Lead time reduction with Lean/JIT practices through supply chain intigration Research Proposal

Lead time reduction with Lean/JIT practices through supply chain intigration Research Proposal
using lean and JIT practices

RESEARCH PAPER ON AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

Introduction

 

The agriculture industry evolved during the 20th century as one of the important and stable industries the society and the people has ever need most in the involvement of industry management in the workforce as certain changes in the context is relevant for a better establishment of management theories and practices within the organizational understanding, people management, complexity and the use of scientific theory in management. Moreover, the evolution of management in dealing to the agriculture industry in its respected changes is a critical indication that the industry is adapting to certain innovative aspects of change in lieu to its management development and other focal points needed for the realization of explanation and discussions of relevant information data to be used for the completion of this research presentation.

 

Discussions

Generally, agriculture industry is unique in terms of its economies as the farm sectors comprise highly competitive businessmen, producing a relatively homogeneous commodity in a market with conscious consumers. In other words, agriculture would appear to be the ideal industry evolved from the twentieth century in which to realize steady competitive market to the benefit of both producers and consumers. The demand for food in developed countries is more static, unlike demand for motor cars, consumption of food does not increase if its price falls as productivity and production increases.

 

Thus, agricultural production is determined to a great extent by climatic factors of support and expense to the agriculture industry. Recently, there is no longer a great need for such countries to protect their agriculture industry in order to secure food supplies because agricultural technology has ensured that farming has become a business of people that can produce food supply along with the spread of new technology (Hunt, 1991; Zaccaro, 1996).

Organizational Understanding

 

The concept understanding organization involves the key issue within management and organization studies as it provides a useful and comprehensive guide to understanding agriculture industries from a range of contexts and business sectors as well as the exploration of perspectives and the expansion of the management process and change and providing a new framework for industry research and development assumptions drawing upon the range of relevant theories within the industry. (Ashkanasy, Hartel, & Zerbe, 2000; Lewis & Haviland-Jones, 2000) Thus, organizational understanding provides great breadth within its process approach covering a wide spectrum of management and organization while developing theoretical approach to the culture of organization. The recognition of the relevance of certain advances for understanding industries in the workplace within the issues (Fisher and Ashkanasy, 2000; Weiss, 2001)

  

People Management

Managing people can be considered as the most crucial part in the agriculture industry as it involves a greater emphasis on the attitude of people in dealing to their performance and effectiveness in determining complex roles in various industry situations along with the status of good values and character. (Mannix and Peterson, 2003) In people management, enough process of communication is a requirement in developing camaraderie within individual workers and team composition. (Mannix and Peterson, 2003)

Since in the agriculture industry, the presence of people are an important factor mostly in various scientific processes so, proper handling and management of people is totally needed to achieve goals and objectives of the industry to be able to increase and maintain such growth and stability. (Mannix and Peterson, 2003) Thus, performance demands on how people are managed within change across organizations and changes in the critical competencies for management development programs including a better understanding of such efforts from the integrated management how dramatically the industry culture has changed in the past years. These changes have a significant impact on organizational efforts in order for the agriculture industries to be successful. (Mannix and Peterson, 2003).

Complexity

The complexity theory helps agriculture industry as it informs the people involved on how to think regarding its evolutionary processes along with implications for understanding organization industries and for directing where and how the inquiries should take place by means of active research on organizations, management, strategy, reintegrating strategy and organization theory to a simple discipline to a different kind of discipline. (Lissack, 2002) Henceforth, management involves strategy in dealing with people and people are much more difficult to understand and deal with than of the machines though few management theories attempt to model people simply as machines. . (Lissack, 2002)

Moreover, complexity is to be understood as complexity must be accepted within the environment in which the agriculture industry finds security in the business. It is not necessary to introduce applied complexity to the business world. Science says that complexity cannot be controlled in the way people would like, but it can be influenced. . (Lissack, 2002) Thus, complexity builds on the industries and incorporates aspects in specific ways. The management guided by complexity research is not merely sitting back and waiting for good things to emerge as it will not work. (Lissack, 2002) There needs to supply a structure within which creativity can develop around the industry people.

Scientific Theory in Management

 

Management is perhaps the youngest science between managers and workers as neutralized by systematic study of both the work involved and the management required. (Taylor, 1947) The role of management must be and direct the agriculture laborers and establish an appropriate industry scheme which promoted the idea that scientific theory in management could be analyzed from a theoretical standpoint as it continues to be an influential framework as well as to create a new body of scientific knowledge to be of relevant use by agriculture business. (Taylor, 1947)

There is still principle which underlies management theory as the best idea that it is both possible and worthwhile to codify theory of management into a series of agriculture industry rules to include activities which feed off management theory in the process of its development outlook per se. There have been assumptions behind management action in business, as it can have an impact the criticism which emphasizes scientific management development to a narrow process that has better connection with what effective managers actually do in considerably complex in development and practice which underlie changes in the management theory from describing a situation to formulating a scientific understanding of it. (Taylor, 1947).

 

What most industry mangers think of as scientific management is based on a conception of science that few current scientists would defend with the volatility of the business environment, scientists have also become preoccupied with the inherent of nature and with the dynamics of unstable systems in the natural world with ample opportunity for fruitful dialogue between the world of management and the world of science and that the theory in management has opted for industry strategy and has outsourced research and development function. Thus, seldom theory is applied in management development because industry gives much wait to certain applications for the desired outcome. Theory can help the industry people learn what can be generalized from one unique experience and applied in such situation and be able to select and adapt from past learning to meet current needs and conditions. (The Taylor Society, 1972)

 

Furthermore, management development is a combination of theory and practice as well as the learning theory as it tends to simplify complex relationships by removing from consideration variables thought to be of lesser concern to permit focusing on the variables of greater interest. (The Taylor Society, 1972) However, management development seeks to integrate the flow from useful industry sources as well as utilizes management theory in order to determine program content needed by industry managers in specific situations. It integrates the content with the most effective development approaches to motivate and help people acquire and utilize the competencies effective in the workforce. (The Taylor Society, 1972)

 

Changes in the Industry in terms of its Evolution in Management

Management development is necessary because the agriculture industry may have a wealth of practical managerial experience along with the changes in the agriculture industry in understanding such behavior and scientific management of its essential per se. Moreover, given the rapid changes in the business society and technology, management development needs to be a lifelong process. (Alvesson, 2000) This is important in order to prevent the individual and the industry from becoming obsolete in integrating its management approaches to the business. (Alvesson, 2000)

Henceforth, to the general belief that management development is a vital necessity for participating into programs because the nature of managerial behavior constantly changes as the result of research findings and the development of an impressive array of management techniques and approaches in special management development programs. (Capra, 1991) The development of effective concepts to the increasing use of management development programs throughout the different career and organizational levels. Furthermore, modern management development changes the agriculture industry with the integration of theory, knowledge and business experience and attempts to provide solutions to meet such industry needs. (Haas, 1990) Thus, management development is an effort to develop and improve industry competencies with impact on attitudes and change behavior of what is expected in the future and the needed to carry out industry tasks no matter how the managerial role changes over time.

Discuss the development of scientific management

 

Modern scientific management is fully planned out by the management in most cases describing in detail the task as well as the means used in doing the work. The task specifies not only what is to be done but how it is to be done and the exact time allowed for doing it so that both good and careful work are called for in their performance, but it should be distinctly understood that in no case is called upon to work at a pace. (The Taylor Society, 1972)

 

Thus, in order to prove that the best management is a true science, resting upon clearly defined rules and principles and to show that the fundamental principles of scientific management are applicable to certain human activities from simplest individual acts to the work of established industries for the most elaborate cooperation as well as to convince the society that whenever the management principles are applied then results must follow which are truly astounding. (The Taylor Society, 1972)

 

Evaluate early attempts to develop business efficiency

There was an early attempt to develop agriculture industry efficiency which was truly far-reaching. It can help business countries to improve their resource productivity, encourage them to reach their full potential without depleting their material resource heritage and provide industry sectors with the essentials to develop innovative ways that energize and enable society to become sustainable. (Pascale, 1990) The important point is that the paradigm is different as business efficiency can be measured while controlling for the influence of management process and development within the organization context of product quality measurement. (Quinn and Cameron, 1983) Instead, the focus was set on recent developments those dealing with the measurement of total factor productivity and the relationship between industry management and its efficiency with the emphasis on its consideration of the process. Thus,  such changes in business efficiency is understood to be the change in how far an observation is from the frontier of technology and the latter is understood to be shifts in the production frontier as well as technical change  and change in efficiency. (Quinn and Cameron, 1983)

 

Describe the development of Human Resource Management

 

One factor that seems to be receiving more attention is the people who work for agriculture industries that are realizing the likelihood of sustained success on learning to get the maximum out of their employees as it had a significant impact on the practice of human resources management (HRM). (Williams and Huber, 1986) Thus, industries entering the business environment today require both an understanding of the importance of human resources and effective HRM to industry success. In the process of HRM, there is an increasing emphasis on the personal needs of the industry and its members. How effectively employees contribute to organization goals depend to a larger extent upon the ability of its HRM staff. (Zukav, 1992) Moreover, human resources management efforts are planned, systematic approaches to increasing business success and aimed at developing HRM strategies for the total structure with an eye toward clarifying an industry’s current and potential problems and developing solutions for them. Human resources management then emphasizes that HRM planning needs to be closely related to the agriculture industry’s basic goals and plans. (Zukav, 1992)

  

Discuss the development of organizational theory

An organizational theory involves a useful invention but it is a figment of the imagination representing a partial explanation. It should be used cautiously beyond being explanatory; organization theory should have plausibility and a reasonable degree of testability of usefulness to obtain agreement on criteria for demonstration of usefulness. (Campbell, 2000) However, there is no guide to moving from general models to specific application of transferring learning from one experience to another. This, there is a considerable emphasis, on the development of organizational theory as well as the management theory on the importance of recognizing pattern of the industry to work activities and the roles at work. (Delery and Shaw, 2001) However, no useful organization theory can be derived from an assumption of uniqueness and situation must be taken into account to maximize management and development in agriculture industries learning within the framework of general theory as presented respectively. (Delery and Shaw, 2001) 

Evaluate the Hawthorne Studies

The Hawthorne Studies (1924-32) are one of the most important contributors to the human relations movement within organizational behavior.  The studies were undertaken at the Western Electric Company's Hawthorne Works in Cicerno, Illinois, USA.  (Mayo, 1949) The studies were originally started in 1924 by Western Electric industrial engineers who examined the effect of various lighting intensities on worker productivity. It was concluded that illumination intensity was not directly related to group activity, in fact, the engineers were quite mystified as to what had caused the increase in productivity in both groups being used in the experiment. (Berkeley, 2004) Proponents of the Hawthorne effect say that people who are singled out for a study of any kind may improve their behavior not because of any specific condition being tested, but because of the attention they receive. As the recent attempts to re-evaluate the Hawthorne experiment demonstrate, the studies continue to serve as a kind of Rorschach test for managers and industrial psychologists, enabling them to find evidence to support many different and often conflicting theories of how to motivate the modern industrial worker. (Berkeley, 2004) The Hawthorne Studies enjoy primacy in such matters because the topic is covered in textbooks and authors often add interpretive commentary about the complex causes of behavior and appropriate experimental design and that Hawthorne become part of shared knowledge that is part of the unique professional culture. (Berkeley, 2004).

 

Describe the Evolution of people and organizational development

The ever expanding technology has irreversibly altered the world in ways which people still tying to understood as characterized by the proliferation of information within the basic assumptions regarding society and organizations. More correctly, the Hawthorne effect is an example of the observer participating is the construction of reality. The act of observing by itself is sufficient to change reality. (Delery and Shaw, 2001) The implication for managers of organizations is that focused attention can initiate change. In any stable organization, the resonant frequency of the individuals must be similar. When theorists speak of a vision, they often refer to a statement of purpose handed down by the high level management. (Delery and Shaw, 2001) It should be no surprise that individuals often fail to resonate with a vision, since resonance only occurs when the vision is sufficiently close to one shared by the individuals. The goal of management is not to develop a vision, but rather, to find a common vision that will create resonance in individuals. The task of management is to discover the similarities in order to find a vision that is shared by the individuals in the organization. (Delery and Shaw, 2001)

 

Conclusion

 

Therefore, the agriculture industry grows its management development and complexity can be apparent that such support of practice in groups has engage in sharing and learning through management development in terms of improving ways of understanding organizational performance and the whole management process and context in the industry as well as creating value between its learning outcomes and the underlying industry mechanisms as an engine for the scientific theory in management and development that will positively influence industry and business performance in the agriculture language and context that can be shared by the society and the acknowledgement of business practice through changes in  management

 

 

Knowledge Acquisition

Knowledge acquisition have been consistently been an essential element in the criminal justice field. Knowledge could be obtained through personal experiences, tradition, authority, and intuition. In the context of personal experiences, ancient philosophical theories from Immanuel Kant has established that experience makes certain realities possible and thus these realities turn to create experience. (Baldacchino 2002, 25) As noted by Augustine, he indicated that personal experience could be shared through literature like diaries and autobiographies. (McPherson 2000, 170) Thus, experience is shared and at the same time knowledge is acquired. In the field of criminal justice, centuries of existence have created personal experiences in its maintenance and operations. The problem in this context is the need to access these personal experiences to acquire knowledge. On the other hand, knowledge acquisition on the context of tradition is normally based on culture and customs of a particular society. (Tonkinson 1997, 1) In the area of criminal justice, the use of tradition establishes the accepted courses of action and systems in the operation of its institutions. It thus builds on the scope and limitations of the criminal justice systems. The problem in this area is that the knowledge acquired based on tradition is not that stable and reliable given that there is a possibility that it could vary based on its geographical location. The context of knowledge acquisition in terms of authority indicates the need of an expert in the field. (Hoffman 1992, 110) In the case of criminal justice, institutions employ academics, theorists as well as those that have carried out long-standing and fruitful careers in the criminal justice system to establish the best practices in the field. It is a composite of knowledge acquisition initiatives such as personal experience and tradition. The problem of using authority in knowledge acquisition is that the data attained is based on the subjective perspective of the employed authority. In the same manner, there is the possibility that the knowledge may not fit the actual situations imminent in the individual criminal justice institutions. Lastly, the concept of intuition appears to be based primarily on the innate belief of a person on what is right and wrong.  (Kilpelainen 2000, 41) Thus, intuition holds true to knowledge that is classified as ethical or unethical. In the implementation of this knowledge acquisition in the criminal justice system, decision makers tend to tap all the other three methods, personal experience, tradition, and authority to gain fruitful outcomes.    

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has been tasked in managing the correctional facilities of the state. Its mission statement is “to provide public safety, promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime.” To determine the level at which the corrections are taking their mandate seriously, the succeeding discussions will be analyzing the said mission statement with reference to the principles and the code of ethics of the American Correctional Association (ACA). As stated in the website of the ACA, there are seven principles in on which every member should adhere to: humanity, opportunity, accountability, justice, knowledge, protection, and competence.

In looking at the mission statement of the TDCJ, it appears that development of the individual inmates and victims are ensured. This shows direct connection with the basic elements of indicated in the guiding principles of the ACA. However, there is a clear disparity in the context where the employees of the correctional facilities are regarded. There is no mention of any consideration of the principles with reference to the welfare of the employees.

On the other hand, with consideration of the seventeen articles of the code of ethics of the ACA, it appears that the TDCJ has focused its attention on the rehabilitation of the inmates to establish a much safer public. In the same regard, the mission statement fails to regard the employees of the correctional facilities as a part of the machinery that makes the system work. Moreover, the mission statement has also failed to recognize the possibility of abuse of power from these employees, from the correctional officer to the high ranking officials in the department. This means that they have disregarded the professional duties of those that have immense power over these intuitions. Though the mission statement appears to be rather general, it shows that it is still open to unethical acts coming from those that are deemed the authority in these facilities. Moreover, though the reformation and rehabilitation of the individual convict is imperative, the TDCJ should also take into consideration those who will deal directly with these individuals. In any case, it is apparent based on the mission statement of the TDCJ that it seeks to improve on the current standing of society one convict at a time.

 

References

American Correctional Association. Available in: http://www.aca.org [Accessed 10 January 2008]

Baldacchino, J. (2002) "Ethics and the Common Good: Abstract vs. Experiential." Humanitas. 15(2), 25.

Hoffman, R. (1992) The Psychology of Expertise: Cognitive Research and Empirical AI. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. 

Kilpelainen, T. (2000) "Knowledge Acquisition for Generalization Rules." Cartography and Geographic Information Science. 27(1), 41.

McPherson, C. (2000) "Augustine Our Contemporary." Cross Currents. Spring-Summer 2000. 170.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Available in: http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/ [Accessed 10 January 2008]

Tonkinson, R. (1997) "Anthropology and Aboriginal Tradition: The Hindmarsh Island Bridge Affair and the Politics of Interpretation." Oceania. 68(1), 1. 

PLANNING AN ICT ACTIVITY

PLANNING AN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ACTIVITY

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

     

            The contemporary world is considered to be a global community wherein people are bound by modernization, technology, global markets and global lifestyles. Today, human relations, communication and information transfer can occur in a matter of seconds and in immense proportions through the click of a mouse in the computer and with a matter of Internet connection. The World Wide Web has become the venue of numerous interpersonal relations and a source of extensive amount of information from all parts of the globe. Consequently, computers, laptops, cell phones and other digital gadgets have become the primary means of communication between people from any location in the world.            

           

            The modern world relies heavily on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for storage, manipulation, retrieval and transfer of information and knowledge. Hence, ICT is increasingly used in various aspects of social living – in politics, government, research, medicine, law, public service and in education. The use of ICT in the academe has gained prominence over the years as students become exposed to technology through different ICT-related lessons and classroom activities that help them become more adept with digital trends and more prepared with adult living in the modern world.

 

A PLAN FOR AN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITY IN TEACHING PRIMARY SCHOOL MODERN LANGUAGES SUBJECT

 

           

            The Information and Communication Technology Activity is to be conducted in a Modern Languages class for a group of twenty-three P6 students. The title of the ICT activity is “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” which is centered on educating children about the safety of the Internet. The topic of the activity is deemed relevant as many students today resort to the Internet for leisure, entertainment and research.  and  (2000) reported that primary school students today are increasingly attracted to exploit the Internet as a resource of a wide array of information for academic purposes. The World Wide Web offers contents and search engines that are specifically tailored to suit children’s needs such as the Yahooligans! and Ask Jeeves for Kids websites. The Internet and information and communication technology in general, extend the children’s experiences with concepts, ideas and texts beyond the boundaries of the printed media. It provides them broad access to electronic sources of knowledge and information which may include CD-ROMs and websites. The children can also obtain electronic information and convert them into personal presentations through word processing and other software ( 2007). However, there is a growing concern for government officials, educators, and public authorities on the dangers that the Internet can render to children. Most Internet contents are heterogeneous and do not have ethical or governmental guidelines. There is difficulty in distinguishing between credible online contents and sources and those that are detrimental (‘’ 2006, ). While the Internet gives children extensive opportunities for learning and socialization because of its various contents, it also has the potential to open the eyes of the children to pornography, violence, predators, commercialism and hate sites (‘’ 2005, ).

 

            In light of the abovementioned facts, the Internet, which is one component of information and communication technology, provides both benefits and risks to young users. Thus, it is rational to conclude that teaching children about internet safety can enhance their knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of the Internet, and guide their future online experiences. In response to this notion, the activity entitled “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” would use ICT in explaining to children the rules on internet safety. Using ICT would provide the children with interesting activities that would encourage participation and motivation as compared to the traditional method of lecture discussions on Internet safety which children may find dull and boring. The “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” activity will utilize two components of information and communication technology – the Internet and a computer. The activity will require two children websites namely  and  for the children to analyze and then the preparation of a PowerPoint presentation about what they learned from the activity. The sole material needed for the activity is a set of computers with internet connection and PowerPoint software. The objectives of the activity revolve around three types of skills namely ICT skills; cognitive skills of reading, language, creativity and observation; and interpersonal skills. First, the activity aims to provide students with online opportunities that would teach them personal safety in using the Internet. The children would navigate the two websites and freely obtain information from the contents. The websites contain games, activities and kiddie information regarding Internet threats and how to deal with them. Through the freedom given to the students to explore the websites, they would learn Internet safety on their own pace. They can also practice their computer navigation and operation skills such as dragging, clicking, searching, pasting, creating animations and so on. Second, the children would be assisted in improving their observational, creative, reading and language skills. They would be required to read the information presented in the websites, analyze what the pictures and games portray, explain the topic of Internet safety in their own words, and prepare a PowerPoint presentation about their general learning on the activity. Finally, the activity aspires to develop the collaborative ability of the students as they would be required to work in teams ( 2006).

 

            The “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” activity is facilitated into three phases: the orientation, actual activity, and preparation of PowerPoint presentation. The teacher would start the activity with an orientation. The orientation phase would require the teacher to introduce the theme of the activity which is Internet safety ( 2006). The introductory part can include basic discussions such as the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act or COPPA which obliges websites to present their policies on user privacy within the website; obtain parental consent before asking for a child’s personal details like name, phone number, address and social security number; and outlaws any effort to require more personal information than what is appropriate in order for a child to play online games or join in interactive activities ( 2005).  The purpose of the orientation phase is to put the topic of Internet safety into context and to make the students understand that the Internet can pose certain types of risks to any user – adult and young children alike. The second phase is the actual activity. The children would be divided into groups of three and would be assigned with one computer for each member of the team. It is important that the members of each team sit next to each other for the discussion. The teacher would then instruct the students to go to the  website first to play the animation. The animation portrays five characters each representing a possible Internet environment threat. The teacher would advise the students to pay attention and listen attentively to what the characters are saying and discuss within their team on ways to deal with the threats communicated by the characters. Afterwards, the students are instructed to visit the Walt Disney online website and watch the same animation. The teacher should advise the students to constantly discuss within themselves on what the animation wishes to convey and what they can do in the situation.  When the children are done watching the animations in the websites, they would be instructed to play the game called “Which Wiggly Wig is Which?” at the  website which is about one character that describes certain types of threatening situations on the Internet, poses questions as to the causes of these situations, and asks the children to point to the character causing the situation. The game would gauge the children’s understanding of the topic. It is important that the teacher consistently encourages teamwork and collective problem-solving throughout the activity. The last phase of the activity would require the children to conceptualize their PowerPoint presentation relative to contents and general learning of their group. They can also be encouraged to search the web for pictures to incorporate in their slides and make the presentation more engaging for the children. The teacher should advise the students to divide the work on the presentation. Someone can work on the contents while others can handle the pictures. After the presentations are done, each of the team is required to orally present to the class what their group has accomplished ( 2006).

 

            The entire activity is successful for four reasons: it imparts to children the possible risks that they can come face to face with on their online activities, provides them with the opportunity to navigate the Internet and PowerPoint application while having fun at the same time, gives them the chance to use their ICT skills and learning through a personalized presentation, and enhances their ability to cooperate and relate with others. One student said that she enjoyed the games because they encouraged her to think. Another expressed that he is now more aware of Internet dangers and threats and has come to realize that an innocent keying of search words on websites can lead him to diverse amount and quality of information that can impact his life one way or another. According to  and  (2000) the World Wide Web operating over the Internet is probably the most rapidly growing information service in human history. It has the capability to reach a very significant proportion of the world's population across various locations in the globe with its extensive and convenient contents and as it merges with television and telephones. While the Internet carries a massive impact on existing representations and transfer of information, it also encourages heterogeneity of users. Anyone can virtually access the Internet; professionals, adults, teenagers, young children and so on. As long as someone has the knowledge in turning the computer on and typing in the keyboard, every possible information regarding the entire world is available to him. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of the Internet encourages anonymity. Pedophiles, criminals, aggressive marketers and other influential elements in society can connect online and talk with people without revealing their real identities or any concealed interest. Thus, Internet safety is a crucial focus of many societal debates. The major emphasis is on the children as they are considered more vulnerable to online threats with their limited ability to distinguish less credible online contents and even online abuse (). The “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” activity somehow augments the government’s efforts to spare the younger generation from the dangers of the World Wide Web. The two websites used in the activity opened the eyes of the students on the various risks of the Internet in a non-threatening way as they are represented by games and fun activities. The activity also tested the student’s ability to use their skills in computers, online searching and interactive games. Most of the students are adept at computer applications such as MS Word, Ms PowerPoint and the Internet as most of them have their own computers and Internet connection at home. The activity provides a venue for the students to practice any skills that they have regarding analyzing online information, obtaining information from websites and using this information as basis for personal learning. Some of the students even manipulated the PowerPoint presentation by using audio files and animated pictures. The performance of the students runs parallel to what the  (2005) reveals that ICT increases the quality and range of students’ work output in school. Primary students who are exposed to information and communication technology in the classroom are more creative and able in utilizing information and ideas derived from Internet searches such as pictures and sounds. There are many students who can present their output in any classroom activity or assignment using a broader range of digital applications such as multimedia presentations, digital videos and animations, and sometimes all these elements combined. The continuous adoption of an ICT-inspired curriculum also enhances the student’s imaginative mind. Most primary school students have gained deeper understanding and willingness to assimilate online information into their academic outputs by representing the information in their own words. This is primarily due to the richness and accessibility of Internet contents that make children focus more on learning as sources are available at hand. Furthermore, most students use digital still and video cameras to communicate their ideas, intensify the impact and extent of academic work and performance, and gain insights into the power of technological applications. Finally, the activity strengthens the capacity of the students to relate well and communicate with others. They are required to work in a team of three and although they all have their own computer to work on, the activity requires them to discuss their ideas relative to the message of the games; the possible ways to answer the queries and challenges posed by the games; the coherence, theme and contents of their presentation, and the division of labor in preparing the presentation. The team approach enables the students to share ideas, collectively formulate solutions and generate one cohesive response to the situation asked by the activity due to the pooling of effort and intellect of the individual members. They can utilize these skills in further learning and in their adult lives.  and  (2000) claims that information and communication technology promotes independence as well as cooperation as children learn to create from their own perspectives and ideas or through interaction with other children whether online or face to face. They further explained that teamwork and division of labour entail interaction in order for the individuals to understand the fact that different tasks and accomplishments are parts of a whole wherein each individual has some degree of contribution. Wholeness in the human social realm has its essence in interaction and the ability to participate in interactions connotes productive and meaningful social existence (). Generally, the activity focuses on enriching the practical and theoretical learning aspects of children as it teaches them the dangers of the Internet using online games and computer software. The children in the class all disclosed that they are frequent Internet users and they are not really aware that the Internet hosts some detrimental elements that can cause them trouble. The activity is therefore helpful in explaining to them the potential of abuse, commercialism, violence and anti-social behaviors that they can learn from the Internet. This enlightenment can help them in their future online activities by giving the necessary guidelines in healthy internet experience even without adult or parental oversight and intervention. Since most of the children are skilled in handling computer applications, their ICT skills can be further enhanced by continuously exposing them to online activities, children website analysis and presentations using different forms of digital operations.

 

            The ICT activity is also contributory to the enhancement of the Modern Languages program in primary schools. Modern Languages is a very important aspect of British curriculum which is concerned with teaching students literacy in other languages. Survey statistics show that two in three British people or about 62 percent are not capable of speaking and understanding a language other than their mother tongue which is English. This is critical compared to the 44 percent of other European Union citizens who cannot speak other languages and one percent in Luxembourg. The abovementioned statistics has gained United Kingdom a reputation for being the most language-ignorant in the world. Some students expressed that boring lessons and rigid standards are the primary reasons for their lack of interest in learning foreign languages. The British government is concerned with this problem and has consistently promoted a national strategy on the advantages of learning foreign languages. Thus, schools throughout the United Kingdom are encourage to incorporate a Modern Languages program in their curriculum and to utilize the best means of making learning engaging and encouraging ( 2006). According to the  (2007) information and communication technology is increasingly used in teaching Modern Languages courses. Teaching this course in primary schools makes use of foreign websites to expose the students to the different cultures and languages of the world. Many activities in this course are centered on teaching foreign language through online shopping at foreign websites, teaching the currencies of other nations and orienting the students on the culture and history of other nations. Furthermore, the Internet is a very useful communication tool. It enables people from various locations in the world to interact with each other, share ideas, transfer knowledge and communicate experiences through email, chat, discussion groups, online communities, online partnerships and blog sites. The significance of the Internet in teaching languages is immeasurable due to the vast opportunity that it provides for learning languages through meaningful communication with other races, ethnicities and citizens of the world. The Internet is a convenient way to relate personal and national history, global trends and global lifestyles ( 2007). The “Feeling Yes, Feeling No” activity does not utilize any foreign websites with contents written in foreign languages to teach the students modern languages. It does not directly tackle the language literacy of the students who participated in the activity. Its approach is more on educating them on the extensive possibilities that the Internet can make available for them. All the students in the class are email users and chatters in some way. Through their learning from the two websites their awareness on internet safety is enhanced and therefore can make them more responsible email users and chatters. They would now be able to distinguish a threat in every Internet experience that they encounter. They can be instrumental in sharing this knowledge to others through blogs, chatrooms and interactive discussions. Since blogs, chatrooms and online discussions are virtually accessible to anyone; the ideas shared by the students can spread to other parts of the globe and can help other children. The essence of the activity is to enrich the students’ knowledge on the benefits and threats of the Internet as one of the most prevalent communication and social relations medium of the modern world.

 

REFERENCES

A PROPOSED MODULE ON TRADITIONAL FILIPINO MASSAGE THERAPY (HILOT)

A PROPOSED MODULE ON TRADITIONAL

FILIPINO MASSAGE THERAPY (HILOT)

 

 

 

 

A Thesis Presented to the

Faculty of the Graduate School

 

 

 

 

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Arts in Education

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Title Page …………………………………………………………………….. i

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………….. ii

Chapter

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction………………………………………………………. 1

Background of the Study……………………………………….. 2

Statement of the Problem……………………………………… 4

Significance of the Study………………………………………. 5

Assumptions……………………………………………………. 6

Scope and Limitations of the Study…..……………………… 6

Definition of Terms……………………………………………... 7

Conceptual Framework……………………………………….. 9

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Foreign Literature……………………………………………… 11

Local Literature………………………………………………… 25

Foreign Studies………………………………………………… 28

Local Studies…………………………………………………… 30

 

Methods of Research

Research Design………………………………………………. 32

Setting of the Study……………………………………………. 32

Subjects of the Study………………………………………….. 32

Research Tools………………………………………………… 33

Data Gathering and Analysis…………………………………. 35

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

 

 

Massage has been celebrated in the writings of poets, philosophers, historians, and physicians from ancient to modern times. From its beginnings, massage has been waxed and waned as a respected form of health promotion and healing. The philosophy, technical practice, and goals of massage have evolved through the millennia and continue to change today. There is considerable debate as to the etymology of the word massage. Most likely it is from the Arabic massa, to touch; the Greek, massein, to knead; in India, champua, to knead also and where the word "shampoo" came from; or possibly the Sanskrit mach, to strike, press or condense.

In other countries, the underlying philosophies and strategies of touch therapy as one of the stress reduction programs have modified very little with the passage of time. In an age of high technology in medicine and indeed all aspects of modern life, soft tissue massage continues to be an instrument as a chord attached to this indigenous healing and medical practices of our origins. The increasing movement toward a more holistic move to the management of disease and to contribute to the prosperity of wellness will ensure a place for this ancient art in the present millennia and beyond.

Today, here in Metro Manila, many types of spas have sprouted in hotels, resorts, so-called day spas and wellness centers. One of their more popular services is the massage, specifically Thai massage, traditional European massage, Indonesian massage and others, which often originate from these places. However, the researcher has noticed that there has not been one spa here in the Philippines that offer massage of truly Filipino origin, whereas it should have been one of the services that these different spas should be offering.

Among the government agencies which have pushed for the development of an indigenous type of massage is the Department of Tourism (DOT), in line with their health tourism program. The DOT has noticed the increasing popularity of spa tourism and connected it with the abundance of the required natural resources for its development, e.g. thermal springs, tropical climate, and rich natural environment, making the Philippines and ideal spa destination.

Lately, the DOT has endorsed the researcher to be one of the chief proponents in studying and researching on developing proposed modules on traditional Filipino massage therapy. This is in line with the DOT’s development and promotion of Health Tourism and most importantly, aim to integrate and promote traditional Filipino healing practices.

Background of the Study

This researcher has been a long-time practitioner of the art of soft tissue massage, which is one of the modalities that is available in many of today’s spas. He has been teaching massage to a number of establishments in Metro Manila and has students in many parts of the country. Among his students are a number of practicing "hilots" who take their courses in massage to upgrade their skills and to acquire more respectability. These "hilots" have procedures and have practiced their rituals on their "patients", and their massage therapy has been perceived as effective, are less expensive and in a way, depict what traditional Filipino massage therapy really is.

This researcher has noted with great interest the methods and procedures of the hilots" and the great number of patients who patiently form long line to avail of the hilot’s services. This more or less inspired him to make a study especially to respond to the thesis recommendation of Ma. Rebecca V. Maraña who recommended that "the hilot must be trained to a more scientific approach without modifying the traditional Filipino massage technique. It is the researcher’s hope that through this study, this indigenous healer will gain greater knowledge, better techniques, more respectability and perhaps, elevate him to the status on par with the professional masseur doing traditional European massage, traditional Thai massage and many other traditional foreign massage techniques.

This researcher became aware of the DOT’s Health Tourism Program which one of the components is the development of a type of massage that characterizes in our very own culture particularly the techniques as practiced by the "hilot" and to give such method international recognition and foster competitiveness of the "hilots" globally.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to produce modules for the instruction of students studying massage, particularly in the traditional Filipino massage called "hilot". Specifically, this study will answer the following questions:

What is the profile of the Filipino "hilot" in terms of:

a. age,

b. gender,

religion,

civil status,

number of years of experience as hilot, and

source of knowledge?

What are the common reasons why Filipinos go to the "hilot"?

What are the "hilots" concepts of how their massage therapy works?

What aspects of the "hilots" procedure need to be corrected, improved or removed?

How can the existing "hilots" massage be professionalized and improved in terms of being:

scientific;

effective; and

authentic?

What modules can be formulated to make traditional Filipino massage truly scientific, effective and authentic, which can be included in the training of the "hilots" and the students of massage?

Significance of the Study

This researcher is of the firm belief that Filipino massage deserves to be placed on par with the other massage techniques coming from foreign countries. Thus, this study will be of great significance, first, to the Department of Tourism which may use the information from this study to promote the "hilot" as a worthy alternative to the different types of foreign massage. It can help boost its health tourism program and promote Filipino "hilots" to tourists.

Moreover, the "hilots" may be better informed about their craft in terms its being scientific, effective and authentic. This will make their craft more professional and more accessible to their clients.

This study will also make the Filipino people more aware that the "hilot" is a worthy alternative to the more expensive therapies being marketed in the country today. It will give them a better appreciation of this traditional massage therapy and how it can relieve them of their body’s tension.

Furthermore, this study will benefit future researches on the "hilot" as it provides a description of how to do proper traditional Filipino massage.

Assumptions

This study is based on the basic assumption that the "hilot" possesses skills that may prevent illness by using their skills in releasing blockages and stimulating the immune system by boosting an individual’s healing capacity as evidenced by the readiness of rural folks and even Filipino people in the city go to the "hilot" for the treatment of sprains/strains (pilay) and other body pains. Because the "hilot" is usually a person from the lower class and living in the rural areas, this study also assumes that he/she does not possess adequate knowledge of his craft and works by instinct or experience rather than by scientific methods.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study will develop modules that will instruct students of massage and "hilots" on traditional Filipino massage therapy. It will provide a demographic profile of today’s "hilot". Moreover, it will describe how the existing "hilot’s" massage be professionalized and improved in terms of it being scientific, effective and authentic.

This researcher will source out and interview "hilots" from different parts of the country and ask them to describe their methods. This researcher will also ask their patients on the effectivity of the method.

This study will only be limited to the description of the effectivity, authenticity and scientific nature of the traditional Filipino massage therapy.

Definition of Terms

For the purposes of this study, the following terms have been defined operationally:

Authentic. Retaining the true Filipino nature of the Filipino traditional massage therapy.

Day Spa. A spa offering a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-to-day basis.

Destination Spa. A spa which has for its sole purpose to provide clients with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, education programming and on-site accommodations where spa cuisine or healthy food is offered.

Effective. The therapeutic cure provided by traditional Filipino massage therapy as perceived by the patients featured in this study.

Hilot. The Filipino term for massage therapist-cum-healer-therapist who uses traditional Filipino massage therapy in relieving different types of body-related aches and pains.

Massage. Manual soft tissue manipulation which includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body for remedial or restorative purposes (Reyes and Luna-Reyes, 1994).

Massage Modality. Alternative health care modality or variety such as reflexology, acupressure or Japanese shiatsu, Swedish massage and other similar methods.

Massage therapist. A trained person or practitioner who has passed the massage therapist examination and qualified to apply manual massage techniques or manual soft tissue manipulation, which includes holding, causing movement or applying pressure to the body.

Massage therapy. A profession in which the practitioner applies manual techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting the health and well-being of the client. (American Massage Therapy Association)

Module. A compilation and guide for the proper procedures in practicing traditional Filipino massage therapy based on true experiences of the "hilots"

Professionalized. Making Filipino traditional massage therapy more scientific in approach to improve its efficacy but still retaining its authenticity.

Resort or Hotel Spa. A spa owned by and located within a resort or hotel providing professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components.

Scientific. Traditional Filipino massage therapy that follows the proper guidelines according to studies done in anatomy and physiology.

Spa. A facility which exudes a tranquil environment, offering various amenities and services intended to relieve stress, pamper the body and make one feel relaxed and rejuvenated to promote a healthier way of life.

Traditional Filipino Massage Therapy. The term referring to the procedure done by the "hilots" in providing body relief to their patients.

Conceptual Framework

This research will describe the "hilot" in terms of age, gender, civil status, number of years as "hilot" and source of knowledge. It will then seek the sources of the hilot’s knowledge, how he examines his patients before he starts the treatment, find out whether or not he knows why people go to him for treatment, and length of time of the treatment. It also seeks to describe the "hilot’s" procedure from preparation to ending.

The effectivity of the hilot’s treatment will also be described by the patients themselves. Then, the researcher will identify the aspects of the hilot’s procedures that are sound, those that are defective and therefore, needs to be corrected, improved or removed.

Input Throughput Output

 

 

From the data gathered, the researcher will devise modules which will enhance, improve and elevate the "hilot" to the level of professional respectability to put them at par with the world’s recognized practitioners of alternative medicine. These modules will show if the Filipino traditional massage therapy is scientific, effective and authentic.

Table 1 shows the research paradigm of the conceptual framework.

 

 

 

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

 

This chapter presents a review of related literature and studies, both local and foreign, that are relevant to this study.

 

Foreign Literature

 

Rubbing is probably a universal instinct. Humans and mammals know it helps sore limbs and that touch is comforting. Massage therapy is a versatile craft which grew from this instinct. It may well be one of mankind’s earliest therapies.

The Association of Massage Therapists in Australia define massage as the systematic and scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. As both a healing art and a science it can benefit every body. Massage has been found to possess the richest and most ancient heritage of all the healing arts. From these origins, scientific evidence both supports and explains the beneficial effects of massage which has developed into a sophisticated and specialized tool in today's treatment of muscle, tendon, ligament and joint injuries.

History of Massage

Massage therapy is one of the oldest methods in the gallery of health care practices dating back up to 4,000 years. References to massage are found in Chinese medical texts 4,000 years old. Massage has been advocated in Western health care practices in an almost unbroken line since the time of Hippocrates, the "father of medicine." In the 4th century B.C., Hippocrates wrote, "The physician must be acquainted with many things and assuredly with rubbing" (the ancient Greek and Roman term for massage).

Some of the greatest physicians in history advocated massage, including (25 B.C.-50 A.D.), who wrote De Medicinia, an encyclopedia of Roman medical knowledge that dealt extensively with prevention and therapeutics using massage;  (131-200), the most influential physician in the ancient, medieval, and Renaissance worlds, who addressed techniques and indications for massage in his book De Sanitate Tuenda (which is translated as The Hygiene, meaning prevention); and  (980-1037), a Persian physician who wrote extensively about massage in his Canon of Medicine, which was considered the authoritative medical text in Europe for several centuries. A sampling of other noted advocates includes Ambrose ParJ, who wrote the first modern textbook of surgery; William Harvey, who demonstrated the circulation of the blood; and Herman Boerhaave, who introduced the clinical method of teaching medicine.

People in most ancient cultures practiced some form of therapeutic touch or massage. Evidence from many countries suggests that prehistoric people massaged their muscles and rubbed plants, herbs, oils, and various substances on their bodies to heal and protect. In many cultures, special healers were said to have powers of healing by touch.

Egypt had a well-developed social structure 5,500 years ago and people may have used massage then. Imhotep, the physician and architect recorded his knowledge of aromatic oils or unguents, made by mixing aromatic plants, resins and gums with oils or fats. Middle Kingdom Egyptians used bassi massage which induced trance.

Massage possibly came to India from China. Between 1,800-500 BCE, the Vedic people developed Ayurvedic medicine. The 2,500 year old Ayurveda describes body massage with oil.

Massage is recorded in China in 3,000 B.C.Ein The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine and Cong-Fou of the Tao-Tse. Amma was developed using pressure points. The first Chinese massage exam was in the 1st century CE at Schools of Occult Studies.

In the 6th century, Chinese techniques spread to Japan (via Korea), where Shiatsu developed. For years, blind people were the main masseurs. Thai massage is over 2,500 years old. (Today’s Chinese method is Tui-na.)Sensual massage is recorded: erotic sculptures at Khajuraho and Karma Sutra. Tantric massage is used with breathing and yoga.

In Tibet, medicine is a blend of traditional Indian and Chinese medicine and Bon (the indigenous culture’s medicine). Its practice has been endangered since the 1950’s with the Chinese communist invasion. Remnants survive in Mongolia and Russia. Tibetan remedial massage uses a herbal medicated oil or butter and is an important therapy for stress disorders

Traditional medicine of Thailand dates back some 2500 years. As with many indigenous peoples, the Thai people created their own blend of traditions and techniques, linking Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhist spiritual practice, Chinese medicine and Yoga, as well as indigenous healing practices of ancient Siam. They treated disease and disharmony of physical, emotional, and spiritual origins. Nuad Bo'Rarn is the traditional medical massage. In Kurdistan, Breema developed - similar to Thai Massage.

Assyria is an ancient country of Asia, noted for art and architecture. Assyrians developed massage treatments using garlic, tamarisk, hellebore, mandrake, cypress, resins and gums.

Greece used Egyptian massage knowledge. Receivers included athletes, women and soldiers. Writers on massage include Homer, Aesculapius, Herodotus and Hippocrates. In 326 BCE the Greeks learned Ayurvedic medicine from India.

Rome gained massage from Greece, and it spread through the ancient world. Romans liked bathing and full body massage. Roman massage writers include Asclepiades, Celsus and Galen. Receivers include Pliny and Julius Caesar, who was massaged to relieve epilepsy

By the end of the Roman empire, massage was associated with indulgence. Emperor Constantine abolished baths and gymnasia, suspecting sexual abuses. Massage study stopped in Europe, but many of Galen's books were translated in Persia by Hunayn ibn Ishaq in the 9th century. In medieval Islam, the medic/philosopher Ibn Sina, or Avicenna included massage in his treatments.

Islanders of the South Pacific have used massage in and out of water for hundreds of years. Lomilomi is an ancient Hawaiian healing massage. Each morning families would Lomi each other to start their day in Lokahi (balance) with mind, body and spirit. Knowledge of this art was held within the family, so distinct styles have developed across the major islands. Today, Hawaiian medical massage is known for its stress relieving power.

In the Philippines, traditional medicine includes the "albularyo" or herbalist, spiritual healer; "hilot" or traditional birth attendant, bone setters and massager.

In the Sandwich Islands, kings were massaged after meals to aid digestion.

People of the Peruvian Amazon use the oil of Andiroba for massages for muscle pain and for skin disorders. It is also used in urban Brazil as a massage oil, especially by martial arts practitioners and massage therapists.

Native Americans use heat and massage with herbs to treat various problems. The Cherokee, Penias and Navaho rubbed warriors before they went to war and when they returned. Massage eases labor pains, infant colic and many other ailments. The Acoma and Laguna massaged muscles with crushed plants for cramps, the Blackfoot used an infusion of roots to massage sore breasts with warm stones and the Forest Potawatomi infused roots with lard to massage sore muscles and tendons

From the mid 1800's, massage skills from Sweden, Germany and France were brought to the US. Therapists worked with European techniques at sanatoriums. Dr. Charles Fayette Taylor’s New York orthopedic practice specialized in Swedish massage.

In the early 20th century, massage was considered disreputable. Wilhelm Reich caused outrage by using it with psychotherapy. Diet, exercise and massage gave way to medical routine and drugs. In Britain, some massage was used for rehabilitation in Forces hospitals, and from 1945 in athletic clubs and YMCAs.

Massage therapy, as we know it today, grew from the 1960's, emerging as a profession in the 1970's and 80's from schools such as the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California.

The later 20th century has seen the creation of a range of massage techniques, including applications for personal growth, emotional release, and balance of mind-body-spirit, in addition to traditional Swedish massage. Many are American techniques from the late 1960s onward, though some appeared in the 1920s. As the health care system in the United States became more influenced by biomedicine and technology in the early 1900s, physicians began assigning massage duties (which were also labor-intensive, requiring more time to be spent with patients) to assistants, nurses, and physical therapists. In turn, in the 1930s and 1940s, nurses and physical therapists lost interest in massage therapy, virtually abandoning it. However, a small number of massage therapists carried on until the 1970s, when a new surge of interest in massage therapy revitalized the field, albeit in the realm of alternative health care. That interest has continued to the present (Harunobu, 1986).

 

 

Basic Approach

Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to normalize those tissues. It consists of a group of manual techniques that include applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, and/or causing movement of or to the body, using primarily the hands but sometimes other areas such as forearms, elbows, or feet. These techniques affect the musculoskeletal, circulatory-lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body. The basic philosophy of massage therapy encompasses the concept of vis medicatrix naturae -- that is, aiding the ability of the body to heal itself -- and is aimed at achieving or increasing health and well-being.

Touch is the fundamental medium of massage therapy. While massage methods can be described in terms of a series of techniques to be performed, it is important to understand that touch is not used solely in a mechanistic way in massage therapy; there is also an artistic component. Because massage usually involves applying touch with some degree of pressure, the massage therapist must use touch with sensitivity to determine the optimal amount of pressure appropriate for each person. Touch used with sensitivity also allows the massage therapist to receive useful information about the body, such as locating areas of muscle tension and other soft-tissue problems. Because touch is also a form of communication, sensitive touch can convey a sense of caring, which is an essential element in the therapeutic relationship, to the person receiving massage. Using the wrong kind of touch -- sometimes thought of as "toxic touch" -- is counterproductive, tending to render a technique ineffective and to cause the body to defend or guard itself, which in turn introduces greater tension (1986).

Methods

Some 80 different methods may be classified as massage therapy, and approximately 60 of them are less than 20 years old. There are several reasons why this is the case.

The period of the 1940s to the mid-1970s was relatively dormant for the massage therapy profession. Little standardization was established in the field. Then in the 1970s, stimulated by changes in society such as greater interest in fitness, healthier lifestyles, personal improvement, and alternative methods of health care to complement conventional medicine, interest in massage therapy increased. An influx of new practitioners brought with them a wave of new ideas and creativity regarding ways to use hands-on techniques. Since there was little standardization, these techniques sometimes developed into freestanding methods rather than being incorporated into an existing system of classification.

Another source of new techniques was the various forms of massage native to most cultures around the world but not previously described outside each culture. For example, many of the forms of massage that come from Asia are based on concepts of anatomy, physiology, and diagnosis that differ from Western concepts.

The proliferation of methods has slowed. It is expected, as has happened in the development of other professions, that as the development of standards and credentials continues, there will be some consolidation and integration of methods.

The forms of massage therapy described in this section are either among the most widely used or representative of a group of similar practices. Several forms that include additional techniques besides massage are listed briefly here and discussed in more detail in the following sections. In actual practice, many massage therapists use more than one method in their work and sometimes combine several.

Swedish massage uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles, generally in the direction of blood flow toward the heart, sometimes combined with active and passive movements of the joints. This system is used to promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is the most common form of massage.

Deep-tissue massage is used to release chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes, direct pressure, or friction directed across the grain of the muscles with the fingers, thumbs, or elbows. It is applied with greater pressure and to deeper layers of muscle than Swedish massage.

Sports massage uses techniques that are similar to Swedish and deep-tissue massage but are specially adapted to deal with the needs of athletes and the effects of athletic performance on the body.

Neuromuscular massage is a form of deep massage that is applied specifically to individual muscles. It is used to increase blood flow, release trigger points (intense knots of muscle tension that refer pain to other parts of the body), and release pressure on nerves caused by soft tissues. It is often used to reduce pain. Trigger point massage and myotherapy are similar forms.

Manual lymph drainage improves the flow of lymph by using light, rhythmic strokes. It is primarily used for conditions related to poor lymph flow, such as edema, inflammation, and neuropathies.

The reflexology, zone therapy, tuina, acupressure, rolfing (structural integration), Trager, Feldenkrais, and Alexander methods are addressed in the following sections.

The various methods of massage therapy can be divided into two major groupings:

1. Traditional European methods based on traditional Western concepts of anatomy and physiology, using five basic categories of soft-tissue manipulation: effleurage (gliding strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction (rubbing), tapotement (percussion), and vibration. Swedish massage is the main example.

2. Contemporary Western methods based on modern Western concepts of human functioning, using a wide variety of manipulative techniques. These may include broad applications for personal growth; emotional release; and balance of the mind, body, and spirit in addition to traditional applications. These methods go beyond the original framework of Swedish massage and include neuromuscular, sports, and deep-tissue massage; and myofascial release, myotherapy, Bindegewebsmassage, Esalen, and manual Lymph Drainage.

In addition, there are structural, functional, and movement integration methods that organize and integrate the body in relationship to gravity through manipulating the soft tissues or through correcting inappropriate patterns of movement; methods that bring about a more balanced use of the nervous system through creating new, integrated possibilities of movement. Examples are Rolfing, Hellerwork, Aston patterning, Trager, Feldenkrais, and Alexander ( 1986).

 

Benefits of Massage

Massage gives people a roadmap of stress areas in their bodies. Many times people don't know how much stress they're carrying until they have a massage; then they're able to feel it and let go of it. As the massage therapist stretches and loosens muscles and connective tissues, stress and muscular tension are released. Once a person has an awareness of where stress lodges in his body, he can begin to do something about it. Neuromuscular massage, often prescribed for injuries and conditions of pain, works at softening the muscles so that the therapist can move in more deeply to break up adhesions. This allows muscles to become really elastic, the way they should be. The body then may be freed of spasm and pain, increase its range of motion, and have the ability to avoid injury.

Massage has many benefits. On the physical level, it gives deep relaxation and stress reduction, relief of muscle tension and stiffness, reduces muscle spasm and tension, relief from entrapment of nerves in muscle, greater joint flexibility and range of motion, increases ease and efficiency of movement, promotes deeper and easier breathing, gives better circulation of both blood and lymph fluids, reduces blood pressure, relieves tension-related or eye-strain headaches healthier, better nourished skin, improved posture, faster healing from pulled muscles and sprained ligaments, reduces pain, swelling, and formation of scar tissue following injury and provides general health maintenance.

On the mental level, it provides a relaxed state of alertness, reduced mental stress, a calmer mind, greater ability to monitor stress signals and respond appropriately, and increased capability for clearer thinking.

On the emotional level, it gives a feeling of well-being, reduced levels of anxiety, increased awareness of mind-body connection, enhanced self image, and a sense of being unified and in harmony ().

The Association of Massage Therapists in Australia mentions the following benefits to massage therapy, among them, the maintenance of skin health, especially for older people with frail skin. It improves oxygenation and nutrition to the basal layer of skin. It increases skin flexibility and elasticity and loosens scar tissue to maintain skin health and movement. It improves sebaceous secretion to lubricate the skin, improving its condition and texture. It relaxes the fascia on the scalp, decreasing tension and some forms of headache.

Massage Therapy maintains muscle health. It helps to maintain muscles in the best possible state of nutrition, flexibility and vitality. This speeds up muscle recovery after activity or injury. It relieves muscle restrictions, tightness, stiffness and spasm which may limit full movement. It delays muscle wasting due to disuse, for example, after a stroke or during lengthy bed rest. It encourages better muscle activity through increased movement of nutrients and removal of waste products. It relaxes muscles and other tight tissues. For example tight muscles can press on nerves causing pain and nerves can also become trapped in connective tissue. Massage relaxes muscles and other soft tissues decreasing pain due to nerve entrapment.

Massage therapy affects the cardiovascular system. It Increases local blood flow without putting additional strain on the heart. It mechanically propels blood towards the heart in sedentary people and those on long term bed-rest. It stimulates nerves which control blood vessels. Widening the blood vessels can increase blood circulation and lower blood pressure in some cases. It increases delivery of oxygen to muscle and other tissue cells and removal of waste products and decreases accumulation of metabolic waste and by-products from tissue damage and inflammation thereby assisting healing. Moreover, it also decreases heart rate through decreased stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system ("relaxation response").

Massage therapy aids in respiration. It may slow down the rate of respiration via reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. It may also increase lung capacity and pulmonary function if these are decreased by tight primary and secondary muscles of respiration.

Massage Therapy assists the Lymphatic System. It:

• Stimulates the lymphatics when the person is immobile due to pain or when injury interferes with lymphatic drainage.

• Reduces some forms of swelling (lymphoedema) by mechanically stimulating circulation.

• Decreases swelling after injury which encourages repair and faster return to activity.

• Increases presence of natural killer cells and their activity, suggesting that massage may strengthen the immune system.

Massage therapy influences the nervous and endocrine Systems. It provides a sedating and relaxing effect on the body by normalizing nerve activity. It stimulates muscle activity through specific forms of massage. It promotes relaxation, decreasing insomnia and improving sleeping patterns by stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system. It decreases pain with release of pain-reducing neurochemicals. It can provide stimuli to modulate pain perception and decrease pain directly with some massage techniques. It decreases stress levels by activation of the relaxation response. The many physical stress-related problems of everyday life can be soothed away by slow rhythmic massage. Massage recipients show an increase in dopamine and serotonin levels which suggests a decrease in stress levels and depression.

Massage therapy assists the digestive system. It increases movement of the large intestine, helping to relive colic and intestinal gas. It promotes activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which also stimulates digestion. It decreases constipation by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and by direct movement of fecal material around the bowel. This will aid in elimination without drugs.

Finally, massage therapy influences other soft tissues. It assists proper alignment of connective tissue fibres after injury. It may increase movement at a joint by decreasing muscle tension and connective tissue thickening and rigidity.

Local Literature

The Filipino "Hilot

The hilot has been described in many different ways.  (1999) described them as indigenous community resources or cultural healers who help to "protect" the body and treat supernaturally with herbal/medicinal treatments, incantations, and offerings. The hilot is a type of ancient tribal priestess. Babaylan, a common Filipino indigenous practitioner, uses three types of treatment: prayers and rituals, herbal plants, and massage/manipulation of bones and body tissues. A hilot usually is respectful of the value of medical care. An arbularyo (herbalist) has special treatment skills with liquid infusion and dietary measures.

Solivas (2001) pointed out that traditional medicine is slowly finding its niche in modern medicine. World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that while 40-80% of the population of third world countries depends on traditional medicine to meet their health care needs, there has been a growing interest in traditional and alternative systems of medicine in many developed countries. In fact, the World Health Assembly accepted the realities that many adhere to traditional medicine for primary health care, traditional healers are potentially important resource for the delivery of health care and that medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. Moreover, as an aftermath of the Alma Ata Conference on Primary Health Care in 1978, the Philippine government encouraged use of a number medicinal plant preparation. This paved the way for more scientific studies on traditional medicinal plants. Nowadays, WHO confirms that medicinal plants are vital elements in pharmacological research and drug development not only when plant constituents are used directly as therapeutic agents, but also when they are used as basic materials for the synthesis of drugs or as models for pharmacologically active compounds.

The presence of the arbularyo and hilot as "traditional healers" in many Filipino communities are similar to the inevitability of acupuncture in Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine in India. These approaches to health care falls under the category of traditional medicine, which the WHO refers to the "sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable, or not, used in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and mental illness".

On Using Modules

 (1990) wrote about modules wherein he emphasized that modular instruction is one workable form of individual instruction which is applicable in the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. The use of modules in teaching is cost effective, and it makes the teachers become resourceful and creative. At the same time, the students’ time is maximized.

 (1973), as cited by  (1995) concerning teaching methods and techniques, described the use of modules as modernizing the teaching process by using a set of modules suited to each student who is given a chance to advance at his own best rate though by passing unnecessary instruction and satisfying his particular needs and he will thus in individual cases be able to earn his degree in a considerably short time.  wrote that programmed instructions involving modules, self-learning kits, and the correspondence courses represent well the emerging non-traditional and unconventional teaching styles. This type of instructions easily breaks the space-time syndrome closely associated with traditional teaching, in which both the teacher and the students stay together in one place, usually the classroom, at the same time in order that the teaching-learning process can conveniently proceed. Under the programmed instruction, students can continue learning by themselves even without the presence of the teacher.

However, (1995), in her book about principles and methods of teaching, mentioned that there are also difficulties in connection with modules. Since a module involves self-study, the student needs self-discipline to work toward mastering a module. How many students have self-discipline or the will power to study on their own? The school may lack the facilities that the instructional activities call for. Preparing a module is not an easy task. Teachers may also find it hard to change the traditional role they are accustomed to.

Foreign Studies

 

The following studies reflect the versatility of massage therapy and its broad and diverse range of applications.

Premature infants treated with daily massage therapy gain more weight and have shorter hospital stays than infants who are not massaged. A study of 40 babies with low birth weight found that the 20 massaged babies had 47-percent greater weight gain per day and stayed in the hospital an average of 6 fewer days than 20 similar infants who did not receive massage; the cost saving was approximately $3,000 per infant (1986). Cocaine-exposed preterm infants given massages three times daily for a 10-day period showed significant improvement. Results indicated that massaged infants had fewer postnatal complications and exhibited fewer stress behaviors during the 10-day period, had 28-percent greater daily weight gain, and demonstrated more mature motor behaviors at the end of the 10-day course of massage therapy ( 1993).

A study comparing 52 hospitalized depressed and adjustment-disorder children and adolescents with a control group that viewed relaxation videotapes found that the massage therapy subjects were less depressed and anxious and had lower saliva cortisol levels (an indicator of less depression) (1992).

Another study showed that massage therapy produced relaxation in 18 elderly subjects. This study demonstrated physiological signs of relaxation in measures such as decreased blood pressure and heart rate and increased skin temperature (1987).

A combination of Swedish massage, shiatsu, and trigger point suppression in 52 subjects with traumatically induced spinal pain led to significant alleviations of acute and chronic pain and increased muscle flexibility and tone. This study also found massage therapy to be extremely cost-effective in comparison with other therapies, with savings ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent ( 1992a, 1992b). Massage has also been shown to stimulate the body's ability to control pain naturally; in one study, massage stimulated the brain to produce endorphins, the neurochemicals that control pain (1989). Fibromyalgia, a painful type of inflammation, is an example of a condition that may be favorably affected by this mechanism.

A pilot study of five subjects with symptoms of tension and anxiety found a significant response to massage therapy based on one or more psychophysiological parameters, including heart rate, frontalis and forearm extensor electromyograms, and skin resistance; these changes denote relaxation of muscle tension and reduced anxiety (1983).

Another study found that massage therapy can have a powerful effect on psychoemotional distress in persons suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Stress can worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (ileitis), which can cause great pain and bleeding and even lead to hospitalization or death. Massage therapy was effective in reducing the frequency of episodes of pain and disability in these patients (1983).

Local Studies

 

 (1983) did a comparative study of the hilots’ pressure points and acupuncture points taking into consideration the following aspects: general characteristics, location, indications, uses, technique (amount of pressure applied, duration of application of pressure, method of massage, frequency of treatment, medium used in massage and precautions and contraindications). Five hilots residing in Lipa City and Davao City were observed at five different sessions each, while treating patients. Instruments used were an interview schedule, a checklist, anatomical drawings and validation by the researcher. A descriptive analysis of the data gathered was done after the findings had been collated and summarized.

The study discovered that pressure areas of the "hilots", like acupuncture points are tender and sore in a diseased state. These pressure points of the "hilots" are hard and leather-tough on palpation. In terms of size, they are actually more of areas rather than points. Nomenclature of these pressure points is dependent on the part of the body where they are located, e.g. likod (back), dibdib (chest), etc. Another finding was that the location of pressure areas of the "hilots" depends on where the bara (blockage) has been determined. Location, therefore, of the points is not fixed. These pressure points were found, however, to coincide with acupuncture points.

Moreover, the study found out that the pressure areas of the "hilots" have generally no specific indication, although it is generally indicated for pilay or pasma. Also, pressure areas are mainly used for treatment and the use of pressure areas for preventive and diagnostic purposes was not observed. Finally, in terms of techniques, the "hilots" do not have any specific directions for massage nor do they have any definite time for treatment. The amount of pressure applied on body areas is dependent on what the patient can tolerate. The frequency of treatment is one to three sessions, usually every other day, regardless of whether the ailment is acute or chronic. The "hilots" refrain from applying pressure in the following conditions: full or empty stomach, hypertension and rheumatism.

 

Chapter 3

METHODS OF RESEARCH

This chapter presents the description of the research method to be used, a description of the respondents, the instruments to be used, the procedures and statistical treatment utilized in analyzing the data that will be gathered.

 

Research Design

This descriptive type of research will utilize interview and observation in the study. To further amplify the descriptive type of research, the researcher will be guided by  (1994) when he stated: "Descriptive method of research is to gather information about the present existing condition. The purpose of employing this method is to describe the nature of a situation as it exists at the time of the study and to explore the cause/s of a particular phenomena.

Setting of the Study

This researcher will choose "hilots" coming from Davao, Cebu, Laguna, Cagayan Valley and Metro Manila. These places were chosen since the "hilots" are now based in these places and these "hilots" have been former students of this researcher.

Subjects of the Study

Five "hilots" will be chosen for the study. For every hilot, five patients will be observed.

Research Tools

The main tools to be used in this study are the following:

an interview schedule for the "hilot" to determine the following:

• sociodemographic characteristics of the "hilots" (age, gender, civil status, religion, number of years of experience as "hilot", and source of knowledge

• "hilots" concept of how their massage therapy works

• why Filipinos go to the "hilot"

• indications of massage

• uses of massage

• effectivity of massage therapy

an interview schedule for the "patients" of the "hilot" to determine the following:

• why they went to the hilot

• effectivity of the massage therapy

checklist to determine if the massage therapy of the "hilot" is scientific and authentic

Interview Schedule

The review of existing literature will become the source of the salient points for the questions that are going to be drawn up based on the aspects chosen on this investigation.

The interview schedule will mainly be composed of open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are resorted to because of their inherent qualities of flexibility. In addition, it enables the interviewer to probe and to clear up misunderstandings. This is especially helpful in interviews with traditional healers like "hilots" who more often than not, talk in riddles.

 (1973) states other advantages of open-ended questions:

facilitates ascertainment of respondents’ lack of knowledge

detects ambiguity

encourages cooperation

achieves rapport

better estimates of respondents true intentions, beliefs and attitudes

gives unexpected answers that may indicate existence of relations not originally anticipated.

To ensure reliability, the interview schedule will be pretested among five "hilots" based in Metro Manila. Revisions of the interview schedule will be made according to the results of the pretesting.

Checklist

The checklist will contain statements regarding the authenticity and scientific nature of the massage therapy being used by the "hilot" and the researcher will answer it based on his observations of the procedure of the "hilot".

Another checklist will contain statements regarding the effectivity of the "hilot’s" massage therapy and the "patients" will answer it.

 

Data Gathering and Analysis

All the five "hilots" were former students of this researcher, making it easier for the researcher to facilitate the interviews, its schedules and scheduling them for the interviews.

Permission to interview the "hilots" and their "patients" will be first priority. Appointments with the "hilot" will be made to interview and to observe cases treated with massage. This researcher will seek out each of the five "hilots" in the places where they are currently based. All the data to be gathered will occur during a massage session of the "hilot".

A descriptive analysis of the findings will be done. The focus of the interviews will be whether the work of the "hilot" is scientific, effective and authentic to the traditional Filipino massage. This data will be the basis for this researcher to come up with a module for traditional Filipino massage therapy which the "hilots" can use on their "patients".