Massages, these techniques that provide in-depth care
Massage or massage therapy is the practice of a set of manual techniques whose primary aim is to promote relaxation and the physical and psychological well-being of a person. The massage not only relaxes the skin and muscles on the surface, but it will also act on the deep muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Etymologically, the word "massage" originates from several different civilizations:
massage in Arabic
marzipan in Greek
mashesh in Hebrew
All three words convey the same notion: "to feel, to press lightly, to knead".
But the term massage is sometimes misgiven. Indeed, when we think of "massage" we think of "relaxation, relaxation". However, from a legal point of view, massages are only performed by a therapist following a medical prescription. Otherwise, the term to be used for a non-therapeutic massage is "modelling".
The evolution of massage, from yesterday to today
Massage is not a recent practice. Indeed, some techniques, such as the Ayurvedic massage of the Indians, date back more than 6,000 years. Then came the Chinese, 5,000 years ago, who introduced their own technique of tuina massage and foot reflexology. Then it was the turn of their Japanese neighbours 4,000 years ago.
In Europe, it was only 3,000 years after the Indians, in 1200 BC, that the first massages appeared among the Greeks. At that time, their purpose was to relax the muscles of sportsmen and women.
After that, massage therapy had its ups and downs. Often highly appreciated, the practice of massage was sometimes forbidden as in the Middle Ages when contact was prohibited. We had to wait until the Renaissance to find this practice again, during which many new methods were created all over the world: Thailand, Tibet, Hawaii, Sweden, all of them started it. Over the centuries, many techniques were added to the ancestral practice of massage.
Why do we give massages?
In addition to a feeling of deep relaxation, massages are useful to treat physical and psychological pathologies and to improve a person's quality of life.
Massage therapy brings, thanks to certain techniques, the following beneficial effects on the body :
Drainage of toxins and fats that form cellulite.
Relief of lower back pain
Reduction of tension and relaxation of muscles
Reduction of neck, back, foot and joint pain
Improvement of blood circulation
Stimulation of the lymphatic and nervous systems
Softening of the skin
The practice of massage can also help people who are anxious, anxious or depressed and, on top of that, massage brings many benefits to the body.
It promotes sleep and reduces fatigue
It helps prevent disease and contributes to the treatment of illnesses such as cancer.
It improves the passage of energy through the body.
It improves digestion and acts on constipation.
It helps in the treatment of asthma.
It is used to facilitate childbirth
The different kinds of massage
There are many different kinds of massages, each with their own origins and techniques and each with different benefits. Here are some of the most common massages.
Ayurvedic massage originated from India. It is one of the first techniques discovered 4,000 years BC and is used when you want to relieve nervous tension and free the body of toxins.
Tuina massage was created by the Chinese and is part of the famous "traditional Chinese medicine". It is an energetic massage that restores the circulation of the vital energy "qi" throughout the body, bringing health and well-being to the recipient.
The Hawaiian massage uses a large quantity of hot massage oil to relax and rebalance the body.
Amma massage comes from Japan and can be practiced sitting or lying down. Its technique is dictated by the patient and varies according to his or her reactions. The aim of this massage is to relieve the tensions that build up in the body as a result of a state of permanent stress or poor posture.
Swedish massage, formerly known as "calisthenics", is a massage that relaxes the muscles and promotes a better range of motion. It increases blood circulation in the muscle tissue to strengthen the muscles.
Hot stone massage finds its origin with the American Indians. During this massage, oil-coated pebbles are used, which are heated to a temperature of approximately 50°C. The heat contributes to the vasodilation of the tissues and the relaxation of the body's muscles.
In addition to these few techniques, there are many other methods and variations on the original methods around the world. This allows everyone to find the method that suits them best.