Therapeutic Massage
Massage is not new. Chinese literature from 3000 BC shows massage was considered as one of the key elements for complete health. Hindu writings 1800BC state that massage was used for weight reduction, sleep aid, relaxation and relief of fatigue.
Massage works directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Benefits include:
- Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow – the body’s natural defence system.
- Reduce spasms and cramping
- Alleviate back pain and improve range of motion
- Aid in pain relief – muscular, headache, etc
- Reduce fatigue
- Improve circulation
- Aid in the elimination of toxins from the body
- Help to lower high-blood pressure
- Reduce stress (experts are now estimating that over 80% of disease is caused by stress, let alone the impact stress has on us aging, internally and externally).
There are different types of massage. Therapeutic massage uses different strokes and techniques:
Effleurage – these slow gentle strokes are soothing on the nervous system whilst preparing the soft tissues for deeper strokes.
It additionally increases circulation carrying fresh nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
Deep effleurage – has a stretching effect that assists in reducing nodules and congestion.
Petrissage – increases circulation through the muscles. It aids in the flushing and draining of muscle groups from carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which can cause pain. It has a toning affect on the muscle and the skin.
Deep Frictions – enable the muscles to be worked at a much deeper level. These are only used once muscles are warmed and relaxed.
Cross Frictions – are particularly useful where adhesions restrict the natural broadening action leading to pain. They assist in pain relief and normalising muscle function.
Tapotements – are stimulating strokes. They excellent for increasing the flow of energy to an area, and for encouraging toning of muscles that are weak
Thumb Pressures – are used to apply direct pressure in to areas of contracted muscles.
Muscle Broadening – movements aid in spreading muscle fibres that are tight and non flexible.
Treatments initially start with the lighter strokes to ensure muscles are warmed properly before the deeper techniques are used. Sessions vary from week to week and client to client based on the changing needs and condition of the body.