Without any exaggeration, massage can be called the most ancient and quite effective way of preventing many ailments and promoting health. It is used at all stages of medical rehabilitation, which allows you to tone the muscles, restore the body's performance lost due to injuries, reduce body fat and relieve stress. In addition, massage has a beneficial effect not only on the physical, but also on the mental health of a person.
Classification
By massage, we understand this method of treatment and prevention, which uses a combination of different methods of dosed mechanical effects on certain surface areas of the human body. This procedure is carried out either by the hands of a specialist, or using special devices.
Currently, there is a classification of massage based on the goals of its use. Depending on this, this procedure is divided into several types. Also, specialists apply a variety of forms of massage. They differ from each other in the area of influence (general and local), as well as those who carry out the procedure (massage therapist or use self-massage and mutual massage). There are various methods by which the manipulation is carried out, namely manual and foot, hardware, combined.
The main types of massage in the classification of massage are distinguished into sports and medical, hygienic, as well as cosmetic. Each of them is further subdivided into subspecies designed to carry out their tasks. Consider the classification of massage in more detail.
Sports
This technique is designed specifically to prepare people for competitions and training, increase their endurance, increase efficiency, relieve fatigue and restore tone after high physical exertion. What are the types of sports massage distributed in the classification of massage?
Such a procedure is an indispensable component of competition and training. With its help, an athlete is able to get maximum results with minimal loss to health.
When classifying massage according to the methods of conducting, the general is distinguished, when in one session they affect all parts of the body, as well as the private, that is, the implementation of manipulations in one or more areas. It can be performed by both specialists and athletes themselves.
Training
When considering the classification of sports-type massage, a special type of impact is distinguished. Its use contributes to the maximum psychological and physical fitness of a person.
This is a training massage, which is performed only by well-trained athletes. Such manipulations have the same meaning as the training itself. Athletes after this type of massage are less likely to experience stress, are more resistant to various injuries and less tired.
The choice of sports massage technique depends on many conditions. Among them, the type of competition and the intensity of the load, the peculiarity of the training, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient.
Preliminary
When classifying a massage of a sports type, this type of impact is distinguished that is carried out immediately before competitions and training. Such manipulations are called preliminary. They are performed in order to increase the physical capabilities of the athlete.
This type of massage includes three subspecies. Each of them is distinguished by the tasks facing it, as well as the methodology. Their list includes massages:
- warm-up;
- warming;
- in prelaunch states.
Recovery
Carrying out this type of sports massage allows you to restore strength to the body after ultra-high loads. The maximum effect in this case can be observed with the preliminary adoption of a warm shower or bath, as well as swimming. After all, after relieving muscle tension, subsequent massage can be even more beneficial.
For injuries
The athlete’s rehabilitation plan certainly includes massage. After injuries, he will speed up the recovery process, causing positive changes in the damaged areas. Similar manipulations:
- improve blood circulation of injured areas, stimulating metabolic and reparative processes in them;
- strengthens muscles and improves tissue nutrition;
- activate muscle contraction processes, which prevents atrophic processes;
- accelerate the healing of fractures;
- reduce the severity of nerve sensitivity, which allows a person to feel less pain in the area of damage.
Medical
Let's move on to a wide range of these types of massage and their description. Medical manipulations are one of the most ancient ways to promote health. They appeared in those days when a person did not yet have at his disposal medicines and did not have time to develop medical science.
For many centuries, a variety of therapeutic massage methods have been constantly improved. And today it is used as one of the most effective means used to get rid of many ailments.
Among the main advantages of therapeutic massage can be distinguished a wide range of actions and a small number of contraindications. Such manipulations have a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person and produce the desired effect without the use of pharmaceuticals.
Therapeutic massage is prescribed so that a person strengthens his body and successfully passes the rehabilitation stage after an illness or injury. As an independent tool or as one of the elements of complex therapy, such procedures are recommended in the treatment of the nervous, musculoskeletal, digestive and cardiovascular systems, joints and respiratory tract. They help with getting rid of obesity and flat feet, with violations of posture and salt deposits, with neuralgia and neuritis, changes in blood pressure, as well as violations in the field of dermatology, ophthalmology and gynecology.
The purpose of this or that type of massage, as well as the advisability of its implementation is determined by the attending physician. He must determine the frequency and number of procedures to obtain a positive result. Can a massage therapist be engaged in their implementation without a medical education? Not. This type of manipulation, which is prescribed by a doctor, should be carried out only by a highly qualified specialist. Only in this case, the body will not be harmed, and the procedure itself will produce significant results.
There is a certain classification of therapeutic massage. Let's consider it in more detail.
Classical
This is a professional medical massage, which involves performing universal movements conducted along the surface of the body. In this case, the master uses hands, most often palms.
Considering the various types of massage and their description, one can often find indications of the use of various sticks, needles, aromatic oils, gels and therapeutic creams during such procedures. All this is not in the classical form of manipulation. When conducting them, the patient's skin should be clean.
The classic massage technique is built on movements that are carried out in the direction of the lymph nodes. The specialist begins his impact with the collar zone, and then gradually lowers down to the lower back. Initially, he explores large areas - shoulders, back and buttocks. He then acts on the limbs.
Classical massage is basic, not only in medical practice, but also in cosmetology. Perform it, as a rule, when the patient is on a solid and even surface in a horizontal position.
With the help of classic massage, you can achieve many positive results. Such manipulations calm and normalize the pressure, relieve insomnia and nervous tension. Classical massage is notable for its painlessness and pleasant sensations, having a positive effect both on the skin, muscles, organs and spine, and on improving the transmission of impulses by neurons.
Unlike sports massage, these procedures are performed no more than twice a week. Moreover, in the traditional technique there are no aggressive techniques and all parts of the body are involved.
Spot
This type of therapeutic massage is one of the oldest methods of getting rid of ailments. The basis of its application is the impact of a specialist on certain biologically active points that are energetically connected with various organs and systems. This massage is also called acupressure. It reduces nervous and muscle tension and restores the energy balance of the human body.
The basic techniques of massage of a point form were created in ancient centuries by eastern healers. It was these healers who discovered the relationship of certain parts of the body with internal organs. Medicine officially recognized such massage as a treatment method in the 18th century. Today, this therapeutic effect on the body is widespread throughout the world, but it is more developed in China, Japan, as well as other countries of the East.
Acupuncture points massage features:
- The absence of any pain. In this regard, this method can also be applied to patients with a high threshold of sensitivity.
- Extensive exposure spectrum. Acupressure allows you to have a positive effect on any system and organ of the human body. Spend it with a headache and runny nose, hypertension, sleep disturbance, for weight loss, increase immunity, etc.
- High efficiency. Perceptible positive changes for the patient, he can feel after the first session.
Periosteal
The founder of this type of therapeutic massage is Paul Vogler. It was he who developed the methodology, which was based on the statement about the need to correct violations between the bone and muscle tissues. Periosteal massage is oppressive. He got his name from the impact zone, because during such a procedure the specialist exerts an effect on the periosteum - periosteum.
The main task of a massage therapist is to find the external manifestations of ailments in a patient. Disease exit points are small areas that can be identified by their compaction. Such sites are located on the periosteum. So, with diseases of the vessels and the heart, slight thickenings can be observed on the ribs. By pressing on this zone, the specialist exerts an effect on the diseased organ.
It should be borne in mind that such a massage is carried out only as prescribed by the doctor. It is shown only to those patients in whom the doctor revealed painful areas. Periosteal massage is prescribed for:
- pathologies of the musculoskeletal system;
- residual effects after pleurisy, bronchi, pneumonia, etc .;
- chronic periosteum inflammation;
- diseases of the digestive tract, vascular system and heart.
Connective tissue
Among the various types of therapeutic massage, one is distinguished, in which the effect on the connective tissues located in the areas of the reflex zones is performed. It is here that a large number of nerve endings are located, when exposed to which the positive effect of massage is achieved. At the same time, metabolic processes and blood circulation are improved, muscle cramps and tension of the connective tissues are eliminated, adhesions are resorbed and scar regeneration is activated.
This type of massage is recommended if a person has a sufficient amount of connective tissue and its noticeable changes in the form of edema or retraction. It provides effective assistance in the treatment and prevention of rheumatic diseases, as well as inflammation of the joints. We apply this method for pathologies of internal organs (respiration, digestive tract, liver, kidneys and gall bladder), as well as for headaches, varicose veins, circulatory disorders, neurological and orthopedic ailments.
The main method of this massage is tissue displacement. The specialist acts on them with the tips of the third and fourth fingers, producing biasing and stretching movements.
Reflex segmental
Another type of therapeutic massage is the mechanical effect on some parts of the patient's body. It is produced on those zones that have a reverse reflex connection with functional systems and internal organs.
The basis of this type of massage is the separation of the human body into specific segments. Under the influence of the effect, the nerve fibers begin to transmit impulses to the spinal cord. The resulting reaction is called segmental. Such impulses reach the brain, activating a reaction in it, aimed at normalizing the work of various systems and organs.
It is interesting that the massage therapist does not influence the diseased organ at all. It processes zones that are innervated by the same segments of the spinal cord.
A similar type of exposure is used when:
- respiratory diseases;
- gastrointestinal pathologies;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- traumatic injuries;
- pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
The main techniques of massage of a reflex-segmental appearance are rubbing and kneading, drilling and moving, shaking the pelvis, as well as the impact on the areas located between the processes of the vertebrae.
Hardware
Today, massage can be not only manual. The specialist sometimes acts on the human body, using special devices for this.
There is a classification of types of massage according to the purpose of its use, method of exposure and the equipment used. According to these signs, hardware procedures are divided into:
- Vibro massage. It is produced using a special chair or apparatus. Such devices exert a vibration effect on those receptors that are localized on the skin. At the same time, the patient's posture and breast shape improves, muscles are tightened and cellulite is eliminated.
- Hydromassage. Such a procedure is carried out using a stream of water supplied under pressure. The hydromassage will remove excess folds on the stomach and hips, as well as relax the muscles.
- Pneumonic or vacuum. Such a massage is carried out using special suction cups with negative pressure created in them. Such procedures tighten the skin and accelerate blood circulation.
- Baromassage. It is carried out in special pressure chambers, where various parts of the body are exposed to discharged or compressed air. Such a change in pressure helps to accelerate the circulation of lymph and blood, due to which edema is eliminated, metabolism and intestinal motility are normalized.
- Ultrasonic. For this massage you will need special equipment. The ultrasound he creates affects the problem areas, eliminating gynecological pathologies, and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Hygienic
This type of massage is an excellent tool for the prevention of various diseases and the implementation of body care, which allows you to maintain and strengthen your health. Thanks to such procedures, the body's vitality increases and immunity increases. Anyone who wants to recover in this way can take a classic massage course. This will allow you to learn his techniques in order to further apply them with maximum efficiency.
Hygienic massage is local and general. It is carried out both separately and simultaneously with morning exercises, in a Russian bath, in a sauna, etc. As a rule, such manipulations are self-massage, in which such techniques as stroking and rubbing, squeezing and kneading, vibration find their application.
Cosmetic
This type of massage is only local. It is used for skin care, as well as to prevent its aging.
The following types of massage in cosmetology:
- Prophylactic. Such procedures are aimed at eliminating dry skin, as well as at preventing its wilting.
- Therapeutic. This type of massage is designed to eliminate wrinkles, puffiness, wrinkles, excessive fat deposition, etc.
- Plastic. This procedure is performed by elderly people when a sharp decrease in skin turgor occurs. Sometimes similar manipulations are also carried out for young patients in the event of the appearance of deep folds and facial wrinkles.
In beauty salons you can find work for a masseur without a medical education. After all, such procedures do not belong to the type of treatment.To do this, you will need to show a certificate of completion of classical massage courses and its other types. Training will allow you to have an idea about the features of massage techniques and the condition of the tissues exposed.
Unconventional techniques
Massage has a large number of varieties. Some of these techniques have come to us since ancient times, while others were developed relatively recently.
Consider some non-traditional types of massage.
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- Use of sea shells. This massage comes from the Polynesian Islands. For the procedure, flat shells are used, having various shapes and sizes. Before massage, they are slightly heated in seawater, in which there are algae. Such manipulations can saturate the skin with macro- and microelements, because of which it begins to produce a large amount of collagen.
- Shiatsu. This is an acupressure massage for rejuvenation, which was developed by a doctor from Japan Tokiuro Namikoshi. The principle of action of such manipulations is based on actions aimed at correcting the movement of vital energy through the body. Shiotsu provides for the massage of individual points, which are projections of organs. In this case, not only skin rejuvenation occurs, but also its healing. Wrinkles on the face are smoothed out and swelling is reduced.