Massage as one of the methods of managing well-being has been known for many centuries. But not everyone knows how to do the massage correctly. After all, this is a special art and a whole science, which is not so easy to master.
So how do you massage? There are a large number of different manual therapy techniques that use dozens of massaging and rubbing techniques. But no matter what type you choose, there are general rules for massage, which should be followed in order to achieve maximum effect and not harm it. Massage should not be done too fast or hard. The sensation of pain after the procedure can be hazardous to health. All movements must be carried out along the lymphatic paths, that is, from the periphery to the center. So, the hands are massaged in the direction from the hand to the armpits, including the elbow joint, the feet should be massaged from the foot to the knee, the chest from the sternum to the armpits. During the treatment session, the spine and lymph nodes should not be involved.
Before doing the massage, you need to make sure that the person has taken a comfortable position and relaxed. The session should begin with strokes, which are made with the whole palm along the lymph nodes. These movements should be moderately intense. Stroking should warm the skin and prepare it for further techniques. After several such movements, you can proceed to tapping or tingling. By the way, each technique needs to end with stroking. With gentle strokes of the back of the fingers, you need to gently tap the area where the massage is performed. Tingling involves pinching the skin between two fingers, followed by pulling. After these techniques, you can proceed to kneading, which is superficial or deep. With superficial kneading, you need to rub the massaged part of the body with your fingertips, and deep rubbing is carried out with the edge of the palm of your hand. Next, you can go to the gentle claps, which are made by the palms. Such movements will revitalize and soothe the skin. Finish the procedure by stroking.
The legs are an important part of the body - they work constantly, allowing a person to walk and carry heavy things. Therefore, you need to take care of them periodically and let them rest. Do a foot massage, because it will not only soothe the pain, but also relax and improve blood circulation. Before doing a foot massage, turn on your favorite music and make sure that no one interferes with your relaxation. Sit back, stretch your legs and stay in this position for several minutes. If you are having a massage yourself, place your legs so that you are comfortable doing it. Rub lotion or oil in your hands and rub your lower leg with warm hands. Kneading and stroking is a good start to the massage. Use your thumb to make circular or point movements. Then proceed to intense movements, vigorously massaging the foot from the foot to the knee. Change the speed of movements and use various techniques - tingling and patting stimulate blood circulation, and thus help to achieve a greater effect. Finish the massage with light relaxing touches with stroking.
More difficult to perform is Thai massage, which is a synthesis of various relaxation methods, including acupressure and passive yoga. The technique includes movements aimed at stretching the fingers, legs and ears. This massage lasts at least two hours.
How to do Thai massage? A person should wear loose clothing and sit comfortably on a mattress of moderate flexibility. Massage is performed with hands, fingers, elbows, forearm and, most interestingly, with feet. A person is massaged in different positions and from different sides. Unlike the classic version, the main technique in Thai massage is pressure on all parts of the body. There are no patterns here, and all movements are performed according to the wishes and needs of a particular patient. Massage begins with the legs and arms, smoothly moves to the body and returns to the limbs. At first, the pressures are quite soft, but gradually become more intense. During Thai massage, all parts of the body are worked out by acting on the intersection points of invisible energy lines.
Each of these methods has a different effect on the skin of a person, his nervous system and adipose tissue, but in combination they help improve blood circulation and normalize blood pressure. Be sure to make sure that there are no possible contraindications before doing the massage.