Massage therapy is an ancient form of healing, relaxation and stimulation. The term ‘massage’ refers to the techniques of stroking, pressing and kneading different body areas and muscle groups in order to relieve pain, relax the body and stimulate and tone the body’s circulation. Massage therapy benefits the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments and if done effectively also reaches the deeper layers of muscle and even the internal organs. It has a stimulating effect on the blood flow and helps cleanse the lymphatic system thus having a cleansing effect on the body.
Most of us know how energizing or calming a massage can be after a long day at work, the muscles relax and unknot and the result is an enhanced feeling of well being.
The Benefits of Massage
* Relaxing
* Soothing to mind and body
* Healing and therapeutic
* Reassuring and calming
* Eases body tension, stiffness and pain
* Regulates breathing
* Improves circulation
* Improves vitality and well-being
How Does Massage Heal the Body?
If massage is done regularly the effects are cumulative and the whole body is strengthened and toned. This helps to avoid injuries and strain to the body that could occur if muscles and tendons are rigid and strained. During and after massage the nervous system is calmed or stimulated and fatigue is alleviated giving the person more energy.
Massage therapy has a wonderful restorative effect and if done frequently leads to improved overall health and psychological well-being.
Massage Technique
* A range of techniques are used in massage therapy and these can be delicate and gentle or more concentrated deep-tissue strokes. The speed and intensity at which massage strokes are given also vary.
* Always keep your hands, arms and torso relaxed and work in a slow, methodical rhythm – as you continue build up speed and pressure. Generally strokes should follow the direction of the heart and be firm. Return strokes should run in the opposite direction and be light in nature. * Depending on the intensity of the strokes – they are used to relax or stimulate the body.
* The person who receives the massage therapy should experience it as a long series of rhythmic strokes. It should never be too rough or jarring.
Massage Position
Don’t work from the hands and shoulders only. Us the whole body to make fluid strokes or vary the intensity. You should always be relaxed and calm when giving a massage.
Types of Massage Strokes
* Gliding
The most common stroke in massage therapy, it is used to apply oil to the body and can be very light or firm and soothing. Keep your fingers together and your hands outstretched and glide your hands forward following the length of the body or limbs. Always keep contact with the body with the flat of your hand. Use long or circular strokes with one or both hands. Gliding relaxes and stretches the muscles.
* Kneading
This stroke is firm and usually used on a specific body area to relax it and enhance the circulation. Firmly grasp the calf, thigh or hip with both your hands and pretend you are kneading dough to effect this stroke.
* Draining
Light to medium in intensity, this stroke relaxes and stretches the muscles and helps with circulatory problems. You can use the heel of he hand on large areas or your thumbs if the area is small. Allow one hand to follow the other and push firmly along the heel or thumb of the first hand and the next as you move upward.
* Pulling
Pulling is used to pull and stretch muscles in the trunk and legs. Alternate your hands in a pulling stroke, slowly moving them up over the body.
* Wringing
This is not unlike the pulling stroke but wringing works across the limb or body. It is often used as a ‘finishing stroke’ and can be used on the torso, legs and arm areas. Place the hands on either side of the body or limb and move them forward and backwards towards the head area.
* Friction
Friction strokes are intense strokes that are often used around the joints and deep into the muscles for knotted areas. The thumbs and fingertips are used and slow, firm pressure is applied in circular motion. Ask your partner if the intensity is comfortable to him or her or should be varied.
* Percussion
These strokes include hacking, cupping and plucking and can be used to stimulate muscles, enhance circulation or release tension. Use percussion on the shoulders, arms, legs and buttocks or back but NEVER directly on the spine. Keep the hands and wrists very relaxed when you do percussive stroking.
-Hacking
Keep your hands open and the palms facing toward each other as you make alternating chopping movements up and down along the body. To vary the stroke, curl your fingers into fists and ‘pummel’ the body.
-Cupping
Cup your hands and face the palms downwards. With cupped hands beat up and down along the body.
-Plucking
Lift small amounts of flesh gently and let it slide between your fingers.
Massage Therapy – Safety Precautions
Massage therapy is generally safe for most people but it should be avoided in the following circumstances:
* AIDS-where there are cuts and lesions (or gloves may be used).
* Locally infected areas (shingles, ringworm, athletes foot)
* Bruising – avoid the bruised area.
* Eczema – weeping areas may become inflamed or irritated.
* Heart conditions
* Fever
* After a meal – wait an hour or more before any massage therapy
* Menstruation – no massage for the first two days and be very gentle over the abdominal area.
* Nausea
* Open cuts or sores
* Pregnancy – no massage during the first three months and very gently over the back and abdomen.
* Major operation
* Scar tissue (recent)
* Swelling or inflammation
* Thrombosis
* Tumors or swellings
* Varicose veins
Use massage therapy on a regular basis as an aid to mental and physical relaxation and healing. Its therapeutic benefits are well-known and widely recognized by both orthodox and alternative therapists and it should be incorporated into daily life to achieve its full benefit.
Massage therapy should be learned and practiced and never hurried. Think of it as a defense against daily stress and strain and make it as much a habit as brushing your teeth or shaving!