Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health and well-being.
Massage has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western traditions. By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), who created a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage. This consists of five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion), and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every part of the body.
Today, massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which have their roots in the Swedish system. The general public is now very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries. Practitioners use a variety of physical methods including applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, or causing movement to the body. Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their forearms, or elbows.
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.
Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy and also combines science and art. Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems. Touch also conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing relationship.
When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm. Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, increases mobility in joints, brings relief from chronic pain and reduces swelling and inflammation.
Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being and enhance self-esteem, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit blood pressure, circulation, muscle tone, digestion, and skin tone. Heather provides a comprehensive and objective look at all the aspects of massage therapy: history, benefits, types of massage, safety and more.
Here are some tips for during the massage:
- If the massage is too light or too hard, ask to have the pressure changed.
- If you are uncomfortable (need heat turned up, less blankets, light moved), say something.
- Tell the practitioner where you hurt. This way the massage can focus on where you need it most.
Here are some tips for after the massage:
- Drink lots of water. This helps the body release toxins that you were able to release during the massage.
- Plan to take the first 20 minutes after a massage lightly. For example, go on a short walk or sit quietly. This allows the massage to settle into the body.
- A nice warm bath is very refreshing. Epsom salt may be added.