Massage is one of the most effective methods of treatment and prevention of many diseases. It helps improve blood circulation, reduce muscle tension, relieve pain and promote overall relaxation of the body. However, in order to achieve maximum effect, it is necessary to correctly apply massage techniques and follow the technique of its implementation.
Massage uses certain techniques that can be divided into five main groups: stroking, rubbing, squeezing, kneading and vibration. Each of these techniques has its own specifics and is used depending on the purpose of the massage and the patient’s condition.
Massage techniques can be classified as medium-deep (stroking, rubbing, squeezing), deep (kneading) and shock (vibration). When performing a massage, it is necessary to alternate techniques without taking breaks between them. You should also not massage the lymph nodes when performing a massage.
When starting to master massage techniques, you can massage your leg, while you yourself will simultaneously recognize and feel what sensations the person being massaged experiences. The massage should begin softly and gently, then it should gradually intensify, and at the end soft, relaxing techniques should be repeated.
The number of repetitions of individual massage techniques varies and depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and some other factors, such as age, health, etc. Certain techniques have to be repeated up to 4-5 times, others less often.
The strength and dosage of massage are of great importance. Rough, hasty, haphazard and unrhythmic movements, as well as excessive duration of massage, can cause pain, convulsive muscle contractions, irritation of the cerebral cortex and overexcitation of the nervous system. This type of massage can be harmful.
You should also not start the massage with sudden movements and stop suddenly. The first sessions should not be long and intense; the muscles need special preparation for intense exposure. The muscles of the person being massaged should be relaxed.
It is important to change the pressure of your fingers on the body and carefully record the sensations that arise. It is necessary to do such training massage sessions in order to create a sense of rhythm in which the hands move continuously, changing one technique to another.
It must be remembered that massage movements should be directed along the lymphatic tract towards the nearest lymph nodes. When massaging the upper limbs, the direction of movement should go from the hand to the elbow joint, then from the elbow joint to the armpit. When massaging the lower extremities, movements should be directed from the foot to the knee joint, then from the knee joint to the groin area. When massaging the torso, neck, head, movements should be directed from the sternum to the sides, to the armpits, from the sacrum up to the neck, from the scalp to the subclavian nodes. When massaging the abdomen, the rectus muscles are massaged from top to bottom, and the oblique muscles, on the contrary, from bottom to top.
You should start the massage with large areas of the body, and then you need to move on to smaller ones. This sequence helps improve lymph and blood circulation in the body.
Classic massage is a process that requires a professional approach and certain knowledge. It must be carried out taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient and following a certain technique. Proper use of massage techniques will not only help achieve the desired effect, but also protect against possible negative consequences. Therefore, if you have a desire to master this method of treatment and prevention, you need to contact a professional massage therapist or receive appropriate education.