MASSAGE                         

 

Massage involves different types of touch, pressure or flowing movements

 

applied to the skin and underlying tissues to release muscular tension and

 

pain, relax the body and enhance wellbeing.

 

Different massage techniques and approaches exist.

 

Aromatherapy -  massaging diluted essential oils, extracted from plants,

 

directly into the skin using a range of different massage techniques.

 

Ayurvedic massage - pressure point or hot oil massage that may involve

 

whole-body massage or only parts of the body, such as Indian head

 

massage.

 

Hot stone massage - application of different types of warm or cool stones

 

to the skin to relax muscles or reduce swelling and inflammation.

 

Lymphatic massage - (also known as manual lymphatic drainage) – light

 

and gentle techniques to improve the circulation of lymph fluid in the body.

 

Reflexology - pressure from the thumb and fingertips on the soles of the

 

feet, and sometimes the hands.

 

Remedial massage - soft-tissue massage, commonly used to treat muscle

 

and joint pain and sports injuries.

 

Therapeutic massage - a range of techniques applied to the skin using oils,

 

including effleurage (stretching and relaxing superficial muscles), petrissage

 

(kneading and squeezing deeper muscles and tissues), friction and

 

compression (rubbing and ‘holding’ the tissues to break down scar tissue and

 

relax muscles), tapotement (rhythmical movements and tapping performed

 

with the edge of the hand or heel of the palm to increase blood circulation)

 

and vibration (rhythmical movements for releasing tension and boosting

 

circulation).

 

What's it used for?

 

Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain

 

and to facilitate healing from injury. It's a part of many cancer care

 

programmes and is also used for premature babies, infants, young children

 

and older people. It also plays an important part in sports therapy.

 

What does it involve?

 

Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various

 

techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to

 

promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to

 

enable smooth, flowing massage movements.

 

How does it work?

 

Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and

 

lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid

 

the removal of waste products.

 

Massage is believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system

 

triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ chemicals, known as endorphins that help

 

us relax. It may also help ‘block’ pain signals. It can lower blood pressure and

 

heart rate.

 

Treatment:

 

Usually a brief medical history will be taken to determine the most

 

appropriate form of massage for you. For many types of massage you will

 

be asked to undress down to your underwear and lie on a massage couch,

 

where you will be covered with towels or a sheet. The room should be warm

 

enough to allow you to relax fully. Oils may be used, as in

 

Swedish/Thereuptic massage or Aromatherapy, and either the whole body

 

or just a certain part, such as the feet in reflexology, will be massaged.

 

Associated techniques, such as hot & cold packs for injuries may also be

 

used as part of the treatment.

 

Time taken: A massage can last anything from 15 to 90 minutes, depending

 

on whether it's a partial or full massage, but commonly takes 40 to 60

 

minutes.

 

If you have any queries or would like more information please contact Irene 0161 336 2912

or email: irenetwigg05@aol.com