Massage is manipulation of the skin by stroking, rubbing, kneading or tapping. It stimulates blood circulation in the tissue and muscles and thus relieves pain. Massage is also very effective to achieve total relaxation of body and mind.
Description
Massage is an ancient form of therapy, which is used in all cultures and in many different forms. It’s a popular method for pain relief and muscle relaxation. After a massage treatment, a person feels better, more relaxed and mentally and physically vital. Massage can thus have a positive effect, both physically and mentally. Solving physical problems also stimulates the self-healing effect of the body.
Indication
Giving a massage can be done from different perspectives:
- From signs and symptoms. Massage is often used to alleviate or remedy health problems. It is usually part of a wider treatment then, which aims to make moving easier or relieve pain.
- From desires and needs. For example, thinking of rest and relaxation, of loosening stiff muscles, of indulgence and enjoyment, of alleviating lack of touch or simply of a pleasant pastime.
Application
A well executed massage usually includes a combination of stroking, rubbing, pressing, tapping and kneading of the skin. The blood flow can thus be improved and the removal of waste accelerated. There are many types of massages. For example, there is:
- Relaxation massage.
- Connective tissue massage.
- Manual lymphatic drainage.
- Neuro massage.
- Polarity massage.
- Massage performed on a chair or a cushion which is filled with warm water.
The duration of the treatments ranges from ten minutes to one hour.
Effect
Massage is an effective way to improve both mental and physical health. It provides deep relaxation to body and mind and also increases resistance. Thanks to massages, people will less likely get sick, because of the positive effects on the immune system. Physical diseases caused by stress have less chance. Furthermore, psychological problems, such as anxiety and stress, are reduced or prevented. After a massage, people sometimes feel better about themselves: they are more assertive and learn to know their body and feeling better.
