). In contrast, at the core of Eastern medicine is the concept that the universe is dynamic which is constantly moving and changing yet still maintaining a unity, a oneness. Humans are a natural, integral aspects of the universe. Humans exist, or “stand out,” from the background of the universe, yet neverthless, humans exist in relationship to the fabric of the universe and are made of the same threads. Eastern therapist work with Meridains; Yin and Yang, Qi, and the Five Elements. The Meridians are as important to Eastern medicine as anatyomy and physiology is to Western medicine. Meridians are an intricate network of pathways. Every part of the body inside and out is enlivened, nourished and warmed by Qi and Blood through this network, allowing the body to function as a single unit rather than separate parts. (See appendix,figure 4) Yin and Yang illustrates the concept of relatedness and connection of all. Eastern medicine apply the Yin and Yang concept to the human body. Yang corresponds to the back, head, exterior, lateral (posterior) aspects of the limbs, the yang organs and the function of the organs. The Yang organs are organs that transform, digest, and excrete impure products of food and fluids (Maciocia, 1998) The Yin aspects of humans are the front, interior, medial (interior) aspects of the limbs, the Yin organs and structure of the oragans. The yin oragans are those that store the pure essence extracted from food by the yang organs (Maciocia, 1998) (See appendix, figure five and six). Qi is life energy. Qi is a continuous form of energy in material form when it condences, and nonmaterial when it depresses. Eastern medicicne focuses on harmonizing the ease and flow of Qi. Qi’s functions are often summerized as follows: transforming, transporting, holding, protecting, and warming. If there are any disharmonies in the functions of Qi, disease will result. The Five Elements are a poetic but scientific way of using natural phenomenon like changing of the seasons to explore and treat our psyche, spiritual state, anatomy, physiology and the dynamics of the disease process as a whole. The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each of the Five Elements has its own characteristics and corespondence to the body and to its enviornment and each element is associated with a degree of Yin or Yang and has associated channels of energy (See appendix, figure seven and eight). Amazing how massage therapy affects the body in such a positive and healing way. It is fascinating that Western and Eastern philosophies and how the techniques are performed and are very different. Western medicine looks at the body as individual parts; where Eastern Medicine looks at the body as a whole and with the earth, yet they have similarities on the outcome of the benefits of massage therapy. Western and Eastern massage are both wonderful and beneficial for your health, mind, body, and soul.

References Benjamin, P. J., & Tappan, F. n. M. (2005). Tappan's Handbook of Healing Massage Techniques (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

Colbert, B. J., Ankney, J., & Lee, K. T. (2007). An atomy & Physiology for health professions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.. Somma, C. (2007). Shiatsu. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc..

Maciocia, G. (1998) The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A comprehensive Text for
Acupuncturists and Herbalists. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

Appendix
Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5 Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8 The Five Elements and Corresponding Channels | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal | Water | Yin Organ | Liver | Heart & Triple Warmer | Spleen | Lungs | Kidneys | Yang Organ | Gall Bladder | Small Intestine & Pericardium | Stomach | Large Intestine | Bladder | Vocal Quality | Shouting | Laughing | Singing | Weeping | Groaning | Time of Day | 11pm-3am | 11am-3pm and 7-11pm | 7-11am | 3-7am | 3-7pm | Body Fluid | Tears | Sweat | Saliva | Mucus | Urine | Emotion | Anger | Joy | Worry | Grief | Fear | Tissue | Tendons and nails | Blood vessels | Muscles | Skin and hair | Bones | Sense Organ | Eyes | Tongue | Mouth | Nose | Ears | Sense | Sight | Speech | Taste | Smell | Hearing | Color | Green | Red | Yellow | White | Blue/Black | Taste | Sour | Bitter | Sweet | Spicy | Salty |