BODY MASSAGE
What is a Body Massage?
Massage is a treatment that uses different kinds of physical contact to relax, revive and
heal the body. It is used to treat a wide range of emotional and physical health problems
and is one of the most popular treatments on a spa menu.
What is massage therapy?
Massage is the stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles.
There are lots of different kinds of massage, each with broadly different origins and
aims - some focus on soothing muscle pain; others on increasing energy levels; some
aim to improve a specific physical condition; others simply to help you relax.
Massage makes you feel good in lots of ways, and can have a positive effect on
your whole body - your bones, your muscles, your heart, your skin, your breathing,
digestion, and your mental health.
Massage works in various ways:
It relaxes and refreshes tired or knotted muscles
It increases blood circulation
It stimulates deep circulation, both of blood and lymph which helps your body to heal, and
generally work more efficiently
It encourages your body to produce endorphins - the natural chemicals in your body that
make you feel happy
It's instinctive to give someone a hug or a pat on the back to comfort or reassure them;
in some ways, massage is a formal version of that instinct.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE?
In its various forms, theraputic massage can help to cure and relieve a wide range of
complaints. Research shows that it is particularly good at relieving stress-related
problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, through to asthma, constipation and high
blood pressure. It is effective at providing pain relief - treating chronic pain, back pain
and even arthritis. It is also being used more and more with stroke and cancer
patients and with people with dementia.
Massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients
that reach your organs and tissues. Whilst massage encourages your body to circulate
the "good stuff"; it also encourages it to get rid of the "bad stuff" - waste products,
toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water. Stimulating the nervous system and
improving the lymphatic system will also boost the immune system.
It can be used to treat specific physical injuries or difficulties, and to help with
rehabilitation after someone has had a sports injury. It can also help prevent further
muscle or tissue damage and improve an athlete's range of motion.
One of the greatest effects of most complementary massages is that it can make you
feel much better about yourself, more relaxed in your own skin, calm and peaceful.
Before you go
Massages vary, and you'll have to bear different things in mind depending on what kind
you're having. However, generally speaking you should wear loose-fitting clothes - you
can keep your clothes on for some forms of massage; for others, you will take them off,
or just wear a towel.
Precautions
Before any massage treatment, avoid large meals or alcohol. It's also a good idea to
drink plenty of water, which will help your body to flush the toxins out of your body.
You should always tell your therapist in advance if you:
are, or think you might be, pregnant
have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication
have recently had an injury or operation
are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies
have any broken skin or sores on your scalp
have a fever or infection
as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.
What to expect
Whatever kind of massage you are having, the masseur should ask you some basic
questions about your medical history, lifestyle and general health.
Massages usually take place on a massage table or bed in a private area. Massage
therapists will massage you with their bare hands, and possibly with their feet or elbows
as well. They may use some massage oil to make it easier to glide their hands across
your skin. The strength of pressure will vary according to the massage-type and
the parts of the body they are massaging.
The length of sessions varies. Treatments can last from half an hour to half a day,
depending on what kind of massage you are having and what specific areas are being
massaged. Whatever it is, make sure you allow yourself time to get ready and get
settled, as well as time to wind down afterwards.
Hot tip!
Get plenty of information in advance about the kind of products being used or any
precautions they might need to take; for example, tell them if you are allergic to anything
Afterwards
You can expect to feel relaxed and calm after a massage. After some, you may feel a
little achey, after others so relaxed that you are a bit vague or sleepy. On the other
hand, some massages will leave you feeling really energised.
Whatever it is, try to arrange to have your massage when you have a little time to enjoy
its benefits. It may not be a good idea to plan an important presentation, host a
children's party or take a three-hour drive up the M6 to visit your ex-husband
immediately afterwards. Give yourself plenty of time to wind down. Think of it in the
same way as you would a "cool down" after exercising; the massage will do you a lot
more good if you do. A good spa will offer you a shower, and even a lie-down after your
massage; don't waste the opportunity of extending your "me-time".
Different types of massage
There are a huge amount of different massage treatments available:
Swedish massage
Thai massage
Sports/muscular massage
Hot stone massage
Indian head massage
Watsu
Shiatsu
Lomi lomi
Ayurvedic massage
Lymphatic drainage
Aromatherapy massage
Deep tissue massage
Reflexology
Acupressure
Myofascial release therapy and trigger point massage
