Massage is probably the original natural remedy for pain and discomfort relief. Massage is also an extremely powerful healer. Got a sore back or joint? You rub and massage the source of pain in the very best way that you can. Want a professional massage? There are many options available to you. Read on for 5 of the most popular massage techniques available today. Which one is the right technique for you?
Remedial massage is perfect for repetitive strain injuries and back pain. This type of massage uses specialised techniques to locate and repair damage and to support and speed up the body's repair mechanisms.
Remedial massage is generally regarded as deep massage and is directed to the muscles connected to the areas of pain and discomfort. It also employs passive stretch moves to enable stimulation to the blood supply and remove the toxins in the muscles.
Some conditions which could be healed by remedial massage are;
• Achilles Injuries
• Tendinitis
• Shin Splints
• Groin Strain
• Cartilage harm
• Tennis Elbow
• Frozen Shoulder
• Hamstring Injuries
• Scar tissue
• Adhesions
• Whiplash
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Repetitive Strain Injury
Remedial massage or sports massage is frequently applied to athletes but is equally effective for non-sports persons. It is said that remedial massage improves your sleep, lifts vitality and performance levels and, at the same time, increases mobility.
Aromatherapy is a form of massage therapy which employs the use of one or more scented plant oils called vital oils. This kind of massage is especially suited to stress-related conditions. It is regarded as having a profound impact on your physical and psychological well-being as the sense of smell is the most powerful of our senses. Aromatherapy has the power to transform your emotions, and heal your body. The sense of smell is attached to a part of the brain known as the limbic system. Aromatherapy is a limbic technique that controls emotions.
The vital oils used can be associated with different healing properties depending on the person. For example, some oils are for calming and stress relief for some and energizing for others. Here are some widely utilised vital oils and their properties:
• calming - chamomile, lavender, geranium
• energizing - rosemary
• cleansing - rosemary
• decongesting - eucalyptus, pine, tea tree
• uplifting - sage, rose, neroli
The effect of vital oils is a combination of inhalation and external application by the aromatherapist. Aromatherapy is frequently used to treat common colds and flu, insomnia, nausea, skin conditions, migraines and headaches and quite a few other ailments. Aromatherapy is easy to practice and is extremely productive as a healing therapy.
Shiatsu, meaning finger pressure, was developed by the Japanese at the start of the twentieth century. Utilizing finger pressure, the Shiatsu practitioner seeks out the meridians or energy points within the body. In particular varieties of Shiatsu, the practitioner also utilizes the hands, elbows, thumbs, knees and forearms.
Shiatsu is based on the premise that we experience wellness and well-being when we are in a state of balance or relaxed awareness. Balance indicates that our energy, recognized as ki (also known as chi or qi in Chinese medicine), flows through our body along pathways known as meridians. At times, particularly when we're stressed, our power is blocked and depleted, and we have trouble shutting down at the end of per day. This causes a disturbance of our natural state of relaxed awareness. Shiatsu is a stimulating and powerful therapy where pressure is applied to the body to activate the flow of 'Ki' (power), freeing the body from chronic energy blockages and tensions and allowing for physical and emotional transformation.
A holistic approach is important in most styles of Shiatsu. This means that the entire human being along with the harmony of the body and mind are considered within the diagnosis.
Reflexology is the art of applying pressure to the feet and hands by utilizing certain thumb, finger and hand methods without having the required use of oil, cream or lotion.
This application of pressure to certain parts of the feet and hands is said to have a corresponding effect on certain parts of the body.
For example, the application of pressure to the balls of the feet is said to be beneficial to the lower back. Pressure applied to the tips of the toes relieves tension in the head and brain.
The main benefit of reflexology is the reduction of stress, Additionally, studies have shown that reflexology can also be instrumental in reducing pain, improving blood flow, aiding post-operative recovery and has even been associated with cancer care.
Swedish massage is the most popular massage technique in the West. This type of therapy is based on the Western concepts of anatomy and physiology as opposed to energy function which is far more frequent in Asian-style massage. Swedish massage is commonly given to people who do not have a regular massage session. It might be slow and gentle, or vigorous and bracing, based on the therapist's individual style and the needs and specific instructions from the client.
In Swedish massage, the therapist uses massage oil to lubricate the skin and employs a number of different massage strokes. Here are a few examples;
• Effleurage or the long sweeping strokes.
• Friction method by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the client's skin.
• Petrissage is the act of kneading and squeezing the muscles of the body.
• Tapottement are strokes that aim to energize the region of the body that the masseuse is treating.
• Traction entails pulling at the arms and legs of the client, and quite often also the head.
• Vibration technique is employed by the masseuse to shake up a specific area of the body.
