Manifold Wonders of Massage Therapy

Massage has been used as a remedial measure from centuries. Massaging causes various physiological effects which comfort the body. Manually kneading or manipulating the soft tissues to relieve pain,Manifold Wonders of Massage Therapy Articles discomfort, stress and to promote health and wellness is called as ‘massage’. The techniques of massage to promote health and wellness are called “Massage Therapy”. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) defines Massage therapy as “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.”

Massage therapy (abhyanga) is recommended in ayurveda in the course of treating several diseases. It plays a great role in body detoxification process (Panchakarma) before starting the core treatment.

Usually, ayurvedic herbal oils or aromatic oils are used during massage. The oils are selected according to the condition and objective of massage.

Types of Body massage

Different kinds of body massage are adopted after analyzing the cause and location of discomfort. The following are the various kinds of body massage .

•Face and Head Massage, •Arms and Hand Massage, •Legs and Feet Massage, •Back Massage, •Neck and Shoulder Massage, •Chest Massage, •Abdomen Massage, •Massage for babies and children•Massage during pregnancy.

Techniques of massage:

A massage therapist uses ‘Strokes’ and ‘Pressure’ while massaging. Effleurage, Petrisage, Percussion, Friction and Vibration are 5 different strokes used while massaging.

Effleurage strokes are long, gliding and soothing .These strokes are made with flat surface of hands. Effleurage strokes increase the circulation and depth of relaxation.

Petrissage strokes resemble kneading. These strokes are recommended 강남 안마 to massage children and elderly people. Skin and muscle surface are rolled or squeezed, gently and firmly by grasping them between thumb and fingers.

Percussion is done using both hands. In this stroke both hands move rapidly and alternatively stimulating the muscles. Percussion can be done with finger tips (tapping), chopping movement of stretched fingers (hacking), cupped hands (cupping), flat opened palms (slapping), and using both fists (pounding).

Friction: These strokes are used to treat joints and surrounding areas. Friction breaks adhesions, remove wastes and clean up congestion. Long, slow, firm strokes or circular movements of hand are used to move superficial tissues over the deep underlying tissues.

Vibrations : These strokes stimulate nerves. Hands or fingers are moved back and forth rapidly on soft tissues to shake them. Vibrations are used on buttocks, thighs, upper back etc. Mild, moderate or heavy Pressure is applied during massage, depending upon the part to be massaged and the aim of massage.

The texts of ayurveda illustrate different types of massages for different conditions. They are

Udvarthana : Massaging body in opposite direction (According to ayurvedic texts,starting the massage from the head and proceeding downwards is considered conventional.Hence,massages that proceed from palm to shoulder or Feet to thighs or hips to neck are opposite in direction.) These massages are performed by exerting little pressure using dry herbs. This kind of massage exfoliates skin, enhances its glow and gives healthy look. It also helps to reduce bad odor which is caused due to sweat.