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MASSAGE By Laurel Alexander First published in "Yoga & Health" magazine Forget the massage jokes! The reality is that massage can prepare the body for sporting events, relax taut muscles after strenuous activity, help to release tension headaches, improve the circulation and ease specific muscular problems thereby generally improving the overall health of the body. As far back as 3000 BC, massage was used as a therapy in the Far East. Hippocrates recommended that a massage using oils should be taken daily after a perfumed bath to maintain health. Massage grew in popularity in the 19th century when Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish fencing master, created the basis for what we now know as Swedish massage. This therapy works on the soft tissues of the body and its relaxing effects help both muscles and joints. During the 1970s, The Massage Book' was published by George Downing which introduced the concept that the state of a person should be assessed by a therapist in a holistic way and not purely on a physical basis. From this, therapeutic massage was developed to relax, stimulate and invigorate. Massage can be an effective tool as an aid to recovery especially for those who are bed ridden, by stimulating the flow of blood to the muscles. A recent development is the use of massage for cancer patients suffering from the after effects of treatment. Michelle Peck, 33, originally trained as a fitness instructor and moved into working with injuries. She now works as a personal trainer and body and sports massage therapist in which she uses a variety of massage techniques. Indian head massage is very popular at the moment. It involves sitting upright in a chair with the massage being administered through clothing to the upper back, neck and head areas. A session usually lasts from 20-40 minutes and will cost around El 5-25. If you have never had a massage before, this is a good way to start. It is not a diagnostic therapy but is very relaxing and helps ease tension headaches. A relaxation massage is primarily a de-stressor and does not necessarily work deep into the tissue. A medical history is taken at the first session. The massage itself focuses on lengthening the muscles and is designed to 'let the client daydream'. You need to prepare for semi-nudity. While you are on the treatment couch, only the body part being worked on it exposed, the remainder being covered with blankets or towels. Oil is always used during a massage, commonly sweet almond oil, grapeseed or baby oil, which helps ease movement over the skin and into the muscles. A side benefit is improved circulation and the ironing out of tension'. If you were to have a massage in a clinic, it would last around 60 minutes. For a home visit, you can expect 90 minutes. The average cost would be between £25 and £35. Remedial massage is aimed at specific muscular problems such as a bad back or local injury. A thorough assessment is taken before the treatment and the client's expectations clarified. Massage techniques such as METS (Muscle Energy Technique) and PNF (Proprioceptor Neuromuscular Facilitation) might be used. Both are stretching techniques using contracting against a resistance followed by a relaxation phase during which the muscle is stretched. This can be a little painful. A typical session may last around 30 minutes and costs between £15 and £25. Exercises are usually prescribed at the end of the session for the client to do at home. Remedial massage is as much about educating as relieving pain and the client's involvement in understanding their own healing process is very much encouraged. Sports massage is aimed to offer a regular 'MOT' for sports people. It works deeply into the muscles and can be uncomfortable. It is used before an event to 'excite muscles and nerve endings ready for performance'. It is a fast, light and frenetic massage and can take minutes. A post sports massage is slow, deep and deliberate. It can be painful. It's about troubleshooting overuse of muscles and involves strengthening and improving flexibility. It may be a regional or complete massage and can last around 30-90 minutes. A typical gadget used by a massage therapist is an ultrasound device which consists of an electronic pulse which micro-massages and vibrates deep into tissue. Another gadget is a Microwave Diathermy which is a heat application and is often used in conjunction with other treatments, eg osteopathy. The interest in massage is growing', says Michelle. 'People tend to confuse physiotherapy and massage, or they believe massage will move cellulite, or that massage is diagnostic, or that it can offer an instant cure, particularly for sports injuries. Then there's the 'ugly sister' sexual side. Many women are put off body massage because they don't have the stereotyped bikini figure. Some are nervous because they think I'm judging their body. Men prefer a medical slant to the massage. It's more macho. Some men don't admit they have had a massage. They tend to see it as a preventative whereas women go for the pampering and relaxation aspects of massage. When you see a massage therapist, you should be able to 'pick 'n mix' requirements. If you are looking for a good therapist, word of mouth, especially if they come recommended by a gym, clinic, GP or osteopath. Ask your therapist what you need and what you can expect. If you find massage is too painful or a bit too strong for you, ask the therapist to tone it down, especially with remedial or sports massage. One word of warning. It's not a good idea to have a massage if you suffer from inflammation of the veins, varicose veins, thrombosis or have a fever. Overall, massage helps to ease muscular tension and can generally improve one's health. Additional benefits include mental relaxation which are like the icing on the cake. So, go on and enjoy your cake! |
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