A lot has been said on the ancient art of massage. Today it is used in complementary medicine, beauty treatments and physio-therapy.
There are in fact several types of massages for different purposes:
- relaxing and stress relieving
- stimulating and invigorating, for sports
- draining and anti-cellulite for beauty
- rehabilitation, following trauma or surgery (the latter pertaining to physiotherapy).
One of the most important applications of massage is stress relief. Massage is in fact a powerful stress reducer and reliever. Reducing stress makes it possible to recover from many stress-related ailments:
- tension headaches
- pain in the back, shoulders, and neck
- frequent stiffness and muscle aches
- difficulty falling asleep
- ailments relating to the immune system, such as frequent colds or influenza, herpes and others.
Furthermore, massage
- relaxes, invigorates and revitalizes the whole body, toning up the muscles
- enhances blood and lymphatic circulation
- drives out lactic acid from the muscles
- lowers blood pressure
- has calming, analgesic and sedative effects
- reduces stress, anxiety and tension
- improves mood
- facilitates sleep, making it deeper
- improves appearance, making the skin shiny and firm
- facilitates the dissolving of cellulite.
Although massage is totally natural, instinctive and spontaneous, over time specific techniques have been developed and refined to enhance it and make the most of it. That is why it is good to be massaged by trained operators.
Massage contraindications
- dermatological problems (mycosis, rush, swelling, big moles, ect.)
- recent injuries (scars, strains, ect.)
- fever
- recent inflammations (arthritis, ect.)
- tumors
- varicose veins
- low blood pressure: in this case the massage must be shorter and quicker
- for women: during or immediately before the menstrual cycle; breast massage; abdomen massage during pregnancy.
If in doubt, always ask your doctor before having a massage.
