Body Massage | Haywards Heath
Body Massage Haywards Heath
Body Massage is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment in the world. Ancient Greek and Roman literature refer to massage as a treatment of conditions as diverse as asthma, digestive disorders and sterility. The oldest recorded reference of massage was found in a Chinese book dated around 2700 BC. As said in Ancient Chinese Writing: ‘early morning stroking of the palm of the hand, after the night’s sleep, when the blood is rested and the temper’s relaxed, protects against colds, keeps the organs supple and prevents minor ailments.’
There are many types of massage practised throughout the world, but the most popular within the western world is Swedish Massage. Swedish Massage grew to popularity due to the influence of Per Henrik Ling (1776 – 1839). Ling’s system of Swedish Massage spread throughout Europe like wildfire and is the most practised form of massage in Britain today. During World War One, massage was used for the treatment of nerve injury and shock. Conventional medicine treats the symptoms caused by illness whereas massage aims to treat the cause. It can also be used as a preventative treatment, defending against ailments before they even happen. Massage offers numerous physical, physiological and psychological benefits.
During World War One, massage was used for the treatment of nerve injury and shock. Conventional medicine treats the symptoms caused by illness whereas massage aims to treat the cause. It can also be used as a preventative treatment, defending against ailments before they even happen. Massage offers numerous physical, physiological and psychological benefits.
Physical effects
Physical effects are those that the client feels. Physical benefits include:
- temporary pain relief
- the release of tensions
- stress relief
- relaxation
- lowered body temperature
Physiological effects
Physiological effects are those changes which take place in the body’s systems. Physiological benefits include:
- lowered blood pressure
- the release of lactic acid
- lowered heart rate
- increase blood flow
- increased lymph flow to tissues
- desquamation (shedding of dead skin cells)
- stimulation of digestive and urinary systems
- stimulation of small muscle fibres
Movements in Swedish Massage
Depending on the client’s preferences, a Swedish Massage treatment may involve the use of several or all of the following basic massage techniques; effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration and tapotement.
Effleurage is the most common stroke in Swedish Massage. Usually applied in a light or medium constant pressure, it is used to warm up muscles and relax the body.
Petrissage is a technique that almost resembles kneeing dough. It involves rolling, lifting and squeezing the muscles under or between the hands. This technique is designed to release muscle tension and improve blood flow.
Friction is a pressure stroke and is the deepest technique that is used in Swedish Massage. Pressure is applied by placing weight on the body with the flat of the hand, pads of the thumbs, knuckles, fingers or the back of the forearms, then the pressure is released slowly and gently. This technique is used to work on deeper muscles to release tension.
Vibration is the shaking or trembling of the muscles with hands or fingertips. It is designed to release muscle tension in smaller muscle areas, such as those along the spine.
Tapotement, also known as tapping or percussion, is a technique that has a stimulating and toning effect. There are several variations of tapotement including cupping, hacking and pummelling.
Mixing all of these techniques, with perfect pressure and a knowledgeable therapist and it can make a sincerely enjoyable treatment. Massage can be tailored to everyone’s individual needs, whether it just be to relax and release tension or for alternative medicinal purposes. There is no one that can’t benefit from allowing themselves an hour of sheer bliss every now and again.
To book in for any of our massage treatments then you can book online by clicking here
