Segmental Massage

Segmental massage

Since segmental massage restores the normal state of the body, it can be considered a type of therapeutic massage. Segmental structure of the body. During development, each body segment acquires a corresponding spinal nerve. Thus, each spinal nerve is connected to one or another area of ​​the skin. Segments are areas of skin in the form of strips covering the body from the midline in front to the midline in the back (Fig. 6 a, b).

The following segments of the spinal cord are distinguished: 8 cervical (C1-C8.); 12 chest (D1-D12); 5 lumbar (L1-L5); 5 sacral (S1-S5).

In the 19th century The Englishman Ged and the Russian clinician G. A. Zakharyin drew attention to the fact that a disease of any internal organ causes an increase in sensitivity in certain areas of the skin. Subsequently, these areas began to be called the Zakharyin-Ged zones. In addition to increased sensitivity, tension and increased muscle soreness may occur in these areas. Experimental studies have shown that signs of diseases of internal organs, along with increased sensitivity, may include the following:

1. stripes of skin stretching in the spine during an inflammatory process in the spine;

2. the same stripes in combination with hair loss due to pulmonary tuberculosis;

3. unilateral sweating due to pneumonia;

4. increased temperature on the sore side with pleurisy, etc.

Detection of reflex changes

Here are the simplest detections of reflex changes in the skin caused by pathological processes in the internal organs:

1. Run the blunt end of the needle over the surface of the skin (the touch should be light, without pressure). In an area of ​​increased pain (hyperalgesia), the touch will feel sharp and stabbing.

2. Lightly touch the surface of the skin with the sharp end of the needle. In the zone of hyperalgesia, touch will cause pain.

3. Tickle the patient. In areas of hyperalgesia, tickling will not be felt.

4. Using your thumb and forefinger, lightly squeeze and pull the area of ​​skin. In areas of hyperalgesia, dull, pressing or sharp pain will be felt.

5. To measure the temperature. With hyperalgesia it is usually increased.

In addition, diseases of internal organs can be identified:

1. upon careful examination of the skin (there may be indentations, rough and soft swellings on the skin);

2. using measurements made by the elastomer;

3. using point percussion method.

With point percussion, the difference in connective tissue tension is determined. It is carried out by a series of short light blows with the palmar surface of one finger on the skin.

To identify superficial reflex changes in connective tissue, you can use the following methods:

1. Place your palm with slightly bent fingers on the surface of the skin and press lightly, helping with the other hand and moving the probing hand forward. Healthy skin is easily pressed, but with reflex changes, the resistance of the skin increases and the indentation is almost imperceptible.

2. Gather a small area of ​​skin into a fold and stretch it perpendicular to the axis of the body. Healthy skin stretches well, but with reflex changes you will feel an unpleasant feeling of sharp pressure.

3. Lightly press on the skin with the tips of the 3rd and 4th fingers located at an angle of 40-60 degrees to its surface. Then slowly move the skin area from bottom to top. Fingers glide easily over healthy skin, the resulting skin fold is clearly visible, and the skin moves in a narrow strip. If the resistance of the connective tissue is increased, the movement of the fingers will be difficult, the skin fold is poorly expressed, and will move in a wide strip (7-8 cm).

Reflex changes in the muscles lead to increased pain, limited or widespread hypertonicity, and myogelosis. They can be determined in the following ways:

1. With your thumb and forefinger, press slightly