An Easy to Follow Introduction to the Wonderful World of Massage

The unique benefits of massage have been known to man for many millennia. Over time, the techniques and procedures of massage have been refined and perfected. Today, we can broadly differentiate among four separate types of massage: sports massage, therapeutic massage, cosmetic massage and hygienic massage.

The impact of massage on the human body is multifaceted. Research has suggested that massage can improve the function of the nervous and muscular systems, enhance blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the metabolic process. It has been shown that massage improves the distribution of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissues and improves their self-cleansing process. In turn, this enables muscle tissue to regain functionality more rapidly. At the same time, massage increases the flow of blood to surrounding tissue, thereby increasing the fluidity and range of motion in the joints. Consequently, massage provides a versatile tool, effectively utilized for muscle soreness, bruises, stresses, sprains, and other injuries.

Of course, the results of massage on a specific individual depends on a range of factors, including the type, duration, and quality of the massage, as well as the specific physiological make-up and internal sensitivity of the individual. Despite common misperceptions, massage should generally not cause feelings of pain or discomfort, but rather positive sensations.

Massage may be performed with the hands, other body parts, or with the use of various specialized tools. With respect to massage using the hands, the following hand strokes are differentiated: stroking, rubbing, kneading, pressing, and vibrating. While you may see different terminology in other sources, most agree upon these five as being the primary stroke types. Depending on the body parts being massaged and the desired impact, various strokes may be utilized in a range of possible combinations and timing patterns.

In the course of "stroking", the hands should glide easily along the skin, providing a limited and equal distribution of pressure on the target area. The direction of the movement should be synchronized with the direction of the lymphatic capillaries. Stroking relaxes the muscular tissues and calms the nervous system. In addition, stroking catalyzes the flow of blood and lymph, activates the skin, opens internal channels, and mitigates feelings of pain.

By contrast, "rubbing" involves a deeper level of impact, as both the skin and the underlying tissues are massaged. This type of massage catalyzes the dispersion of muscle knots, dissolves internal coagulations, boosts localized blood circulation and, in certain instances, can effectively reduce tissue pain. Typically, a differentiation is made between linear, circular, and spiral rubbing patterns. In addition, rubbing may be performed either with the tips of the fingers or the base of the palm.

"Kneading" is a particularly effective technique for the massage of individual muscles or muscle groups. In the course of kneading, the target muscle is gripped with the fingers of the hand and then squeezed and pulled away from the body. In the course of kneading, the second hand may work in opposition, moving the adjoining muscle in an alternate direction.

"Pressing" provides a way to impact the deeper tissues of the body and is particularly effective in improving blood and lymph circulation. Pressing is typically performed by pushing down with the side edge of the hand or the thumb while maintaining an overall forward motion along a chosen target pathway.

The last type of stroke is "vibrating", which catalyzes reflex speed, improves the function of internal organs, stimulates metabolic processes, and speeds up tissue recovery. Vibrating may be performed either with the use of specialized tools or with the hands. When using the hands, the movement must be both even and rhythmic, and the hand should remain in contact with the target area at all times.

You may use these strokes either on a partner or on your own body. Be sure that any massage activities are performed in a warm room. Both the masseuse and the recipient of the massage (which are one and the same in the case of self-massage) should be in comfortable positions, conducive to relaxation and the channeling of positive energy. During the course of massage, be sure to breathe evenly.