Massage is not only a pleasant, but also a useful procedure. With its help you can stretch your muscles, improve blood circulation, strengthen your immune system and simply lift your spirits. If you do not know how to massage correctly, you will not be able to achieve the results described. So first familiarize yourself with the basic movements and principles of massage so that the process brings maximum pleasure and benefit.
What is body massage
If we turn to theory, then massage is a combination of mechanical and reflex effects on the tissues and organs of the human body through rubbing, stroking, squeezing, etc.
You can massage not only with your hands, but also with various devices, as well as with jets of water and air, and stones. To enhance the effect and prevent friction, special oils, gels and creams are used.
The setting and atmosphere play an important role in the effect of a massage.
The psychological aspect is also important: the person receiving the massage is placed in a calm environment, relaxing music is turned on, scented candles and incense are lit. The attitude is very important, because if the person being massaged feels discomfort, he will not receive any benefit from the procedure.
Impact on health, immunity
And now we have reached the final point of our list. The immune system will also thank you for regular sessions in the massage room, especially during the flu and ARVI season. There is no exact description of the mechanism for increasing immune function through massage, but its effect is obvious: those who visit the massage room are less likely to suffer from colds and other infectious diseases. A complex effect on metabolism, the functioning of the lymphatic system, as well as an effect at the level of the endocrine system plays a role here.
So, we have discussed point by point how massage affects human health. As you can see, massage is very beneficial for every system or organ of our body, as it affects the body through stimulation of blood supply to tissues and muscles.
Efficiency and benefits
Chinese healers have known the unique properties of massage for many thousands of years. It is not for nothing that many diseases were treated with the help of massage and they did it quite successfully.
Now massage is especially recommended for people with pinched vertebrae, osteochondrosis of the back and neck, muscle pain and general fatigue of the body.
What does massage do:
- relaxes, relieves fatigue and tension;
- improves blood circulation;
- has a sedative effect;
- smoothes out the “orange peel” in women;
- removes toxins and waste from the body;
- tones muscles;
- makes the skin elastic;
- fights migraines;
- in the early stages of spinal curvature, it straightens it.
Massage sessions are prescribed by doctors for therapeutic purposes, but often people themselves go for a massage to enjoy it. After all, this is a very pleasant process, and it will become even more pleasant if it is carried out by a loved one. This is why many girls and men want to learn how to massage at home in order to please their loved ones.
How is it different from others
Lymphatic drainage massage and anti-cellulite massage: what is the difference, what is the difference, and which massage is more useful? Such questions may arise for any woman who is actively struggling with figure and skin imperfections at home or in the salon...
All types of massage are beneficial for the human body. However, the technique of anti-cellulite massage procedures is mainly aimed at stimulating blood circulation in problem areas and getting rid of the “orange peel”. The lymphatic drainage method, as mentioned above, is characterized by the fight against tissue swelling and the prevention of varicose veins. Activation of lymphatic drainage using this procedure well cleanses the skin of inflammation and acne, and eliminates small scars. Restoring the functioning of various body systems, slowing down the aging process and protecting the body from diseases - this is how lymphatic drainage massage differs from anti-cellulite massage. It should also be noted that not a single anti-cellulite cosmetology program is complete without lymphatic drainage.
Classification
The first external manifestations of cellulite will not disappear on their own. Over time, they can only get worse if you do not use a whole range of measures to eliminate them. In the fight against changes in subcutaneous fat, it is impossible to achieve visible changes using only one of the methods - the result will be short-lived.
First of all, it is necessary to restore lymphatic drainage and blood microcirculation. Lymphatic drainage massage for cellulite, performed by an experienced specialist, will give tangible results, improve the appearance of the skin and overall well-being. A qualified specialist, taking into account the individual characteristics of your body, will select the optimal procedures, suggesting:
- manual massage;
- vacuum, hardware massage;
- pressotherapy;
- myostimulation.
Pressotherapy - undeniable effectiveness
Pressotherapy for cellulite involves putting a special suit on the body, into the sleeves of which air is supplied through a special system, creating zones of different pressure.
According to many women, the pressotherapy method is one of the most effective ways to combat cellulite at any stage.
A special device, reminiscent of medical cups, allows for vacuum massage, restoring impaired blood supply and lymph flow, significantly improving the condition of the skin and subcutaneous fat. An experienced specialist can accurately determine the amount of negative pressure to create a vacuum so that the procedure has a positive effect without creating inconvenience, discomfort and pain.
(!) With excessive exposure to vacuum massage, capillaries can be injured, forming massive bruises. To achieve a good result from vacuum massage, you should correctly select the optimal load.
Myostimulation - a radical approach
Myostimulation is based on the use of sensors that deliver an electrical discharge to problem areas of the body. Under the influence of electric current, muscles contract, improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Some clients sometimes complain of discomfort during the myostimulation procedure, but at the same time note a noticeable improvement in their skin condition.
Main types of massage
All types of massage are divided into two types: therapeutic and relaxing. Therapeutic massage is prescribed by a doctor, with its help a person copes with certain health problems. A relaxing massage has no special indications; it can be done by almost anyone, even at home by a non-professional.
Massage is divided into:
- Classic (Swedish). The most common type of massage that is suitable for people of any age. This type has almost no contraindications; it helps improve health and relieve a person from various types of ailments. In this case, you don’t need to specifically study to become a massage therapist; it’s enough to master the basic skills and apply them to your family or friends.
- Hardware. The massage is performed with a special vibration device. It is usually prescribed for diseases of the respiratory system.
- Medicinal. Otherwise, it can be called “medical”. Helps with diseases of the spine, it is carried out in a course, the duration of which is determined individually by the doctor and depending on the severity of the disease.
- Sports. Develops muscles before performing physical exercises, relaxes them after sports. Sports massage also protects the athlete from injuries during training or competitions, warms him up, and keeps the body in good shape.
- Cosmetic. It has a rejuvenating effect on the body, maintains skin elasticity, eliminates aesthetic problems, such as cellulite, sagging skin, stretch marks, etc.
- Relaxing. It is used to relieve fatigue and improve mood; it can be performed at home and by a non-professional massage therapist.
Types of lymphatic drainage massage
There are several types of this massage. The choice of one type or another depends on the area being treated and the desired result. The following types of lymphatic drainage are usually offered:
- Facial lymphatic drainage is used to relieve puffiness, fatigue and dullness of the skin. It will return an even tone, eliminate acne, small wrinkles and scars.
- Lymphatic drainage of the area under the eyes perfectly relieves bruises and puffiness of the eyes.
- Lymphatic drainage of the body will get rid of cellulite, help you lose weight and get back in shape. Speeds up metabolism and improves lymph flow, helps in the treatment of certain diseases.
- Lymphatic drainage of the legs will help with swelling and fatigue of the legs. It is an excellent prevention of varicose veins.
Effect of massage
A number of improvements are observed from massage.
You can not only have fun, but also improve your health.
Internal effect:
- the functioning of the heart improves, causing it to pump more blood;
- oxygen reaches the body cells faster;
- muscle spasm is relieved;
- additional capillaries open;
- blood pressure is normalized;
- the emotional background stabilizes.
External effect:
- skin elasticity increases;
- surface tissues are saturated with oils, which makes the skin glowing and healthy;
- Various cosmetic imperfections of the skin are smoothed out.
This is only a small part of the positive effect of massage.
Indications for massage
At home, massage should be performed when:
- general fatigue (but not overwork!);
- tension in the neck and back;
- muscle stiffness;
- hypothermia.
Session and course duration
Session duration is from 30 minutes to 1 hour. If there are no injuries or serious contraindications, then massage can be performed 1 or more times a week.
If after a hard day you feel stiffness in your joints, tension in your muscles, etc., you can conduct a massage course of 10 procedures. They must be performed daily or a couple of times a week.
It is advisable to conduct the course 1-2 times a year. But if the massage does not have therapeutic purposes and is done only for the sake of general relaxation of the body, you can do it regularly. The main thing is that you feel a positive effect and a surge of strength after the procedure, and do not endure discomfort and pain.
Contraindications for massage
Contraindications to massage: inflamed lymph nodes, open wounds, fractures, burns, tuberculosis, infections, low blood clotting, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis and a number of other diseases.
There are three types of contraindications: absolute, relative and temporary. Let's take a closer look at each of them.
Absolute:
- malignant formations;
- pregnancy with the threat of miscarriage and other pathologies.
Relative:
- cured malignant tumors without the threat of relapse;
- benign formations;
- pregnancy;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, etc.);
- decompensation of somatic pathology (diabetes, asthma, etc.).
Temporary:
- infections;
- purulent formations on the body;
- open skin lesions.
You must familiarize yourself with the full list of contraindications in advance before visiting a massage therapist. For chronic illnesses, you should consult your doctor before going for any massage therapy.
The essence of the method
Lymph is a type of connective tissue; it appears as a viscous transparent liquid. Its function is that it transports molecules of proteins, organic derivatives, toxic substances and various metabolites from muscle tissue into the blood.
Acting as a barrier, the lymphatic system is part of the immune system, preventing the entry of bacteria and viruses. When lymph malfunctions, the functioning of the entire body is disrupted. This is expressed in swelling, general helplessness, sagging skin and other unattractive phenomena.
Lymphatic drainage ( also lymphatic drainage massage, pneumomassage and pressotherapy is one of the types of massage, a method of physiotherapy, used in cosmetology and physical rehabilitation of athletes
) activates the lymph system, thus eliminating all bad manifestations. This method has found wide application in the field of cosmetology due to its painlessness and effectiveness. This method can affect the skin of the face, legs, hips, back, etc.
Setting and atmosphere for massage
The environment plays a very important role during a massage. If something confuses a person or gives him unpleasant sensations, the massage will not be effective and the time for the session will be wasted.
It is necessary to create a pleasant environment.
Preparing the room
The room where the massage is planned should be warm and there should be no draft entering it.
It is worth paying attention to the lighting: it should not be harsh and overly bright, use dim light that does not irritate or hit the eyes.
A massage table is an important attribute. But not everyone can afford to buy this table for their home. Therefore, the home procedure is usually performed either on a bed with a thick mattress or on the floor. You must first lay a blanket or blanket on the floor to make the person feel soft.
Before starting a massage, make sure that the person is lying down comfortably, that he has no discomfort, that he feels good and is ready for the session.
Lit candles
It is better to use candles instead of lamps. They have a peaceful effect on a person, immersing him in an atmosphere of calm and harmony.
Relaxing music
For relaxation and the right mood, you can turn on quiet and calm music to play in the background. Music should not be distracting and should be moving.
Massage oils
It is better to pour the massage oil from the original packaging into a more convenient container. A jug with a hinged lid or a deep bowl is suitable for this.
Aids
Prepare all the equipment you will need for the procedure in advance and place it next to you. This could be a Kuznetsov applicator, various sticks and rollers, pimply balls, etc.
Availability of fresh towels
Be sure to cover the lower part of the person’s body so that his feet do not freeze and various unpleasant sensations do not arise. Prepare clean towels to remove excess oil from your body.
Massage techniques
There are several basic techniques that, once mastered, will allow you to perform a quality massage.
Stroking
This is where any massage begins. Apply oil or cream to your palms and rub. Place both hands with the entire surface of your palms on the person’s back and stroke, lightly touching the skin. Next, run your fingers from the lower back to the neck and then along the shoulders.
Rubbing
Place your fingers together and place your palms on the person’s back. Move your hands back and forth, first across your back, then along.
Push-ups
The movements are aimed at deeper development of muscles in the direction of lymph flow. Using the middle phalanges of your fingers clenched into a fist, make rotational, straight or zigzag movements along each half of your back.
Do not touch your spine while doing this.
Kneading
It’s worth starting kneading with shifts. Place two hands across your back in the lower back area. Grab the skin so that you get two folds, squeeze them. Make sure the person is not in pain.
Vibration
The most popular option is tapping with the backs of your hands. Do not use force; movements should be light but confident.
Patting
Work with your fingertips, moving in a circle. Start moving up from the lower back to the neck. Gradually speed up the pace.
Passive movements
Performed by a massage therapist at the end of the session. The person lies on his back and does not actively participate in the action. The massage therapist takes the person’s arms and legs, gently bends them at the joints, first with a small amplitude, but 4-5 times bringing the amplitude to the maximum possible. The person should not experience pain.
Body massage lines
In order for the massage procedure to be as beneficial as possible for a person, it is worth moving along special massage lines. The nature and direction of these lines is determined by the anatomical structure and physiological characteristics. You can see the direction of the massage movements in the picture below.
The massage therapist must take into account that active and intense movements are prohibited on the spine, between the shoulder blades and in the area of the kidneys.
How to give a massage to another person
If you are not a professional massage therapist, you need to know a few rules that will make massage of various departments comfortable and safe:
- Take your foot with both hands and stretch it between your palms from the heel to the toes. Gently twist your heel in different directions and massage different points on the sole with your thumbs.
- Work the area of the legs, thighs and buttocks. You can use the same techniques as for the back, but more carefully and moving in the direction of the massage lines.
- The cervical-collar area is the most popular problem area for most people. This includes the area of 1-6 thoracic vertebrae. You need to move from the center to the sides and from bottom to top. Use stroking, pinching, vibration and rubbing techniques. For pinched vertebrae and osteochondrosis, massage of the back and neck is indispensable. With the help of massage you can get rid of salt deposits, strengthen muscles and start metabolic processes. But remember that massage in this case should be systematic, because... From one procedure a person will not only not feel any improvement, he may feel even worse.
- Massage your hands with stroking and pinching movements. They usually start from the fingertips and reach along the middle third of the forearm.
- Head massage is carried out using stroking from the forehead to the back of the head, tapping the skin with fingers, circular movements of the skin, as if moving it a little along the skull.
If you do not provide a professional service, but just want to massage your household, you can learn several effective techniques from photographs or videos on the Internet.
Baby massage
From the very birth of a child, doctors prescribe massage courses for him. This is done for general strengthening and healing of the body, muscle development. In addition to this massage procedure:
- has a calming effect on the child;
- improves blood flow;
- eliminates colic;
- stabilizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- has a good effect on the development of the musculoskeletal system.
Children's massage techniques are the same as those used by adults, but lighter and more gentle.
The effect of massage on the skin
The skin, as the largest organ of our body, receives a lot of benefits from sessions. The intense impact of the massage therapist’s hands gives the following results for the skin:
- tones, increasing turgor (elasticity);
- stimulates blood circulation in blood vessels;
- improves skin color;
- removes sagging;
- fights cellulite.
You've probably noticed how the skin looks after a session - tightened and elastic, even in problem areas for women. This beneficial effect is achieved by stimulating the blood supply through direct mechanical action - pressure, friction, stroking the specialist’s hands. And where there is good blood supply, there is an improvement in metabolic processes, the removal of waste and toxins. And what can we say about the special anti-cellulite therapy technique? With its help, you can make your skin smooth and even, getting rid of the orange peel.
How to do self-massage correctly
You can relax and get rid of unpleasant feelings alone. To do this you will need a special ball and a wall.
- Place the ball between your back and the wall and press it.
- Make several circular movements with your shoulder, knead the soft tissues, do not press hard.
Using the same principle, you can perform the exercise on the floor.
The middle part of the back can be worked against the wall. Stand with your back to the wall, place the ball on the area between your lower back and shoulder blades, begin to bend your knees and lower yourself down. The ball will move from the lower back up to the shoulder blades.
You can also do self-massage of the face, neck, abdomen and arms. Let's look at each type in more detail.
Face and neck
With clean hands, gently knead your skin along the massage lines as shown in the image.
Stomach
Warm up the skin with stroking movements. Next, grab the skin so that the fat layer is between your thumb and index finger, lightly press the fold with your fingers and gradually move clockwise over the entire surface of the abdomen, paying special attention to problem areas.
After three rounds of this massage, rub your skin with a towel. The duration of the procedure is no more than 15 minutes.
Fingers and hands
Tap the fingertips of both hands vigorously against each other. Squeeze your thumb with the fingers of your other hand and make circular movements, as if removing invisible clothing from your finger.
You can stretch your palm like this: take one hand with the other hand, place your thumb in your palm and make rotational movements for 1-2 minutes, then change hands.
For weight loss
They begin to work on any part of the body with stroking. With the help of squeezes, you work on the deep layers of the skin. Rub your skin with light movements to increase blood circulation. Next, move on to tapping and patting, this is more suitable for large muscles.
For the best effect, arm yourself with auxiliary means - a brush for dry massage, vacuum cans, special rollers for combating cellulite. Just read the contraindications before use.
Does manual lymphatic drainage massage help you lose weight?
A well-executed manual lymphatic drainage massage allows you to quickly remove excess water and harmful substances released during the life of cells from the body.
If you are overweight, you can lose several kilos with one manual lymphatic drainage function. To increase the effectiveness of all anti-cellulite procedures, they are recommended to be carried out only after lymphatic drainage.
Any measures in the fight against excess weight are aimed at enhancing lipolysis (the breakdown of fat cells into their component parts, fatty acids). All decay products released during this process will be eliminated through the lymphatic system.
But if the lymph moves slowly, then the entire amount of fatty acids is not removed from the body and becomes the basis for the formation of new fat cells . It is precisely this that explains the difficulties when it comes to losing weight in the breeches zone: if metabolic processes in the body occur slowly, then even with the most serious dietary restrictions, weight decreases slightly.
Carrying out manual lymphatic drainage massage allows you to increase the effectiveness of all diets and cosmetic procedures aimed at reducing weight and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
An additional bonus of lymphatic drainage procedures will be strengthening the immune system, reducing swelling throughout the body and alleviating varicose veins.
How to improve your body massage process
To get the maximum effect from a massage, it is worth considering some nuances:
- The person being massaged should be completely relaxed, nothing should cause negative emotions in him.
- Conversations can reduce the effect of a massage. Individual remarks or questions are acceptable, but it is better to carry out the procedure in complete silence. Active communication does not allow you to tune in and relax.
- A person should not tolerate being hurt by the actions of a massage therapist. Also warn if you feel cold or hot in the room, if the music is too loud, or if you just don’t like it.
- During the session, the eyes of the person being massaged should be closed, nothing should distract him, it is important to focus on how he feels from the massage.
- When you get a massage, leave all your problems outside the room. Active thought processes, worries and worries can negatively affect you.
- Leave the massage therapist who hurts you. You should not have any bruises after the procedure. If there are any marks on the body, this means that the massage therapist is using force, and this will negatively affect your health and well-being.
If you are giving a massage to a loved one, ask them to talk honestly about all the sensations. Afraid of hurting your feelings, he may hide painful sensations and then avoid a repeat session.
There should be no pain during the massage.
Don’t be upset if things don’t work out at first, take criticism calmly and try to improve your skills - this can only be for the better.
Anti-cellulite massage procedure
Anti-cellulite massage is a complex of external tonic manipulations aimed at improving blood circulation and stimulating metabolic processes. Its main feature is the relaxation of soft tissues, which further promotes the removal of excess fluid from the body. This becomes the beginning of loosening of the connective and fatty layer.
This type of massage tones not only the skin. Its effect actively extends to the muscles, which has a positive effect on cleansing the body of stagnant waste and toxins.
Many are accustomed to thinking that its effectiveness is justified only if during the session the client experiences unpleasant, slightly painful sensations. But this is just a myth; improvement in skin condition will be observed under any circumstances. The essential oils used during the procedure can speed up the process of getting rid of aesthetic imperfections. This massage technology does not imply the instant disappearance of cellulite manifestations. But at the end of the course you can safely count on a positive result. And how long it will last directly depends on the individual characteristics of the skin of each individual woman.
Useful tips
Be sure to read this point, especially if this is your first time going to a massage session:
- Before the massage, do not eat heavily; it is better to have a snack 1-1.5 hours before the procedure that will not cause heaviness in the stomach. If the body is busy digesting food, it will not be able to recover and benefit from massage.
- Remove all jewelry. This applies to both the massage therapist and the person who came for the procedure.
- Give up perfume. If one of you exudes pungent or cloying odors, this will turn the wellness procedure into real torture.
- Don't wear cosmetics. Your skin should be absolutely clean.
- Warn the massage therapist if you have any contraindications or illnesses.
A professional massage therapist must undergo special training, after which he is issued a diploma or certificate; you can ask the master to show it to you.
Preparatory procedures
Before performing lymphatic drainage massage, you should cleanse the skin. Peeling or scrubbing would be ideal. Particular attention should be paid to areas with cellulite. After cleansing, dry the skin thoroughly with a towel to prevent injury during the procedure.
It is recommended to refrain from eating 1.5-2 hours before the session. But you need to drink as much as possible.
Interesting!
There is no special preparation for anti-cellulite massage.
Important Warnings
Consider all the important points before giving a person a massage:
- Work on the tissue superficially first and only then move on to deeper treatment.
- In the area of the kidneys, striking techniques are prohibited, but in the area of the heart, light and gentle blows can be performed.
- End the session with soothing movements so that the person relaxes and comes to his senses after active manipulations.
- Do not touch the spine under any circumstances, as this could cause harm to the person. The spine is treated by a professional chiropractor.
- A neck massage is performed after the back has been worked, but not vice versa.
- Massage can be beneficial for pregnant women, but only a doctor should prescribe it.
The massage only seems complicated and confusing; in fact, it consists of several repeated manipulations. You can learn relaxing techniques on the Internet and make your loved ones happy. If you plan to make a living from this, you need to take special courses. You will receive a certificate and learn all the safety rules so as not to harm clients.
