Massage techniques. Massage: tables, oils, tools. How to massage

Massage is a preventive, roborant and anastaltic therapy. The word “massage” comes from the Greek verb “masso” which means “to touch, handle, to work with hands”. Massage therapy has to do with touching or working with the body with pressure.

Massage is a treatment technique that has been used in many countries for centuries. If you want to feel young and healthy or you want to relax, you need a massage session. Massage is used not only to seniors, but also for babies.

Massage benefits are innumerable. The main are stress relief, relaxing muscles, reducing blood pressure, pain relief. Massage improves flexibility and circulation of blood. It can help with arthritis and muscle spasms. Besides it strengthens the immune system.

How to Massage

Massage is one of the most popular and the simplest form of therapy. By getting massage regularly you will, certainly, feel how your body is changing for the better. How to give massage is a real art. It needs preparation and pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. While massaging your own body you should know some basic facts about this art, this will prevent you from hurting yourself. There are different types of massages and different techniques. You should know how to massage different parts of your body – neck, face, feet or back to get best results. A massage may last from 10 till 90 minutes. Here you can find more information about types of massage.

Main massage techniques

Massage can be gentle, very relaxing and more forceful depending on its assignment. The most popular massage technique is Swedish massage, especially in the US. It is the best known kind of massage existed today. Swedish massage appeared in the 19th century and borrowed many of its techniques from Asian massages. Swedish massage is the best choice for people who have never experienced massage techniques before, as it’s very gentle.

The other well-known massage technique is aromatherapy massage. In this technique one or more essential oils are used while massaging. Aromatic oils or essential oils are chosen due to their properties. Some of aromatic massage oils are for relaxing; some of them are energizing, etc.

Hot stone massage technique is a very effective type of massages. It brings great results. In addition hot stone massage can be used in combination with many other massage techniques. Smooth stones are heated and placed on different parts of you body. This warm stones help to easing muscles and stimulating energy to your body.

Deep tissue massage is rather similar to Swedish massage technique. This massage is very beneficial to your muscles. Deep tissue massage is very strong technique, so it may result in some pain to your body. Deep tissue technique is not only therapeutic, but also corrective.

Reflexology is practiced on feet and hands. In this technique, pressing is used on certain points on hands or on feet. There is a theory that all body parts and organs are connected with specific zones on your foot. The benefits of this technique are associated with frequency of the therapy. It means that the more you go, the better you feel.

Sports massage is, as it seen from the name, a massage technique for sportsmen. The combination of different techniques is used. If you have specific problems with your health, sports massage technique is a wonderful choice for you. It is generally focused on a problem zone.

Massage tools

Massage tools differ greatly. There are a great number of specially designed tools. All the tools must be the high quality to get good results. One of the most important massage tools is a massage table. Massage tables can be stationary or portable. Design and quality of massage tables depend on the price, but, of course, the table must be strong, well-constructed and stable. Except massage tables, there are a lot of different other tools, for example the orthopedic pillows, bolsters, massage chairs, etc.

The other very important tool is massage oil. Massage oils are used not only as lubricants, but also as a curing tool. More than 90% of therapists use different kinds of massage oils. They can be used alone or blended. Here are five top massage oils – jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, sunflower oil, coconut and apricot kernel oils. Jojoba oil is popular not only for massages, but also for hair and skin care. It absorbs greatly. Comparing with other massage oils, sweet almond oil has reasonable price. Its aroma is slightly sweet. Coconut oil doesn’t stain sheets. Apricot kernel oil is similar in color with sweet almond oil. If you are allergic to nuts, apricot kernel oil is a wonderful choice for you. There are special massage lotions which already have essential oil in their composition. When choosing massage oil, make sure that they are hypoallergenic and made from natural ingredients. All these massage tools are available in special shops and, of course, online.