Massage is manipulation of muscles, connective tissue, ligaments and joints, usually by using hands or elbows of the massage therapist, and sometimes other tools such as massage rollers. It can relieve stress, lower blood pressure, promote healing after injuries, improve immune system, flexibility and blood and lymph circulation.
During a good massage with a trusted therapist, emotional release/catharsis is also common, as the long pent-up feelings hiding in the stiffness of the body are released through laughter or unexpected tears.
Often, massage therapists use special massage oils (not too slick) and include aromatherapy, soothing light and music and other techniques to promote client’s relaxation throughout the session.
Some of the more popular massage techniques are:
| Swedish Massage | ||
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Designed primarily for stress release and improvement of circulation through gentle pressure on muscles and long, relaxing strokes in the direction of the heart. Swedish massage is extremely relaxing, and helps remove metabolic waste and swelling of limbs. Lymph channels and veins that carry waste and fluids away from extremities rely on muscle movement & tone, not on independent functioning, so our sedentary, stressed lifestyles easily block the body’s ability to “flow” and cleanse itself freely. Massage therapist employing Swedish techniques helps this flow along, improves skin tone and circulation, relaxes muscles as well as creates the awareness of one’s body and emotions. It’s non-invasive and comforting, and because of this often employed in treatment of infants, hospitalized and elderly. Massage oil is usually used to facilitate the flow of strokes. Most commonly, the entire body is massaged, although there is a focus on problem area, and sometimes massage is done only on a part of the body. |
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