Relaxing massage is becoming more and more popular in Poland. Thanks to the wide availability - in physiotherapists' offices, beauty salons and SPAs - we can use many types of relaxing massage. It is worth remembering that the effect of this treatment covers not only the psychosomatic zone, but also the physical zone of our body.

Relaxing massageshave become very popular. Anyone who would like to schedule a relaxing massage session - or any other massage - may get lost in the number of ads offering this type of treatment.

The benefits of a relaxing massage can be used even every day, and the session lasts up to one hour.

There are a lot of different types of massages, so initially it is difficult to choose the one that best suits our expectations and needs. However, when browsing the offers of massage parlors, it is worth remembering that these types of treatments also have common points - each of them affects the patient directly - that is, on the body - and indirectly - on the psyche. The starting point is also similar - every massage, including the relaxing one, takes place through touch, and in French "massage" means "rub", in Arabic "mass" is "touch", in turn in Greek "massein" is " Kneading. We also distinguish many types of relaxing massages themselves, which, although often originating from different cultures, are performed with different techniques and cover other parts of the body, but have many common points.

Relaxing massage: techniques

As the relaxing massage is primarily intended to calm the patient, "remove" the stresses of everyday life from him, calm down his thoughts, very often during a relaxing massage, aromatic oils are used: rose, sandalwood or ylang-ylang, thanks to aromatherapy create an even more relaxing atmosphere in the office. Lubricants are also used, most often olive, thanks to which the masseur can more easily and accurately carry out movements on the patient's body. The latter most often takes a lying or sitting position when performing a relaxing massage. It can be left in loose clothes or covered with a towel in such a way as to provide the operator with free access to the massaged areas.

Massage techniquesThey draw a lot from classical massage: the masseur strokes (longitudinal and circular strokes), presses, kneads, rubs the patient's body, and ends the treatment, returning to stroking. During a relaxing massage, slow, gentle movements are made to reduce the tension of muscles and nerves. However, the transverse grinding and more vigorous movements are abandoned.

Relaxing massage: types

Although the basics of performing a relaxing massage are similar, there are many such massages themselves. A person who feels that he would like to relax and at the same time do something good for his body can choose from a wide range of relaxing massages. The action of each of them has common points, but also specific to a given massage technique. The most popular relaxing massages are:

  • classic massage- in the relaxation version it is available without the elements of vigorous massaging and transverse rubbing. Carried out all over the body or in selected places. Performed with the whole hand, thumbs or knuckles, it aims to improve peripheral circulation and accelerate the metabolic process. The masseur strokes, kneads, taps, presses the patient's body, but the patient does not feel this treatment as painful, on the contrary - relaxes.
  • massage with herbal stamps- performed, as the name suggests, with stamps with, according to a traditional Thai recipe, turmeric, lemongrass, kaffir and camphor. Currently, however, massage parlors use stamps containing a whole lot of other ingredients, including green tea, cloves, cardamom. The masseur first gently squeezes selected points on the patient's body, then, when the temperature of the hot stamps decreases, his movements become stronger. This type of relaxing massage allows you to get rid of muscle pain and the feeling of constant fatigue.
  • Ma-uri massage- developed only at the end of the 20th century in New Zealand, but drawing on traditional Maori massage techniques. Before performing the Ma-uri treatment, the masseur carries out a detailed interview with his patient: he asks about his well-being, the effects he wants to achieve. This type of relaxing massage begins with a dance based on those performed in Hawaiian temples. Then the masseur compresses the patient's back, spine, shoulders, legs and feet, on which there are 36 receptors that correspond to specific internal organs. The main effect of Ma-uri massage is to reduce the stress level of the person undergoing it.
  • Shiatsu massage- this type of relaxation massage technique comes from ancient China, however,just like the Ma-uri massage, it has only been used since the 20th century. Its aim is to restore the proper flow of Chi energy in the body, which, according to the creators of the technique, is necessary for its proper functioning. The masseur, without the use of oils, with the help of hands, elbows and even knees, presses the energy points on the body, running along the energy channels. Shiatsu massage is most often used prophylactically - to protect the body against diseases, but most of all - to reduce tension in the shoulders, neck and nape.
  • massage with hot stones- in accordance with the Far Eastern theory of chakras, or energy centers, the stones are distributed on the patient's body in energy points. The masseur moves the hot stones along the meridians, i.e. channels through which energy flows through our body. A relaxing massage with hot stones not only calms you down, but also strengthens your immunity.
  • Lomi Lomi massage- this type of relaxing massage comes from Hawaii, where it is believed that Mana energy flows through the body. The massage covers the whole body, the masseur performs it with his forearms, and his movements are accompanied by dance elements. All this to properly direct the energy flowing through the body. It is worth knowing that in Hawaii, the word "lomi" means massage.
  • aromatherapy massage- aromatherapy massage, massage with essential oils selected for a specific person. Mango, lavender, jasmine and orange oils are often used. Thanks to this relaxing massage, the person subjected to it not only relaxes in the beautifully fragrant aura created by the action of the oil, but also heals the body - essential oils contain healing substances that get inside through the skin.
  • chocolate massage- a treatment which uses elements of classic massage, but with the addition of chocolate cream and chocolate massage oil. This relaxing massage improves the mood and leaves the smell of chocolate on the skin, which in turn also activates the production of endorphins, i.e. happiness hormones. What's more, thanks to the flavonoids and antioxidants contained in the chocolate cream, the massage neutralizes the effects of free radicals in the body.
  • firming massage- breaks down adipose tissue into smaller particles, uses, like most relaxing massages, elements of classic massage. The effect of the firming massage is the reduction of cellulite, thanks to greater skin tension, strengthening of collagen and elastin fibers. The firming massage is performed onbuttocks, legs, hips and stomach.
  • massage for pregnant women- although most massages are not used prophylactically in pregnant women, expectant mothers can use a treatment specially designed for them. Its purpose is to relieve and reduce pain in the lumbosacral section, in the nape, neck and shoulders. During the procedure, gentle pressures are applied to reduce muscle tension and improve blood and lymph circulation.

Relaxing massage: indications and contraindications

There are no specific indications for a relaxing massage - its effect is primarily internal relaxation, getting rid of stress, reducing muscle tension and relaxation, as well as improving blood and lymph circulation, regulating water management, and even combating insomnia. Relaxation massage is not a therapeutic procedure, so you don't need any referral for it, most people can benefit from it.

There are, however, some contraindications, specific to specific types of relaxing massage - going to such a treatment may not be possible in the case of people with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hemophilia. Not all massages are performed during pregnancy, viral and bacterial infections and skin diseases. In such cases, choosing even such a delicate treatment as a relaxing massage should be consulted with your doctor.

Worth knowing

We can choose from therapeutic, cosmetic and relaxing massages. The first ones include, among others: segmental massage, used in the case of diseases of internal organs, massages: contralateral and ipsilateral, thanks to which the regeneration of diseased limbs is accelerated, and lymphatic drainage. Another type of massage is cosmetic massages - performed on the face, neck and décolleté, they oxygenate, make the skin more elastic, smooth and improve the skin tone.

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Pregnancy