What is Swedish/Classical massage? What are the benefits of a massage? Can I do a massage? Are there any contraindications?
Massage is probably one of the eldest healing therapies known to man. The basis of massage is touch - the most fundamental of human needs. Massage relaxes, stimulates, comforts, soothes, shows caring and empathy, relieves stress, anxiety and depression, alleviates pain, reduces symptoms of minor illnesses and improves emotional and physical wellbeing.
The most important thing about massage is that anybody can do it, anybody can have it done, and there are no side effects, and the most important, it makes both the receiver and the giver feel good.
Techniques
The Swedish massage therapy has five basic techniques:
Effleurage:-
is the beginning and ending technique of the massage. At the beginning it is done to distribute oil throughout the body part to be massaged, helping the nerve endings to calm down and the client gets used to the touch. At the end, this technique brings a relaxed finish.
Petrissage:-
this exercise means kneading, rolling and lifting of skin and muscles to strengthen the lower tissue, strengthen the connective tissue and to stimulate blood and lymph circulation.
Friction:-
this means intense circular exercise. With thumb, fingertips or knuckles, direct pressure is given to certain stiff muscles.
Tapotement:-
meaning quick knocking exercises which can be done as slaps by cupped hands, beat with the edge of the hand, and knocking with the relaxed fist. This technique builds up the strength of flabby tissue and muscles, especially the soft tissue of buttocks and hips (cellulitis).
Vibration:-
these vibrating exercises are done with fingers, knuckles or relaxed fist. Direct pressure given to certain stiff muscles where the fingertips, knuckles or relaxed fist will be in a fixed position and the vibrating movement comes from the hand joints.
Benefits of massage
Massage or stroking, triggers the release of endorphins (chemical structures similar to morphine produced by the body), and induces a feeling of comfort and well being. Endorphins also play an important role in pain relief. Stronger, more vigorous massage helps to stretch tense muscles and ease stiff joints.
Massage aids relaxation, directly affecting the body systems that govern heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion. There is lots of scientific evidence that shows that massage lowers the amount of stress hormones circulating in the body; as well as making you feel better, reducing stress hormones is beneficial because their presence in high quantities can weaken your immune system.
Contraindications
Generally speaking, one should never massage someone with the following indications without first obtaining the advice of their doctor:
1. Any serious medical condition.
2. A high temperature.
3. An infection or contagious disease.
4. A bleeding or clotting disorder, or the taking of anticlotting medication.
Take care if someone has any of the following conditions. Avoid the local areas, and massage an unaffected area instead:
1. Oedema (swelling), acute inflammation or bruising.
2. An open wound, recent scar tissue, skin infection, broken skin or rash.
3. Broken bones.
4. Acute back pain, especially if pain shoots down the legs or arms when you massage the back or neck.
5. Varicose veins or thrombosis.
Should you need more information or would like to make an appointment for a massage, please do not hesitate to contact me on mobile number 7941 4671. Kindly note that it is possible to have a massage in the comfort of your home or hotel room. I will get my portable massage table and massage oil.
...and remember my motto: EITHER SATISFIED OR DO NOT PAY!!!!!!
