Massage is one of the forms of passive exercise. It involves the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. In simple words it is the rubbing and kneading (squeeze) of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain. Touch is the fundamental medium of massage therapy. Massage therapy is applied primarily with the hands; sometimes the forearms or elbows are used. These techniques affect the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body.
Generally, massage is known to affect the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph, reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and enhance tissue healing. These effects provide a number of benefits:
relief of muscle spasm
greater flexibility and range of motion
increase of the ease and efficiency of movement
relief of stress and aide of relaxation
promotion of deeper and easier breathing
improvement of the circulation of blood and movement of lymph
relief of tension-related conditions, such as headaches and eyestrain
enhancement in the health and nourishment of skin
reduction in stress and an excellent stress management tool
creation of a feeling of well-being
reduction in levels of anxiety
increase in awareness of the mind-body connection
promotion of a relaxed state of mental awareness
·
·
Some medical conditions that massage therapy can help are:
allergies, anxiety and stress, arthritis, asthma and bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries, chronic and temporary pain, circulatory problems, depression, digestive disorders, tension headache, insomnia, myofascial pain, sports injuries, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
Some benefits of massage:
The general massage, dealing with all parts of the body, is highly beneficial in many ways. It tones up the nervous system, influences respiration and quickens the elimination of poisons and waste material from the body through the various eliminative organs such as the lungs, skin, kidneys and bowels. It also boosts blood circulation and metabolic processes. A massage removes facial wrinkles, helps to fill out hollow cheeks and neck and eases stiffness, sore muscles and numbness.
Massage therapy is applied primarily with the hands, sometimes the forearms or elbows are used. These techniques affect the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and other systems of the body.
Various methods of massage
There are generally five methods of massage which are:
· Effleurage (stroking)
This involves sliding with the hands, using long even strokes over the surface of the body.
· Friction (rubbing)
The movements, which are circular in nature, are performed with the help of the thumb and tips of fingers or the palm of the hand towards the joints or around the joints.
· Petrissage (kneading)
This is the process of kneading, pressing and rolling of the tissues and is performed with one or both hands, with two thumbs or with thumbs and fingers.
· Tapotment (percussion)
This involves hacking, tapping, clapping and beating and is achieved by striking the body and body parts rapidly.
· Vibration (shaking or trembling)
This is achieved by rapidly shaking the pressing movements by use of the hand or fingers on the body. Vibrating hand should move constantly. This is beneficial in neuritis and neuralgia after the inflammatory stage is over. It stimulates circulation, glandular activity and nervous plexuses.
Preparations
Going for a massage requires little in the way of preparation. Generally, one should be clean and should not eat just before a massage. One should not be under the influence of alcohol or non-medicinal drugs. Massage therapists generally work by appointment and usually will provide information about how to prepare for an appointment at the time of making the appointment. Similarly, Cotton seed oil is most commonly used for massaging, but butter is used for filling out cheeks and the neck and also for breast enlargement. If the patient is averse to oil, talcum powder may be used. Oil should not be used by persons with excessive body hair. General body massage may be done for 40 to 45 minutes and local body massage for 10 to 15 minutes. The oil should be washed off completely after massage.
The cost of massage therapy varies according to geographic location, experience of the massage therapist, and length of the massage. In the United States, the average range is from $35-60 for a one-hour session. Massage therapy sessions at a client’s home or office may cost more due to travel time for the massage therapist. Most sessions are one hour.
No comments:
Post a Comment