Massage is one of the oldest forms of remedial therapy. First practised in a structured way probably in china and Mesopotamia more than 5000 years ago, the art of massage was already well known to the physicians of ancient Greece when Hippocrates, the ‘father of medicine’ wrote in the 5th century BC that “the way to health is a scented bath and an oiled massage every day.”
Most modern methods of massage derive mainly from Swedish massage as developed by Per Henrik Ling, a Swede who visited china during the 19th century. Ling was so greatly impressed by the massage techniques he observed when he was there that he synthesized his own form of therapy to incorporate these ancient Oriental skills.
Massage is an excellent way to relax mind and body, and so bring relief from everyday stresses and strains. It also helps to restore a sense of calmness and balance after any shock or trauma.
The Benefits of massage
Touching and stroking are not only important for adults, they also play a vital role in the healthy development of infants and young children. Those who care for babies born prematurely know that infants confined to incubators are more likely to thrive when gently stroked than when deprived or touch.
A regular body massage can enhance general health and vitality, while specialised methods can coax tension from muscles, ease stiff joints, promote healthy circulation of the blood and stimulate lymphatic drainage to encourage the elimination of wastes from the body. Massage brings a healthy glow to dull skin and keeps the body feeling firm and supple. Massage is effective for almost any condition and is particularly helpful for tension headaches, back pain, hyperactivity and also insomnia.
Types of massage
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an ancient form of pressure point massage and it has been practised for centuries in japan. It is based on the principles of the Chinese discipline of acupuncture and applies pressure to key acupuncture points with the purpose of promoting the smooth flow of energy around the body.
Therapeutic massage
This comforting form of massage consists mostly of soothing strokes and rubbing and is now in wide use in both conventional and unconventional medicine for the relief of pain or physical discomfort. In recent years it has been shown to encourage recovery after a heart attack and to ease the suffering of patients with some types of cancer.
Reflexology
This is the specialised massage for the hands and feet; it is used for both diagnosing and correcting imbalances in the body.
Sports massage
This form of massage therapy features deep tissue massage that aims to ease stiff joints, relax tense muscles and restore suppleness.
Baby massage
By no means solely used on babies, baby massage relies on specially gentle strokes for promoting general health and happiness.
Biodynamic massage
This therapy combines massage with elements of physical exercise and physiological development.
How to give a basic massage
Choose a quiet warm room with subdued lighting. The person who is to receive the massage will need a comfortable but firm surface (like a mattress, futon or thick blanket) to lie on. Have a soft pillow handy to support the head, and one or more large bath towels to cover those parts of the body not being massaged.
Method
Massage should ideally be rhythmic and free flowing. Different strokes should merge into one another. When giving a full body massage it is often a good idea to start with the face or back in order to encourage relaxation, before moving on to the arms and legs. You can then include the stomach if desired. But there are no hard and fast rules, even a five minute shoulder or face massage can be most relaxing.
Massage techniques
Stroking (effleurage)
Slow, stroking movements are the basic elements of all massage. They are usually performed with the hands close together and the thumbs about 2.5 centimetres apart. Long sweeping movements are warming and relaxing. Brisk movements are invigorating and stimulate the blood circulation and lymph flow.
Kneading (petrissage)
Use fingers and thumbs to squeeze and roll the flesh, as if kneading dough. This is ideal for shoulders, hips and thighs. Kneading stretches and relaxes tense muscles and improves the circulation, so helping to pump nutrients to the tissues and drain away wastes. Light kneading tones up the skin and top layer of muscles. Firm kneading has a beneficial effect on the deeper muscles.
Friction
Small circular movements with the fingers, the pads of the thumbs, or the heel of the hand help to break up the tiny crystals that stick muscle fibres together. Rub firmly and energetically.
Percussion (tapotement)
Brisk, bouncy hand movements involving chopping, hacking and slapping motions are stimulating rather than relaxing and should be confined to fleshy, muscular areas such as the thighs and buttocks. Do not use on bony areas and never over broken veins. Keep your touch light and springy, the wrists loose and flexible.
Knuckling
Curl your hands into loose fists, place the middle section of your fingers against the skin of the person to be massaged and use small circular strokes to create a rippling effect. Use on the shoulders, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Pressuring
Using the pads of the thumbs or forefingers, apply deeper pressure to certain areas such as around the shoulders or on both sides of the pine. This is ideal for paying persistent attention to very tense knotted muscles in order to encourage them to relax.
Note:
Research has shown that massage can be extremely beneficial in enabling people with cancer to relax and feel better. It is inadvisable to massage over the actual site of the cancer, gentle massage is acceptable as long as it causes no pain or discomfort.
