Classic massage was used by mankind 3000 years ago. It all started in China, where classical massage began to be performed as an instinctive way of not only relaxing, but also various ailments. Today, classic massage is one of the most popular treatments and has become the basis of many other massage methods.

Although classical massage, as indicated in "The Cong-Fou of the Tao-Tse", a book in which such techniques were mentioned for the first time, was born in China, Hippocrates himself in Greece recommended "rubbing ”As a method of treating diseases. Classic massage survived the Middle Ages thanks to … the Catholic Church, because it was the nuns who used this type of treatment to help the sick under their care. Today, this method is often referred to as classic Swedish massage, because Per Henrik Ling, a doctor from that country, contributed greatly to its development. However, it is to the Dutchman Johan Mezger that we owe the scientific development of this massage technique.

Classic massage: how to prepare?

Classic massage does not require any special preparations. However, it is worth remembering not to eat heavy meals about 1.5 hours before the procedure. Before going for the procedure, you need to take a shower, which can also be done in many massage parlors. During classic massage, the person performing it uses lubricants, so you have to take a bath after the session. During the procedure, the patient is naked and has private parts covered with a towel.

Classic massage: techniques

The technique of classical massage has been very carefully developed. So it's worth knowing that it includes:

  • Stroking

Stroking is performed at the beginning and end of each treatment. The masseur puts his hand tightly to the patient's body - wherever he uses the same precise - adjacent - touch, exerted with constant force. Classic massage stroking can be performed with the entire inner side of the hand, a clenched fist, the ball of the little finger and the ball of the thumb, as well as the dorsal side of the hand, the back side of the 1st and 2nd phalanges, with the fingertips. Stroking in a classic massage has a different intensity: from subtle, through medium-strength, to strong. The depth of stroking may also vary:pressing, i.e. deep stroking and superficial stroking.

  • Rubbing

Another point during classic massage is rubbing the massaged tissue, often used in the case of bruises, sprains, adhesions - for healing purposes. While rubbing, the masseur performs circular movements - either locally or in a spiral, i.e. moving the hands rotating along the massaged part of the body. In this part of the classic massage, the person performing it pays special attention to rubbing the points where the muscle bellies transform into tendons and tendon attachments.

  • Pressing

A technique used in two classic massage techniques -sports massageandlymphatic drainage . The masseur makes a movement of constant intensity along the entire area being massaged.

  • Kneading

This part of the classic massage is the longest and may last about 40 percent of the time of the entire procedure. During this part, the masseur grasps the muscle, trying to pull it away from the bone part. This makes the muscles more flexible, as does the fascia and tendons. Kneading is one of the two strongest elements of classic massage.

  • Patting

Patting is even more vigorous than kneading, the performed element of classic massage. The masseur hits the tissue very quickly, without remaining in long contact with the patient's skin. The patting can take place with varying degrees of force and therefore have a stimulating or relaxing effect on the patient. As this is the most intense part of classical massage, it is not performed on children and the elderly.

  • Vibration

The purpose of vibrations in classic massage is to activate smooth and striated muscles and to stimulate muscle fibers. It's also about slowing down your heart rate and raising your blood pressure. The use of vibrations in a classic massage also accelerates the combustion of matter.

  • Dithering

Dithering is the element of the classic massage that makes the massaged muscles gently shake - they are performed with a low frequency, but with a large amplitude of vibrations. On the patient's body, the masseur spreads his fingers wide and makes vigorous sideways movements, without taking his hands off and constantly moving.

  • Rolling

Rolling is an element of classic massage, combining kneading, rubbing and stroking. Depending on the intensity - done slowly or vigorously - it works ontissues relaxing or stimulating.

Worth knowing

Elements of classical massage are used in many other techniques used today: both relaxation and healing. Among the relaxation techniques based on classic massage, one can distinguish, among others. aromatherapy massage and firming massage, among therapeutic treatments: isometric massage and lymphatic drainage.

Classic massage: action

Classic massage brings a number of positive consequences. It activates the activity of the lymphatic and circulatory systems, thanks to which oxygen and nutrients reach the body in greater amounts. Classic massage also affects the nervous system - it calms down or stimulates the patient, causing more efficient transmission of stimuli to the muscles. As the classic massage improves blood circulation, it also affects the digestive system - it accelerates the absorption of nutrients and the process of burning matter. Classic massage improves the mobility of the joints, and also affects the muscles: it increases their flexibility, thanks to which they work better, they are also better supplied with blood. Let's not forget about the influence of classic massage on the psyche: the treatment supports the secretion ofserotonin , a tissue hormone, called the "happiness hormone", so it improves the mood, serving as arelaxing massage . What's more, classic massage has a beneficial effect on the skin: it removes dead epidermis, facilitates its breathing, making it firmer.

Classic massage: indications

There are many indications for classical massage. It is performed in the case of sprains and contusions of the limbs, chronic inflammation of muscles, joints and tendons, as well as in degenerative and rheumatic diseases. Classic massage also helps with backaches, posture defects, overloading muscles and joints, and helps in the healing of scars. Classic massage is also used in metabolic diseases, neuralgia, and even in the case of overweight.

It is worth adding, however, that not everyone can use classic massage. Contraindication, as in the case of other types of massage, are inflammatory and allergic skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis. The procedure cannot be used in the presence of an infection, especially if it is accompanied by a fever. Classic massage is not performed in the case of peripheral arteriosclerosis, phlebitis and blood clots. Heart disease and haemophilia are also contraindications. If the patient has varicose veins, the massage does not cover them, as well as abdominal massage is not performed in the case of nephrolithiasis, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, in women during pregnancy and menstruation.

Category:

Pregnancy