Massage therapy is an ancient form of restorative medicine, a mention of which can be found in ancient Chinese manuscripts dating back to the second millennium BC. Various rubbing, tingling and touching restored muscle tone and relieved pain in ancient Greece and Rome. General body massage was used in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but this method of therapy became widespread and further developed by the mid-70s of the twentieth century.
The main goal of the massage is to increase body tone, overall well-being by reducing muscle tension, improving blood circulation. It helps a lot with soft tissue injuries and muscle pain. General body massage gently stretches tissues, increases joint mobility, and also helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate and improves breathing. The restorative functions of massage are explained by the fact that in its process the brain produces endorphins - painkillers chemicals that relax and soothe tissue cells. Another healing and healing feature of massage is the nature of the touch, which has a very positive effect on the patient, release blocked emotions in response to care and participation.
Currently, various types of body massage are widespread. Classical European uses traditional methods based on the well-known theories of anatomy and physiology. Five types of techniques for affecting soft tissues - stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping and vibration, make up his technique. By stroking begins and ends with a general body massage. It increases blood flow, warms up muscles. Kneading - improves blood circulation and prevents muscle contraction and atrophy. Rubbing often massage the periarticular areas. It enhances blood circulation and restores movement. Tapping enhances superficial blood circulation, helps to separate sputum and remove it from the lungs. Vibration is a technique for stimulating and relaxing body tissues. It is especially effective on limbs and fleshy tissues.
Modern European massage methods are developed taking into account the latest knowledge about its effects on the nervous system, emotions, posture and movement. One of them is rolfing - which combines massage with methods of body-oriented therapy and psychotherapy. The essence of the method is to achieve a therapeutic effect by giving the body the correct vertical position and thereby achieve the ideal ratio of body weight and gravity.
Oriental manual therapy uses acupressure and shiatsu to restore the body's energy system and bring it into a harmonious balanced state.
Recently, stone massage with hot stones has gained wide popularity , which is based on the alternate use of hot and cold stones, which relax and then tone the muscles of the body, thereby increasing their defenses.
Speaking about the healing and restorative functions of massage, it must be borne in mind that this type of therapy also has sufficient contraindications. You should not conduct treatment sessions without first consulting a doctor who will give the necessary recommendations. Of course, only professional massage can give the desired relief and therapeutic effect. A good specialist will certainly study the history of the disease, learn about its current condition and develop a treatment program that takes into account individual characteristics.
Preventive general body massage is a good system to maintain muscle tone, reduce stress and tension, improve well-being and performance. Athletes constantly use it to warm up muscles before serious physical exertion, as well as to recover from injuries and bruises in complex treatment.