Massage & Aromatherapy

Massage & Sports Massage

Massage can be defined as the systematic and manual manipulation of the body's soft tissue for therapeutic purposes promoting health and well-being.

It is generally believed that the word massage derives from the Arabic ‘mass' or ‘Mas'h' meaning to press softly. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain or discomfort.

Massage has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western traditions. By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), who created a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage. This consists of five basic strokes: effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction, tapotement (percussion), and vibration, though all of these strokes are not used on every part of the body.

Today, massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which have their roots in the Swedish system. The general public is now very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries.

Most massage therapists utilise Swedish Massage as the foundation for a treatment and blend in various techniques, depending upon training and experience, to address the specific needs of the client. In general, the manipulation of the body's soft tissue (i.e. the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and facia) using the hands is a gentle, flowing massage technique that uses varying degrees of pressure and stretching movements. It is most commonly used for relaxation and improving well-being.

A typical full-body massage session lasts for about one hour, many therapists will offer shorter sessions for treating specific areas such as backs, shoulders and necks or any areas giving discomfort, aches or pains. On the first visit clients are asked a number of questions concerning general well-being, injuries and medical conditions that the therapist should know about, in order to determine if there are any contra-indications (physical conditions that would prohibit or limit a massage treatment).

The client is asked to undress, to the client's level of comfort/modesty, and to lie on the treatment couch under a sheet or large towel (draping). During the session, the therapist will utilise the draping to expose only those parts of the body to which treatment is being applied. No body part or area will be massaged without the client's permission.

Massage media include oils, lotions, creams and talc; oil is the most common. A good oil will nourish the skin and allow a free-flowing movement as it allows the hands to glide over the area. The therapist will sense responses but will also ask the client about the strength of their touch. Remember, "no pain, no gain" holds no truth in massage. If in discomfort or hurting, the client should feel free to ask the therapist to modify their treatment.

Environment is important to the massage experience. The room should be warm and peaceful. If the desired experience is to be relaxing then having low-level lighting, soft music and a pleasing aroma all add to the effect.

Benefits

In order to understand the benefits and effects of massage, it is important to consider how the body responds physiologically.

mechanical responses as a result of pressure and movement as the soft tissues are manipulated

• reflex responses in which the nerves respond to stimulation.
• Massage can help increase joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the facia.
• It helps to free adhesions, break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation. As a result it can help to restore range of motion to stiff joints.
• Massage improves muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.
• Massage relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
• It increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
• It increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
• It promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle.

Massage can:

• improve circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart
• dilate blood vessels helping them to work more efficiently
• produce an enhanced blood flow; delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system
• help temporarily to decrease blood pressure, due to dilation of capillaries
• decrease the heart rate due to relaxation
• reduce ischaemia (ischaemia is a reduction in the flow of blood to body parts, often marked by pain and tissue dysfunction).

Massage helps to:

• reduce oedema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system
• regular massage may help to strengthen the immune system, due to increase in white blood cells.

Massage stimulates sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves depending on the techniques used.

It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.

Massage helps to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood).

Massage can bring about:

• improved circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration
• increased production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin
• vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries helping to improve the skin's colour
• improved elasticity of the skin
• increased sebum production, helping to improve the skin's suppleness and resistance to infection.

Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.

It also slows down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

Massage can:

• increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas
• promote the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.

Massage increases urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues.

Massage can help to:

• reduce stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body
• create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem
• promote positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation
• ease emotional trauma through relaxation

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a term that encompasses many forms of treatment. This overview only refers to Aromatherapy treatment via massage.

Aromatherapy uses the purest plant essence in the form of organic essential oils, which are extracts from various parts of plants, fruits, flowers, bark, roots, or resin. Essential oils contain dozens of powerful complex natural chemicals that have beneficial properties. Due to the diversity of essential oils and their individual therapeutic properties, the range of benefits and effects of Aromatherapy is wide ranging.

Most Aromatherapists will have a holistic approach to client consultation. This provides the information necessary to select the appropriate essential oils for the maximum therapeutic benefit. The selected essential oils are blended with a carrier/base massage oil to create a unique mix for each client's individual needs. This Aromatherapy blend is usually applied to the skin with traditional body massage. Other massage techniques such as deep tissue work may also be used, depending on the Aromatherapist's practice and the client's requirement.

Benefits

Aromatherapy treatments have both physiological and psychological effects. The combination of massage and the medicinal and therapeutic qualities of the essential oils (molecules both inhaled [aroma] and absorbed through the skin) can soothe, revitalise, uplift the spirit, encourage positive thinking and boost the immune system enabling the body to heal itself.

Physiological Benefits - Aromatherapy massage can:

• enhance lymphatic drainage - this helps to reduce fluid retention and prevent oedema
• induce a feeling of deep relaxation in the body
• help to restore balance in the body
• stimulate the body's natural immune system
• increase the oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues by increasing the blood circulation
• help to increase energy levels as blockages and congestion in the nerves are eased

Psychological Benefits - Aromatherapy massage can:

• promote a general state of well-being
• calm and soothe the mind
• help to reduce nervous tension
• help to lift the mood and reduce feelings of depression