You come home with swollen legs, your back hurts, your neck is stiff. You dream of a moment of relaxation. Just 30 minutes and you will feel better. A professionally performed massage can make this miraculous transformation. Find out what massage techniques are and when to apply them.

There are differentmassage techniques , but eachmassagestimulates the production of endorphins produced in the central nervous system that relieve pain, stress and anxiety. It has a positive effect on the circulatory system, accelerates blood and lymph (lymph) flow and metabolism, thanks to which harmful substances produced in the muscles (e.g. lactic acid causing the so-called soreness) are more easily removed from the body. It can lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate, calm nerves, reduce tension, relax. Restores strength and he alth.

If you decide to have a massage, choose a specialist with a certificate. A wrongly performed procedure may be harmful.

The masseur should ask you what's wrong with you. The type of treatment, the technique used and the appropriate oil depend on it. The massage is performed on a fairly high, hard table, not on a soft bed. Each movement of the massage hands must be directed from the outer parts of the body (circumference) to its center and upwards towards the heart - in the direction of blood flow in the veins. Changing it can cause blood clots and worsen your he alth. There are several ways to get a good massage.

Massage techniques: stroking (stroking)

Starts and ends each treatment. The masseur joins the fingers and slowly moves them along the muscles towards the heart. Stroke small areas of the body, e.g. the cheeks, with the two or three middle fingers of the hand. In this way, it removes callous epidermis to facilitate the work of the sweat and sebaceous glands. The skin becomes smoother and more elastic. Stroking reduces the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the skin, which relaxes the central nervous system.

Massage techniques: stretching

The therapist uses the base of the hand or the fingertips. He places his hand on the body and, pressing lightly, pulls it in a straight line along the massaged part of the body. The treatment is intertwined with small circular and spiral movements. It has a great effect on the joints, ligaments and joint capsules. To remove a hematoma (bruise after an impact), first stretch the area above the bruise ordamaged joint, then the joint itself stretches, and finally the body above it again. This facilitates the absorption of edema, eliminates inflammation, removes hardening of the muscles and thickening of joint capsules. It also helps to make postoperative scars more flexible.

Important

Massage oils

They work in two ways: they have a positive effect on the psyche (like aromatherapy) and stimulate blood circulation. Basil, bergamot and orange blossom oils help reduce stress. Melissa relieves depression. Lavender, cypress, chamomile and marjoram soothe. Orange, lemon and tangerine energize, while cedar and rosemary soothe and relax.

Massage techniques: squeezing

The massage therapist's entire hand covers the round parts of the body, e.g. thighs or buttocks, and squeezes. Whenever possible, he grasps the body with both hands, on both sides, and alternately presses against the body, sometimes with one hand, sometimes with the other. His fingers are clasped and his thumb is pushed to the side. It begins gently but gradually increases the strength to effectively push blood and lymph towards the heart. It improves blood circulation and removes toxins from the body, oxygenates the blood, and stimulates the central nervous system.

Massage techniques: kneading

The masseur definitely grasps as much of the skin as possible and pulls it upwards. This can be compared to kneading a dough. Perfect for buttocks, thighs and arms. It regenerates muscles very well. It accelerates the flow of blood and lymph, quickly removes metabolic products, stimulates the so-called deep feeling receptors.

Massage techniques: hitting

These are light, rhythmic and alternating blows with a fist or the outer edge of the hand. Before that, the body must be warmed by kneading. This technique improves the blood supply to the muscles, stimulates them to systematic contractions, restores their elasticity and removes some fatty tissue.

Massage techniques: patting

The masseur folds his hands into small boats and rhythmically hits the thighs, buttocks, back and hips with them. Batting the back protects against the retention of secretions in the lungs, and thus against pneumonia, which often affects elderly people who lie in bed for a long time.

Don't do that

When massage is not allowed:

  • in a fever
  • during menstruation
  • when a doctor diagnoses bleeding stomach ulcers
  • with detected neoplasm
  • with high cardiovascular insufficiency with leg swelling
  • with varicose veins, phlebitis
  • with purulent pustules, mycosis, dermatitis
  • when the skin is injured.
  • during pregnancy, breasts and abdomen are not massaged. The treatment must be gentle (no patting and kneading) so as not to causeuterine contractions leading to complications.

"Zdrowie" monthly

Category:

Pregnancy