For thousands of years many cultures have used the manipulation and massage of the body as a form of treatment for illness and ailments. Theories behind the benefits of massage include blocking nociceptive pain and activating the parasympathetic nervous system which can stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin.
With a wide variety of massage alternatives available it can sometimes be difficult to work out which one might be the most beneficial for you. Enclosed below is a brief outline of all the varying treatments available. If you feel you require further information on specific treatments please contact us directly on info@naturalhealthdirectory.co.uk.
Remedial Massage
This form of massage is often used in the treatment of sports injury but its many benefits are not isolated to injury related pain. It often works at a deeper level than a relaxing massage would and is based on the location of trigger points and the identification of contraction within muscle fibres. Once the location of pain has been established the practitioner will then being to manipulate the affect area to stimulate the muscle and help it reduce its contraction.
The benefits of remedial massage are:-
- Improved blood flow and general mobility of the joints within the affected area.
- Improved resistance in the area of concentration.
- Reducing stress and muscle tension and improves muscle tone.
- Increases the lymphatic flow to the treatment area which consequently reduces pain and inflammation and helps the body’s healing mechanisms.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu originated in China and can be traced back for over 3000 years. Its underpinning lays in the basis that along with acupuncture and a healthy diet and lifestyle optimum health is achievable.
The principle of Shiatsu implies the flow of Qi circulating through the body is the most important aspect of a healthy being. This form of massage promotes the movement of Qi and lymph throughout the body. It uses a combination of firm pressure and stretching to promote this movement.
Shiatsu forms a general feeling of health and wellbeing and is an essential element to form balanced state within the body.
For further details on Shiatsu massage please see the Traditional Chinese Medicine section of this site.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a popular form of massage that is used frequently in western society. It is based on the concept that all the parts of the body are connected through energy pathways that terminate/originate in the feet.
The practitioner will work over these reflex areas in a repetitive systematic way to stimulate the body’s responses and promote a general feeling of wellbeing.
Indian Head Massage
It is based on ancient Ayurvedic techniques which seek to promote stress relief and relaxation of the shoulders, upper back, neck, scalp and face. A treatment can also improve mental clarity and focus.
Indian head massage can be used to treat a number of ailments like aches, pains, headaches, localized blood and lymphatic problems muscle tension and joint movement.
The therapist focuses on the three charkas relating to mind, body and spirit. These chakras are critical to the maintenance of wellbeing within oneself. The massage mainly focuses on the head and scalp and one of its many benefits is the versatility of the treatment and its applications.
Reiki
Reiki is a form of non invasive massage that originated in Japan in 1920′s. It works on the principle that the whole body is treated through the passing of energy from the Reiki healer to the patient. A full treatment will last for up to 90 minutes and the practitioner will place hands over various parts of body to help with relaxation and the stimulation of the chakras.
Swedish massage
This form of massage is perhaps the best established in the west. It was popularized by Per Hennrick Ling in 1700′s. It is really useful for stimulating oxygen flow in the blood and releasing toxins from the body, evacuating the body of metabolic waste like uric acid and lactic acid and so is often used to improve recovery time from muscular strain.
It usually takes on a specific structure:
- Effleurage: gentle stroking with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
- Petrissage: kneading movements with hands, thumbs and/or fingers
- Friction: circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
- Vibration: oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
- Hacking: light slaps or karate-style chopping.
Swedish massage also helps to stretch ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. It also soothes the nervous system at the same time.
Sports Massage
This form of therapy can be used to treat many conditions and injuries as outlined in Sports and injuries sections of this site. Sports massage can incorporate all the treatment modalities along with myofiscal release techniques and massage strokes which elongate contracted muscles fibres and assist lymphatic drainage.
