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Learn How To Massage
Introduction
Massage techniques are highly specialized,
depending on the area of your body that requires work and how much work is
necessary. Massage techniques are used to restore mobility to tired or
strained muscles and to ease discomfort. Nowadays a lot of different kinds of
massage techniques are been published. Straight-forward and easy to learn,
these innovative massage techniques are explained in terms that everyone can
understand. In all cases, such massage techniques are employed in
collaboration with other appropriate medical care.
Massage Techniques
Techniques which utilize deep tissue/deep
muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and
fascia. Techniques such as hands-on pressure and stretching are used to
balance (Chi) universal life force energy. Usually techniques include pin and
stretch, myofascial release, deep specific stripping, cross-fiber friction,
and trigger point work. Massage techniques have been recognised for their
therapeutic properties since the times of Greek and Roman civilisations.
Techniques are plainly shown on how to relieve tension in neck, shoulders,
back, hips, chest, abdomen, legs, arms, face, and head. These massage
techniques provide relaxation, circulation and elimination of toxins. If
adopted as a daily practice, Ayurvedic massage techniques can even help to
rejuvenate the body. These traditional Indian massage techniques are based on
the Ayurvedic doshas and marmas (pressure points like in reflexology).
Muscles
Muscles are stretched resulting in internal
organs getting toned up, leading the subject towards increased vitality and
relaxation as the technique at work is rhythmical and meditative. Muscles may
also go into spasm to protect an injured area, common with strained backs.
Muscles have a complex interaction amongst themselves and with the nervous
system. Many people suffer from the devastating effects of these two problems;
muscles contractures and spasm in the Neck, Shoulders, Lower Back or the whole
body are the most common symptoms of modern times, probably even you or
someone close to you may be suffering from the effects of hard work and
worries. Using deep muscle compression and friction along the grain of the
muscle, its purpose is to unstick the fibres of the muscles and release both
toxins and deeply held patterns of tension.
Acupressure
Acupressure is based on the principles of
Chinese medicine and has a similar background to acupuncture. As a
non-intrusive precursor of acupuncture, acupressure uses deep finger pressure
applied at certain points located along an invisible system of energy channels
within the body called meridians. Acupressure stimulates these points to
remove blockages, to increase the energy flow, to reduce stress, and to
promote health and harmony in the body. Acupressure is based on the principles
recognizing 250 acupuncture pressure points corresponding to the
bio-mechanical functioning of the body. Popularized in the United States by
physiotherapist Eunice Inghram in the 1930s, her technique is a type of
acupressure performed on the hands and feet and is based on the ancient
Oriental theory that meridian lines or pathways carry energy throughout the
body. It thereby is most effective in relieving tension-related ailments. It
works directly on the central nervous system promoting
relaxation, calmness and a sense of
well-being. This type of massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s
own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony.
Shiatsu
Even from birth, the general pressures of
life and gravity push our bodies out of alignment. Shiatsu, the most widely
known form of acupressure, literally meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese,
and has been practiced for more than a thousand years in Japan. Shiatsu uses
rhythmic pressure from 3 to 10 seconds on specific points along the body's
meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to
unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. Practitioners apply pressure along
meridian lines with their thumbs, hands, and feet to stimulate the movement of
energy in the body, and in addition, move and stretch their clients in
Yoga-like poses to free muscular and joint tension.
Conclusion
Massage techniques are constantly being
reviewed and developed and aspiring massage therapists are provided with all
the latest developments and modifications. Massage techniques are being taught
on an increasingly extensive basis in athletic training programs.
Robert William
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