Massage is the practice of the use of structured or unstructured pressure, tension, movement, or vibration - manually or with mechanical assistance - on the soft tissues of the body, including the skin, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, joints, lymph vessels, organs of the gastrointestinal system and reproductive system, to improve any aspect of the welfare of Massee (that is, the person being massaged). This can be done with or without a massage oil.
The context of a massage can range from informal to highly regulated professional and amateurish. In a professional context, Massee usually lies on a massage table or on a mat on the floor, or you sit on a massage chair.
Approaches
Giving a massage can be done from two entirely different perspectives:
From complaints / symptoms
The aim of a massage can be situated in fighting signs or symptoms, whether physical or mental / emotional.
Treating physical complaints / symptoms occurs primarily by professionals from the (sports) health such as sports massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.
Addressing mental or emotional complaints / symptoms called massage therapy and is mainly carried out by professional massage therapists.
There are providers of so-called alternative medicine as part of their method (also) use massage (such as shiatsu). Through them is often no separation between physical and non-physical complaints made.
From wishes / needs
However, having complaints / symptoms to be none. Massage can (depending on the Massee) also on other aspects of his / her well-being are directed. These can include things like rest and relaxation, pampering and to enjoy, to the alleviation of poverty touch, or simply a pleasant pastime. Different desires or needs at the individual life, can give rise to a massage.
Heat
In addition to the methods and techniques (which vary greatly among the various types of massage) is the aspect heat relatively universal. These can include the following requirements:
Diseases and symptoms to watch for
In some cases it is unwise to massage full (contraindications). That is not to say that massage in those situations completely taboo. Depending on the disorder, some massage operations are nevertheless possible, or even beneficial. See the nuances that are listed below.
There are various types of massage. The list below is an initial inventory. The names listed here are not always parallel arranging together. We find here include:
An overview in alphabetical order:
Ayurvedic massage
The ayurvedic massage is one of the treatment methods within the naturopathic health system Ayurveda. Ayurvedic massage is used for detoxification, rejuvenation, relaxation, prevention and the treatment of complaints.
Cosmetic massage
Since September 1, 2007, in Belgium the profession of cosmetic masseur / masseuse regulated. Only people with a valid business license can register under this heading as a freelance masseur / masseuse.
Among the activities of a cosmetic masseur / masseuse means massaging the human body to maintain the more beautiful or performed in a beauty salon.
Indian head massage
This is also called Champimassage or Shiro Abhyanga massage. The upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp and face are massaged here. The Indian head massage is a 'dynamic' massage with alternating soft and firm actions. The masseur uses kneading, tapping, pressure points (marma points) and gently pull the hair.
Integrative Massage
Integrative Massage is a - assembled in a certain way - a combination of three types of massage: Dynamic massage (classical) Swedish massage and Polarity massage. The way of combining is determined by the holistic image of man.
Kum nye massage
This massage is often called Kum nye tantra, and also has agreements with Sweda. Within this massage form energies are induced in the body, removed and sent so as to create a healing effect. Tulku Lobsang is one of the most important Tibetan teachers who introduced this form of massage in the west.
Metamorphic massage
By means of metamorphosis massage blockages can be discovered which have already been developed during pregnancy by the fetus. These blockages are removed during treatment. Robert Saint John discovered that the spinal reflex points correspond to the time before the birth, the prenatal period. In this reflex are the memories of impressions gained during the prenatal period.
Relaxation massage
A massage with a calming and relaxing effect, relaxation of muscles, promote blood circulation and improve metabolism. In a relaxation massage is softer and more work to raise awareness of the body. Treatment of the head is then not be separated from that of the body.
Polarity massage
One method of natural health care, based on the universal principles of life energy.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the stimulation of reflex points on the feet and hands. It is assumed by the supporters of the assumption that these areas correspond to the different body organs.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese body therapy where the thumbs, palms and fingers without muscle but body weight may be used to pressure (no rubbing or kneading) to exercise certain places on the body.
Sports massage
This is a massage for athletes to improve sports performance and promote recovery after injury.
Chair massage
Chair massage is given on a special ergonomic chair brought by the masseuse or masseur. There is no oil involved. It is very accessible because the massage is given across the clothes. By stress and / or for example a bad attitude can open up blockages that can lead to physical symptoms such as stiff and sore muscles. During the massage, the masseur exerts pressure on the elbows, hands, palms and fingers on head, neck, back, shoulders, arms and hands, causing blockages and weaknesses are amplified. The body therefore is again well balanced. Also stimulates the energy flow and relaxes the muscles and joints. Chair massage is not intended to treat medical problems but reduces and prevents symptoms such as RSI and stress symptoms. It is also sometimes used as a massage by companies because the working environment and performance can improve it.
Sweda massage
Sweda massage is a Tibetan Buddhist form of massage that focuses on the energetic system. The massage focuses on the chakras, meridians, marma points and aura layers.
Tantric massage
Surya tantra massage is called within the Tantra. The massage is focused on the male (Shiva), and the female energy flow (Parvati) in the body. By bringing together this creates Prana, which is then distributed throughout the body.
Thai massage
Thai massage is strongly influenced by yoga, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The often mimic the asanas of yoga and attention to pressure points similar to the nadis of Ayurveda and meridians of Chinese medicine. There are two trends in the Thai massage, the northern version, Nuad Bo-Rarn, and the southern variant, which is also known as Wat Pho massage. The latter is static and is often experienced as painful.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Point Massage is a relatively new form of massage. It will be gone in search of trigger points. A trigger point is a small cramp in a muscle that feels like a painful hardening. These contortions often play an important role in numerous physical discomfort. At trigger point massage, these "muscle knots" searched and massaged. One of the most popular methods among masseurs who Clair Davies, the author of the manual trigger point therapy. Within this method, use is made of short deep kneading. An important part of the treatment is that the patient repeats this themselves several times a day, wherein the massage tools are often used in preference to, or even necessary.
Tui Na
This is a Chinese form of massage. Literal meaning: Tui = push and Na = grab.
Swedish massage
This is also called classical massage. The masseur makes use of include: iron, kneading and knocking.
The context of a massage can range from informal to highly regulated professional and amateurish. In a professional context, Massee usually lies on a massage table or on a mat on the floor, or you sit on a massage chair.
Approaches
Giving a massage can be done from two entirely different perspectives:
From complaints / symptoms
The aim of a massage can be situated in fighting signs or symptoms, whether physical or mental / emotional.
Treating physical complaints / symptoms occurs primarily by professionals from the (sports) health such as sports massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists.
Addressing mental or emotional complaints / symptoms called massage therapy and is mainly carried out by professional massage therapists.
There are providers of so-called alternative medicine as part of their method (also) use massage (such as shiatsu). Through them is often no separation between physical and non-physical complaints made.
From wishes / needs
However, having complaints / symptoms to be none. Massage can (depending on the Massee) also on other aspects of his / her well-being are directed. These can include things like rest and relaxation, pampering and to enjoy, to the alleviation of poverty touch, or simply a pleasant pastime. Different desires or needs at the individual life, can give rise to a massage.
Heat
In addition to the methods and techniques (which vary greatly among the various types of massage) is the aspect heat relatively universal. These can include the following requirements:
- The masseur creates a warm room or massage room.
- For Heated cloths to put across the Massee.
- Warm massage.
- The masseur has warm hands.
- Also metaphorically given warmth by massaging "from the heart" (that is, with love).
Diseases and symptoms to watch for
In some cases it is unwise to massage full (contraindications). That is not to say that massage in those situations completely taboo. Depending on the disorder, some massage operations are nevertheless possible, or even beneficial. See the nuances that are listed below.
- Local infections (not only the skin but also, for example, joints) - no massage where the infection is because you could expand - or the healing power of your hand gently used clothing or dressing over; body parts that are not in the ignition in the area, you can massage with light strokes.
- Infectious skin diseases (like herpes) - Do not massage.
- Skin rashes (including acne, eczema, heat rash, boils) - no massage about the outcome - or the healing power of your hand to use carefully through clothing; adjacent parts which are clean you can massage to remove waste products from the tissues.
- Swelling (and other protrusions) - no massage on the swollen areas - still use the healing power of your hand gently; If the swelling is located at some distance from the heart, you are able to work far in the intermediate region to the heart to discharge waste materials from the tissue - if a doctor making a diagnosis to the effect that massage is indicated, this treatment is usually done by a physiotherapist.
- Bruising - not a massage by a hematoma - have to work around the place to spread the blood, and also work in this instance to the heart.
- Light cardiovascular diseases (such as varicose veins) - no massage on the varicose vein, and massage is also not there - still use the healing power of your hand, put the leg up and make light strokes over the varicose veins towards the heart; optionally also up massaging with slight movements on both sides of the varicose vein (this can alleviate the pain).
- Severe cardiovascular disorders (such as thrombosis and phlebitis) - no massage in people with such a condition, which means that there are blood clots; massage can loosen which could - or the healing power of your hand to use carefully.
- Fractures - no massage when a bone is broken or there is a presumption of fracture; seek medical attention - still use the healing power of your hand gently, and apply comforting touches on other body parts; at a later stage may prescribe a physician possibly to massage like a strain / sprain.
- Severe bruising - see Fractures.
- Wounds and recent scars - not massage.
- Cured scars (that is to say, at least four days, the sutures are removed) - the pulling off of the scar can be positively influenced by massaging gently daily with a healing cream or gel (for example, on the basis of calendula); it is not uncommon to go through with it for two years.
- Flu or fever - no massage by someone with a fever - still use the healing power of your hand; the skin is often very sensitive to fever; caress or hold may offer relief.
- Pregnancy, cancer, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, asthma - further information is currently lacking.
Types of massage
There are various types of massage. The list below is an initial inventory. The names listed here are not always parallel arranging together. We find here include:
- names that indicate the purpose of the massage - examples: Relaxation Massage, Erotic massage;
- names that indicate the approach (method and techniques) Massage - Examples: Shiatsu, Swedish massage.
An overview in alphabetical order:
Ayurvedic massage
The ayurvedic massage is one of the treatment methods within the naturopathic health system Ayurveda. Ayurvedic massage is used for detoxification, rejuvenation, relaxation, prevention and the treatment of complaints.
Cosmetic massage
Since September 1, 2007, in Belgium the profession of cosmetic masseur / masseuse regulated. Only people with a valid business license can register under this heading as a freelance masseur / masseuse.
Among the activities of a cosmetic masseur / masseuse means massaging the human body to maintain the more beautiful or performed in a beauty salon.
Indian head massage
This is also called Champimassage or Shiro Abhyanga massage. The upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp and face are massaged here. The Indian head massage is a 'dynamic' massage with alternating soft and firm actions. The masseur uses kneading, tapping, pressure points (marma points) and gently pull the hair.
Integrative Massage
Integrative Massage is a - assembled in a certain way - a combination of three types of massage: Dynamic massage (classical) Swedish massage and Polarity massage. The way of combining is determined by the holistic image of man.
Kum nye massage
This massage is often called Kum nye tantra, and also has agreements with Sweda. Within this massage form energies are induced in the body, removed and sent so as to create a healing effect. Tulku Lobsang is one of the most important Tibetan teachers who introduced this form of massage in the west.
Metamorphic massage
By means of metamorphosis massage blockages can be discovered which have already been developed during pregnancy by the fetus. These blockages are removed during treatment. Robert Saint John discovered that the spinal reflex points correspond to the time before the birth, the prenatal period. In this reflex are the memories of impressions gained during the prenatal period.
Relaxation massage
A massage with a calming and relaxing effect, relaxation of muscles, promote blood circulation and improve metabolism. In a relaxation massage is softer and more work to raise awareness of the body. Treatment of the head is then not be separated from that of the body.
Polarity massage
One method of natural health care, based on the universal principles of life energy.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the stimulation of reflex points on the feet and hands. It is assumed by the supporters of the assumption that these areas correspond to the different body organs.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese body therapy where the thumbs, palms and fingers without muscle but body weight may be used to pressure (no rubbing or kneading) to exercise certain places on the body.
Sports massage
This is a massage for athletes to improve sports performance and promote recovery after injury.
Chair massage
Chair massage is given on a special ergonomic chair brought by the masseuse or masseur. There is no oil involved. It is very accessible because the massage is given across the clothes. By stress and / or for example a bad attitude can open up blockages that can lead to physical symptoms such as stiff and sore muscles. During the massage, the masseur exerts pressure on the elbows, hands, palms and fingers on head, neck, back, shoulders, arms and hands, causing blockages and weaknesses are amplified. The body therefore is again well balanced. Also stimulates the energy flow and relaxes the muscles and joints. Chair massage is not intended to treat medical problems but reduces and prevents symptoms such as RSI and stress symptoms. It is also sometimes used as a massage by companies because the working environment and performance can improve it.
Sweda massage
Sweda massage is a Tibetan Buddhist form of massage that focuses on the energetic system. The massage focuses on the chakras, meridians, marma points and aura layers.
Tantric massage
Surya tantra massage is called within the Tantra. The massage is focused on the male (Shiva), and the female energy flow (Parvati) in the body. By bringing together this creates Prana, which is then distributed throughout the body.
Thai massage
Thai massage is strongly influenced by yoga, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The often mimic the asanas of yoga and attention to pressure points similar to the nadis of Ayurveda and meridians of Chinese medicine. There are two trends in the Thai massage, the northern version, Nuad Bo-Rarn, and the southern variant, which is also known as Wat Pho massage. The latter is static and is often experienced as painful.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Point Massage is a relatively new form of massage. It will be gone in search of trigger points. A trigger point is a small cramp in a muscle that feels like a painful hardening. These contortions often play an important role in numerous physical discomfort. At trigger point massage, these "muscle knots" searched and massaged. One of the most popular methods among masseurs who Clair Davies, the author of the manual trigger point therapy. Within this method, use is made of short deep kneading. An important part of the treatment is that the patient repeats this themselves several times a day, wherein the massage tools are often used in preference to, or even necessary.
Tui Na
This is a Chinese form of massage. Literal meaning: Tui = push and Na = grab.
Swedish massage
This is also called classical massage. The masseur makes use of include: iron, kneading and knocking.