Massage has been used as a therapeutic and relaxation method for several centuries.Certain cultures and peoples have developed their own unique methods of body massage.
Basically, massage involves manual kneading and manipulation of the soft tissues in the body to enhance circulation and to modify certain physiological processes with the intention of relieving pain, discomfort, stress and fatigue while also promoting health. It is the holistic application of physical touch and affects nearly all the body systems.
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Massage therapy in India has been known as Abhyanga and has been recommended by Ayurveda as recourse for treating several diseases. It has been purported to play a great role in the process of body detoxification. Ayurvedic massage also uses herbal and aromatic oils as adjuncts and the types of oils are mainly determined based on the condition being treated.
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Types of body massage
Body massage can be classified on the basis of the region massaged such as:- Face and head massage.
- Arms and hand massage.
- Legs and feet massage.
- Chest massage.
- Neck and shoulder massage.
- Massage following delivery.
- Massage for babies and children.
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Techniques of massage
Massaging can involve a combination of techniques including strokes and pressure points. Five strokes are used commonly and these are effluerage, petrissage, percussion,friction and vibration.
- Effluerage strokes are made with the palms and comprise of long sweeping strokes. These are designed to increase blood circulation and relaxation.
- Petrissage strokes are similar to kneading and the skin and muscle surface are rolled between the masseurs thumb and fingers. This technique is considered ideal for massaging children and old people.
- Percussion involves alternating chopping, slapping, tapping or pounding movements and are usedover areas with thicker skin.
- Friction is used to treat joints and surrounding areas and is believed to be helpful in breaking adhesions and relieving congestion.
- Vibration is used to stimulate the underlying nerves and this can be combined with a mechanical instrument or by the rapid movements of hands or fingers over the massage area.
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Varying amounts of force may be applied during massage based on the area that is being massaged and the age and gender of the recipient.
Some Indian massage techniques There are a few massage techniques that have been studied and applied for different conditions. Some of these include: |
- Udvarthana or massaging the body in a direction that is opposite to the conventional norm.
- The direction of these massages tends to be from palm to shoulder or feet to hips.
- These massages involve the application of very little pressure and depend exceedingly on the use of dry herbs.
- The goals of this form of massage are to exfoliate the skin, eliminate bad body odor and enhance a healthy glow.
- Mardana or massaging the body with excessive force is usually performed on individuals who indulge in highly exertive physical work.
- Paadaghata or massaging the body using feet involves trampling of the body using the masseurs feet and proportionate body weight, controlled by the use of ropes.
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Benefits of massage
There have been manifold proven benefits of massage and these include:- Increased blood circulation in the tissues, easing of muscle spasms and modulation of the immune and nervous systems.
- Reduction of the recovery period from illness and injury.
- Release of endorphins during massage also stimulates the Lymphatic System and boosts immunity.
- Increases flexibility at the treated joints.
- Reduces the incidence and severity of stress-related conditions, such as migraines,tension headaches, body pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
- Promotion of the feeling of well-being.
- Speeds up and assists weight loss.
- Improves drainage of body lymph.
- Nourishes and strengthens skin.
- Reduction of stress by improving blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues.
- Releases emotional and mental tensions.
- Improves the breathing pattern and calms an individual.
- Increases mental alertness and the capacity for clear thought processes.
- Aids in healing of scar tissue formed due to injury.
- Releases and reduces chronic muscle tension and strain and helps to correct defective body posture that may have been acquired through stress.
- Increases body awareness.
- Reduces eye strain.
- Increases energy flow at all levels and creates a sense of balance and harmony in the body and the mind.
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and Edema.
- Improves range of motion at the pathologically affected joint.
- Reduces muscle atrophy in individuals who are immobile or suffering from restricted mobility due to physical causes.
- Reduces the duration of labor during parturition and also improves recovery time.
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Precautions for massage
Ayurveda dictates that massage should not be performed in individuals who are afflicted by fever, diarrhea, bowel disturbances or pregnancy. Most therapists do not advice massage in individuals with certain generalized skin eruptions, tumors, certain allergies or sensitive veins. It is also essential to ensure that the therapist performing the massage is qualified in providing massages.
Frequency of massage
The frequency with which one gets a massage can vary based on several factors including time commitments and financial status. However, massage is one of those therapies that one can never have enough of. The benefits of this method of treatment far outweigh the potential hazards. The fact that it is a non-invasive healing measure makes up for nearly all of its few drawbacks. |