Massages have been used for therapeutic purposes in many cultures for millennia. There is now an almost unmanageable range of different techniques – from classic full body massage to Thai and foot reflexology to exotic Lomi-Lomi. Nowadays, massages are used both to treat physical ailments and as a means of relaxation.
Effect of massages
Due to a vast list of massage types, the effects of treatment on the body can be quite different. However, what most therapies have in common is that the skin, muscles, and connective tissue are mechanically influenced. This influence occurs through pressure, stretching, or tensile stimuli.
The various massage techniques promote blood circulation in the skin and muscles. In addition, the cell metabolism in the tissue is stimulated and blood pressure and pulse drop. Besides, massaging the skin and muscles has a relaxing effect on them. Hardened muscles can be loosened as well as adhesions. Thus, a massage can also have a pain-relieving effect.
When is a massage recommended?
A massage can have a positive effect on one or more of the following complaints:
- Back pain as well as hardening and tension in the back (If you suffer from severe back pain, you should first be examined by a doctor and then only be treated by a trained physiotherapist!)
- Poor blood circulation
- Psychological stress
Incidentally, a therapy is particularly effective if the body is warmed up a little beforehand. This can be done, for example, with a warm bath, a sauna session, or a red light treatment. It is easy to find various parlors around the city. If you need special treatment in Paris, you should visit SweetTouch.
When should a massage be avoided?
As a general rule, massages should not be performed in the case of acute inflammation. Typical symptoms of inflammation include pain, fever, swelling, reddening of the affected area, and a change in the white blood cell count. If there is acute inflammation, the body is already heavily stressed by the inflammation. A massage is an additional burden for the weakened body and can therefore worsen the clinical picture.
Tips for a relaxing massage:
In order to enjoy therapy, it is important to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Find a suitable place for the massage, play calm, relaxing music, or light a candle. In such a feel-good atmosphere, it is particularly easy to switch off during the therapy. In addition, you should consider the following tips for a relaxing massage:
- Cover the parts of the body that are not being massaged with a blanket or towel so that they do not cool down.
- Warm up the oil a little in your hands before the full body therapy so that contact with the oil is not perceived as unpleasant.
- Always full body massage towards the heart – for the legs, for example, from the feet to the hips and not the other way around.
Different Therapy Methods
Thai full body massage, foot reflexology, or hot stone full body therapy: Nowadays there are a number of different techniques. In general, a distinction is made between therapies that have a direct effect on the painful area and those that have a reflex effect. While the former full-body massages the point where a relaxing and pain-relieving effect is to occur, the latter has an indirect effect.
The full-body massages with direct effects include classic and sports techniques. The most famous therapy with a reflex effect is the foot reflex zone massage. Some treatments, such as Thai therapy, can have both a direct and an indirect effect on our body.
