Massage is the kneading and stroking of the body’s soft tissues – the skin and muscles – with varying degrees of pressure, and is incorporated in a number of traditional health systems such as Practitioners of modern complementary therapies like aromatherapy and reflexology use various massage techniques
What does it do? Gentle massage affects the nervous system through nerve endings in the skin, stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel good’ chemicals, to help induce relaxation and a sense of well-being, to and reduce levels of stress chemicals such as cortisol and noradrenaline. It helps reverse the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.
Stronger massage stimulates blood circulation to improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and helps the lymphatic system to flush away waste products. It eases tense and knotted muscles and stiff joints, improving mobility and flexibility.
The most common massage techniques include:
- effleurage, a light, firm and gentle stroking
- petrissage, firm kneading and rolling of the tissues
- friction, deep direct pressure to release muscle tension
- Hacking, tapping and clapping over the muscles and fleshy parts of the body
