Thanks to massage you can get rid of many health problems. However, many underestimate its benefits. Massage performed by an experienced specialist will allow you to get rid of headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps or cellulite. After the first session, positive changes can be observed. Thanks to our article, you can find out what massages are.
general information
Massage has a therapeutic effect. When using this type of therapy, systematicity is important. Massage involves the use of special techniques to activate or relax muscles. This type of treatment therapy is usually used to relieve stress or improve blood circulation. There are various types of massage, which have both indications for use and contraindications. Before resorting to this type of therapy, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. Otherwise, massage may not be beneficial, but rather harm and worsen the condition. The doctor will select the most suitable type and method of massage therapy for you. It is also important that the massage therapist you seek help has experience and good reviews.
The following types of massage therapy are available:
- Balinese
- Swedish;
- Thai;
- Wellness
- can;
- anti-cellulite;
- self-massage;
- sports;
- point;
- Tantric and others.
Each of them can help get rid of a particular problem. Consultation of the attending physician is extremely important, since the final result depends on the right therapy.
In some situations, visits to massage rooms are not allowed. This type of therapy is contraindicated:
- immediately after a meal, alcohol or drug;
- after recent surgery (an exception can only be if there is a referral from a doctor);
- in the presence of heart disease (in this case, massage can be performed only as prescribed by the doctor);
- people who have cancer;
- in the presence of infections;
- with venous expansion of veins.
Often, massage is used to treat a particular disease. The types and techniques that are described in our article will help you understand which therapy is right for you.
The following massage techniques are known:
- moving;
- kneading;
- vibrational;
- stroking;
- squeezing.
Each of the techniques is suitable for getting rid of a particular problem.
Reflexology
The most common types of classic massage. One of them is reflexology. After the course, health is significantly improved.
Reflexology is used by some people as an alternative to treatment. Patients believe that it is more effective than taking medications. Reflexotherapy consists in pressure on certain so-called biological points of the arms and legs. It is carried out without the use of oil or lotion. This type of therapy, unlike some others, does not bring discomfort to the patient.
Reflexology is based on ancient Chinese teachings. According to him, qi energy flows in the body , which circulates through special channels. On them are points that interact with all internal organs. All of them are interconnected. By acting on them, you can significantly improve the general condition of the body and get rid of some health problems. It is known that reflexology can relieve pain and relieve inflammation.
The concept of reflexology is largely based on the belief that a lack of qi can prevent or slow down the healing process. By acting on certain biological points, you can activate it. In some countries, reflexology may be prescribed by your doctor. The types of therapeutic massage, which are based on the ancient Chinese teachings, are no less popular in Russia.
This system is quite complicated. Specialists draw up a diagram that can clearly show which parts of the arms and legs need special attention during massage in order to improve the condition of a particular internal organ.
However, there is no scientific evidence that these theories are absolutely accurate and effective in the treatment of specific diseases.
Swedish massage
Not everyone knows what massages are. That is why not all of their types are in demand. The most sparing is considered Swedish. It is often recommended for those who have never before visited a massage room. This species is considered therapeutic. The Swedish version of manual therapy can only be performed by a qualified specialist, like almost any other medical massage. Training can be taken at specialized courses.
Swedish massage is the basis for other types of Western massage, including sports and aromatherapy. Most people undergo 50- or 60-minute therapy. However, to obtain results as soon as possible, it is recommended to give preference to sessions that last more than an hour.
Swedish massage can be slow and gentle or energetic and invigorating - it all depends on the personal style of the massage therapist and what exactly he is trying to achieve. During this type of treatment therapy, the specialist uses special oil and applies various techniques. Thanks to them, he warms up muscle tissue and relieves the patient of tension. Swedish massage promotes relaxation.
Before the procedure, the specialist should ask the patient about the presence of any bodily injuries or diseases. During a Swedish massage, the patient should usually be naked under a towel. The specialist reveals only the necessary part of the body. If nudity confuses the patient, he may leave underwear on him.
When selecting a specialist, you must pay attention to cleanliness in the office. It is important to find out in advance whether this person has a medical book and whether he has completed massage courses. A good specialist is the key to the effectiveness of the therapy.
Swedish massage usually begins with back treatment. The first stage of the procedure lasts at least 10 minutes. The specialist uses various massage techniques, which include kneading, friction and squeezing.
When the process of warming up the back muscles ends, the specialist goes to the back of each of the legs. Some massage therapists work in a different order, and they all have their own style and use different methods.
Lymphatic massage
Not everyone knows what massages are, and therefore they believe that many of the problems with these procedures cannot be eliminated. This opinion is erroneous. Any type of massage has a therapeutic effect. Each of them allows you to get rid of a specific health problem.
Lymphatic massage is one of those types that are designed to enhance the healthy flow of lymph. Proponents of this kind of therapeutic therapy believe that it helps to remove toxins from the body. This type of massage is usually very gentle. It has contraindications, since it affects the state of the lymphatic system and can significantly worsen a person’s well-being. It is important to consult a doctor before choosing this type of therapy.
Lymphatic massage reduces swelling and cleanses the lymphatic system. It also stimulates the flow of other interstitial fluids.
Some experts recommend using this type of massage before surgery to ensure that the lymphatic system is clean. It may also be applicable after surgery, in order to reduce the tumor.
People suffering from inflammatory and infectious diseases should not use lymphatic massage. It can contribute to the spread of the disease. It is also contraindicated in people with blood coagulation problems and heart diseases.
This type of massage has been practiced since the last century. Clients should always report that they experience pain during the procedure. They should also be aware that swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of a serious illness that requires medical attention.
When searching for a specialist, be sure to ask about where he studied. A reputable massage therapist will be happy to provide such data. He must have a medical record. A diploma must also be present, which indicates that the specialist has completed massage courses.
Anticellulite massage
Cellulite is a problem that many women face. Getting rid of it is quite difficult. There are many procedures that make the skin elastic. One of them is a general anti-cellulite massage.
The procedure allows you to even out the most problematic skin areas. After the course, they become elastic and resilient, blood circulation in the treated area improves.
Anti-cellulite massage can weaken the tissue that connects the fat cells. There are several types of such therapy. Anti-cellulite massage can be performed both manually and using special devices.
Treatment of cellulite with massage consists of several intensive sessions. This type of therapy is deep and energetic. Some argue that it can be painful at first, but over time, the patient gets used to and relaxes during the procedure.
Acupressure in the treatment of cough in a child
Acupressure for children who complain of a strong cough is a great way to get rid of the disorder without the use of medications. It is especially popular in the cold season.
Many parents will be surprised when they realize how acupressure is effective in treating cough. Thanks to him, the child recovers in the shortest possible time. His health also improves significantly.
Acupressure involves the use of only hands and the complete exclusion of drugs. It is economical, safe and effective. When using special oils. It is important that the massage takes place in a warm room without drafts.
With acupressure, a specialist or parents act on important areas that are on the face, hands and chest area. This kind of therapy appeared in China. It has been used there for many years and is considered one of the most effective.
Massage the spine with massage jars
Cupping of the spine is effective due to the reflex mechanisms of the human body. The bottom line is that medical jars cause minor hemorrhages, and the breakdown products of blood and tissue cause irritation of nerve receptors in the skin. Due to this, blood circulation improves, and swelling and inflammation are also reduced.
For massage medical jars are used. You can buy them at any pharmacy. The painful area on the back is smeared with petroleum jelly or warm vegetable oil and the jars are heated for several seconds and then quickly applied to the skin. After that, the masseur begins to move the device along the spine.
The duration of the can procedure is 5-7 minutes. After a good massage, bruises should not remain on the body.
Cupping massage is effective not only in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but also in getting rid of muscle pain, neuritis, asthma, chronic bronchitis and other diseases. The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of skin diseases such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It is not recommended for people who have different types of tumors. Cupping is contraindicated in the acute stage of osteoarthritis, as the procedure causes overexcitation, increased edema and inflammation in the nerve roots. In most cases, it is recommended for chronic osteochondrosis. Sometimes a can massage is used in the first hours after the manifestation of pain. In this case, the pathological process is interrupted, and the patient recovers literally after the first session.
Massage at home
Some people, despite having various health problems, are not able to attend massage rooms. Most often this is due to lack of free time or money. You can also have a massage at home. However, for this you will need to learn its basic techniques and types so as not to harm yourself or a loved one who needs help.
It is important that the massage is carried out only in a warm room, the air temperature in which is at least 21 degrees Celsius. It needs to have enough light in it. Everyone knows that massage is done to the patient on the couch. However, if the house does not have such a device, you can use any hard surface. The person who will do the massage needs to learn how to save his energy and not make unnecessary movements. Otherwise, the hands of an inexperienced massage therapist will get tired.
Professional massage and self-massage has a lot of differences. Of course, any therapy conducted by a qualified specialist will be more effective. However, not everyone is ready to go for a massage to a stranger. In this case, you can help yourself or ask a loved one about it.
During the massage, you can use special creams, oils and lotions. As a rule, they have a warming effect. Often at home, girls give themselves an anti-cellulite massage. The most effective in this case is the procedure using special cans. It’s important not to overdo it. Otherwise, a can massage at home will be painful, and upon its completion hematomas will remain on the body.
Is special training necessary for home massage?
A massage performed at home will not be effective if the person who is conducting it is not familiar with general information about a particular type of therapy. Relaxing procedures can be carried out at home, without special skills. More serious preparation requires medical massage. Training in this case is essential. This is due to the fact that a person, not having special knowledge, can not only not help himself and his family to get rid of any disease, but also exacerbate the situation.
To summarize
Massage has a lot of positive qualities. Thanks to him, you can get rid of any problem in the body, relax after a hard day's work and recover from a disease. Many do not consider massage therapy effective. This opinion is erroneous. What are the massages, you found in our article. Before choosing one of them, consult your doctor to make sure that he will not harm your health.