Editing Massage (section)

== Facilities, equipment, and supplies ==
[[File:СПА процедуры в Красной Поляне.jpg|thumb|Massage table prepared for a massage session.]]

=== Massage tables and chairs ===
Specialized massage [[Massage table|tables]] and [[Massage chair|chairs]] are used to position recipients during massages. A typical commercial massage table has an easily cleaned, heavily padded surface, and horseshoe-shaped head support that allows the client to breathe easily while lying face down and can be stationary or portable, while home versions are often lighter weight or designed to fold away easily. An [[orthopedic pillow]] or bolster can be used to correct body positioning.

Ergonomic chairs serve a similar function as a massage table. Chairs may be either stationary or portable models. Massage chairs are easier to transport than massage tables, and recipients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Due to these two factors, chair massage is often performed in settings such as corporate offices, outdoor festivals, shopping malls, and other public locations.

=== Warm-water therapy pools ===
Temperature-controlled warm-water therapy pools are used to perform aquatic bodywork.<ref name="Osinski2011">Osinski, A. 2011. Facility design and water management. Chapter 18 In Becker, BE and Cole, AJ (eds). Comprehensive aquatic therapy, 3rd edition. Washington State University Press. {{ISBN|978-0615365671}}.</ref> For example, [[Watsu]] requires a warm-water therapy pool that is approximately chest-deep (depending on the height of the therapist) and temperature-controlled to about 35&nbsp;°C (95&nbsp;°F).<ref name="Blessing2008">Blessing A and Blessing H. 2008. Watsu pool design and care. pp 186–193, Appendix G In: Dull, H. Watsu: freeing the body in water, 4th edition. Watsu Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1605853710}}.</ref>

=== Dry-water massage tables ===
[[File:Aqua massage Fargo IMG 1198.JPG|thumb|A dry-water massage machine at a shopping mall in Fargo, North Dakota.]]
A dry-water massage table uses jets of water to perform the massage of the patient's muscles. These tables differ from a Vichy shower in that the client usually stays dry. Two common types are one in which the client lies on a waterbed-like mattress which contains warm water and jets of water and air bubbles and one in which the client lies on a foam pad and is covered by a plastic sheet and is then sprayed by jets of warm water, similar to a Vichy shower.<ref name="amiaspa">{{Cite web |date=16 March 2007 |title=Using a Water Massage Machine |url=http://www.circlesoflight.com/alternative/water-jet-machine.html |access-date=26 February 2013 |publisher=Circlesoflight.com}}</ref> The first type is sometimes seen available for use in shopping centers for a small fee.

=== Vichy showers ===
A [[Vichy shower]] is a form of hydrotherapy that uses a series of shower nozzles that spray large quantities of water over the client while they lie in a shallow wet bed, similar to a massage table, but with drainage for the water. The nozzles may usually be adjusted for height, direction, and temperature to suit the patient's needs.

=== Cremes, lotions, gels, and oils ===
[[File:Aroma Massage at Tara Angkor Hotel 2011-07-09 (flickr 5918125059).jpg|thumb|A specially created aroma massage combining technique and aromatherapy oils.]]
Many different types of massage cremes, lotions, gels, and oils are used to lubricate and moisturize the skin and reduce the friction between skin (hands of technician and client).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Capellini |first1=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KgFnbJ7E90IC&pg=PA20 |title=Massage For Dummies |last2=Welden |first2=Michel Van |date=11 May 2010 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-0-470-64275-7 |page=20}}</ref>

=== Massage tools ===
These instruments or devices are sometimes used during massages.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stone |first=Victoria |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HSy8sMP-iyoC&dq=These+instruments+or+devices+are+sometimes+used+during+massages&pg=PA237 |title=The World's Best Massage Techniques The Complete Illustrated Guide: Innovative Bodywork Practices From Around the Globe for Pleasure, Relaxation, and Pain Relief |date=2010-12-01 |publisher=Fair Winds Press |isbn=978-1-61059-383-0 |pages=237 |language=en}}</ref> Some tools are for use by individuals, others by the therapist.

==== Tools used by massage therapists ====
[[File:Bambusova masaz lytka.JPG|thumb|Calf massage with a bamboo massage tool.]]Instrument-assisted soft-tissue massage can deploy stainless-steel devices to manipulate tissue in a way that augments hands-on work.

A body rock is a serpentine-shaped tool, usually carved out of stone. It is used to amplify the therapist' strength and focus pressure on certain areas. It can be used directly on the skin with a lubricant such as oil or [[corn starch]] or directly over clothing.

[[Bamboo massage|Bamboo]] and [[rosewood]] tools are also commonly used. They originate from practices in southeast Asia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Burma. Some of them may be heated, oiled, or wrapped in cloth.

Cupping massage is often carried out using plastic cups and a manual hand-pump to create the vacuum. The vacuum draws the soft tissue perpendicular to the skin, providing a tensile force, which can be left in one site or moved along the tissue during the massage.

==== Tools used by both individuals and massagers ====
Hand-held battery-operated massaging and vibrating instruments are available, including devices for massaging the scalp following a [[haircut]].

Vibrating massage pads come in a range of sizes, some with the option of heating.

Vibrating [[massage chair]]s can provide an alternative for therapy at home.

There is a widespread market in [[erotic massage]] instruments, including electric [[dildos]] and [[Vibrator (sex toy)|vibrators]] such as the [[massage wand]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trout |first=Christopher |date=28 August 2014 |title=The 46-year-old sex toy Hitachi won't talk about |work=[[Engadget]] |url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/08/27/history-of-the-hitachi-magic-wand/ |access-date=30 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140827183517/http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/27/history-of-the-hitachi-magic-wand/ |archive-date=27 August 2014}}</ref>