Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care and its use has been recorded in many ancient civilizations. Unfortunately, today the word massage has an unsavoury connotation of massage parlours.
Proper massage is a systematized manipulation of soft tissues to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress, and to promote health and wellness.
When athletes overwork their muscles, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness and spasm. Massage improves circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and blood to tissue, assisting the elimination of waste product and speeds up healing. Massage can be therapeutic and used to enhance well-being.
Types of massage
Relaxation massage: Smooth flowing massage to promote relaxation, circulation and relieve muscular tension.
Remedial massage: Is a paramedical treatment that helps to restore the function of injured “soft tissue”(muscles, tendons, ligaments). It may include soft tissue and deep tissue work with stretches, therapeutic exercise and acupressure. It is often used to treat specific problems in the back, neck and shoulders, sprains, strains and sciatica.
Aromatherapy massage: Combines the therapeutic properties of essential oils with specific massage techniques to promote health and well-being.
Sports massage: Combines different massage techniques to warm and tone muscles before or after the event to treat pain and injury, and for recuperation.
Oriental massage: Chinese massage and Japanese massage use strokes similar to Western massage but utilize the knowledge of the body’s energy meridians, which are stimulated in acupuncture or acupressure. A Japanese shiatsu massage is very different from a Western massage. Rather than strokes and kneading, the shiatsu therapist uses pressure and stretching. Traditional Thailand and Malay massage include many combinations of techniques such as relaxation and Swedish massage.
Lymphatic massage: The goal is to assist your lymphatic system in draining it of toxins. It is often incorporated in other forms of massage such as Swedish, aromatherapy or remedial. The technique includes deep muscular massage and stimulation of lymphatic points, which can be quite tender if the body has accumulated a lot of toxins.
Swedish massage: Developed in the 1800’s, it has become the standard form of massage. It includes a range of stroking, effleurage, petrissage, kneading, tapotement, vibrations and passive movements. This method is used to either relax or stimulate muscles. It also increases circulation and aids the elimination of waste products.
It is beyond the scope of the book to talk about each massage stroke and technique but the style of massage which best suits you depends on your personality, likings and requirements.
The Benefits of Massage
Physical Emotional
Relaxes the central nervous system Calms the mind
Soothes tight, tense or overworked muscles Reduces stress
Removes toxins from the body Relaxes or stimulates thought processes
Improves circulation of both blood and Increases energy levels
lymphatic fluids
Reduces apathy and depression
Increases healing
Soothes the emotions
Softens skin where scar tissue has formed
Breaks down fibrous tissue around joints
Prepares healthy muscle for activity and aids
recovery
