What is massage?

Massotherapy, nowadays widespread as massage, is an ancient form of therapy used in ancient times by Egyptian, Chinese and even Greek civilizations. Currently, it is possible to find several types of techniques, applications and use of various technologies.

But still, nothing replaces the traditional method that is the practice of massage with the hands. It can be applied to any part of the body and its benefits are widely recognized, which makes massage therapy a science recognized for providing immediate physical and psychological relief.

The massage encourages the exchange of energy from the use of sliding techniques, kneading and friction of hands on the body. Through these movements is stimulated the energy system, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic, providing physical and mental relaxation.

Follow the reading to understand the therapeutic use of massage and be surprised by its preventive, sports and aesthetic potential!

Types of massage effects

The exercise of rubbing and kneading the body using purely the hands gave rise to an ancient practice known as Massotherapy. By applying a certain pressure on the body, or on specific parts of it, they gave rise to various types of massage, thus generating different effects according to each type.

Know that the masseur is able to activate this variety of types and effects of massage on the body using only his hands. Find out how this is possible in the following reading!

Motor effects

The types of mechanical movements such as pressure, friction, compression, traction and stretching are the main effects of massage. They stimulate through rhythmic contact the body tissues.

This type of mechanical intervention is performed on the tissues in order to extend the lymphatic vessels and increase the blood vessels. In this way, the motor effects distort our nerve endings and affect our arterial, venous, capillary and lymphatic circulation.

Physiological effects

The motor effects that are caused by massage also cause a number of physiological effects that serve as important stimuli for the body. By mechanically manipulating the skin and tissues, massage exerts a number of considerable effects, such as

- Removes metabolic and catabolic products from the body;

- Accelerates healing;

- Treatment of chronic hematomas and edemas;

- Pain relief;

- Facilitates muscle activity;

- Increased extensibility of the muscles;

- Improves joint movements;

- Improves blood and lymphatic circulation;

- It increases the flow of nutrients in the blood;

- Stimulates the neurovegetative system;

- Removes secretions in the lung;

- Sexual stimulant;

- Promotes total body relaxation.

Psychological effects

Among the psychological aspects that most stand out from massage therapy are:

- Relieves anxiety

- Relieves tension (or stress);

- Stimulates physical activity;

- It relieves the pain;

- General feeling of comfort and well-being;

- Sexual stimulant.

Massage genres

There are several types of massage with various techniques, they can be chosen according to the goal of each person. Being applicable in different parts of the body and using different objects such as braces, hot stones and oils, all these items are used with a purpose.

This goal should be in accordance with the genre of massage and the desire in the person. Understand more about the genres of each massage and find out which one best fits your case in the reading below!

Massage therapy

Therapeutic massages are recommended for the treatment of dysfunctions and pain. Its method consists in the manual or systematic application of mechanical maneuvers to the body tissue.

These maneuvers are intended to bring relaxation and comfort to people, in addition to treating pain and muscle tension. Being widely used as a method of alternative medicine assisting in the healing process of their patients.

Preventive massage

Also known as relaxation massage, this is a genre that mixes soft and firm movements on the body, which in turn aims to stimulate the production of hormones such as oxytocin and serotonin.

Hormones that can relieve tension in the body, improve stress, reduce feelings of fear, as well as regulate heartbeat, normalize mood and reduce pain.

Sports massage

Meanwhile, the sports massage has the objective of helping in the recovery of sports practitioners and are suffering with pain or injuries in their muscles. It is well recommended by physical educators for assisting in the recovery of muscles, besides improving blood circulation and assisting in the elimination of toxins.

The sports massage also helps in the physical improvement of the athlete, improving their performance and preparing your body for training and competitions. Being a massage widely used by physical therapists for the recovery of athletes.

Aesthetic massage

Aesthetic massage is one of the genres in massage therapy that acts by promoting the feeling of bodily and psychological well-being. It can also be known as modeling massage, being able to help relieve joint pain and contributing to the aesthetics of the body.

Its technique acts in the distribution of body fluids by stimulating the elimination of liquids retained in our body, being indicated in the treatment of stretch marks, localized fat and cellulite.

Types of massages

Now that you know about the genres of massage therapy, understand in the following reading the various types of massages and their objectives to be better served by your masseur!

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu has Japanese origins and works on pain, stress and muscle tension. Based on oriental medicine, it also aims to balance body and mind, generating well-being for those who receive the massage.

Thus, symptoms derived from anxiety, depression and even stresses of everyday life are minimized and even solved. The massage is done through pressure on vital points with hands and fingers, restoring the energy balance.

It can be performed in any part of the body without the need to undress. Each session lasts up to 90 minutes. Currently, there is equipment in the market that performs similar movements to the fingers in shiatsu massage, making this an option of self-massage.

Hot stone massage

Massages using hot stones are indicated to soothe intense muscular pain, or just provide relaxation. It resembles Swedish massage, existing only one difference which are the stones. They serve to improve blood flow, relax, and relieve tension and pain.

The masseur will place the hot stones in different regions of the body making circular movements putting gentle pressure on the muscle. In this type of therapy the person must be naked and usually lasts up to 90 minutes.

Tantric massage

This is a type of erotic massage that involves a physical and spiritual connection between the masseur and the person who will receive the massage. This technique has an ancient origin and is based on the Tantra, a philosophy that belongs to the Dravidians, since 2500 BC, in a region near the north of India.

The purpose of tantric massage is to allow a connection with the partner in a conscious and spiritual way. Therefore, tranquility and relaxation would be the ultimate goal for both.

The practice of this massage involves the energies of the chakras and uses them as a way to transfer energy, thus stimulating all parts of the body. Remembering that even though it is an erotic massage, its focus is not necessarily that there is a sexual relationship.

Swedish massage

Swedish massage can be done for the entire body and is ideal for those people who feel ashamed to be naked, especially beginners. Or people who have a lot of tension and are not used to the touch. It will help you to undo these blockages, releasing the knots and leading you to relax completely.

This type of massage should be done without clothes, with the exception of underwear. However, the person to be massaged will be covered by a sheet, or towel, which will be removed only so that some parts of the body are massaged. Usually, this therapy lasts about 60 to 90 minutes.

The masseur will use a number of techniques, such as:

- I knead it with my hands;

- Long, fluid movements in the direction of the heart;

- Circular movements;

- Beats and vibrations;

- Passive movement techniques.

Aromatherapy massage

Aromatherapy is a technique that uses the aromas and particles released by essential oils to treat various physical and emotional ailments. The massage that uses aromatherapy seeks to combine the pressure performed with hands and fingers to the potential of the oil used.

For this, it is necessary to understand the demands of the patient to choose the oil correctly, since each one has its own characteristics and benefits. Once the oil is chosen, the masseur will perform gentle movements mainly on the head, shoulders and back, for about 90 minutes.

The main benefit of this massage is relaxation, but improvements are also observed in cases of anxiety, depression and stress, in addition to the reduction of muscle tension.

Thai massage

Often confused with tantric massage, Thai massage uses stretching techniques to increase flexibility, circulation and balance the energies. Also called Thai massage, it can be done on the whole body and demands the active participation of who is receiving the massage.

Therefore, Thai massage resembles yoga in some of its movements. It is not necessary to undress, but it is necessary to follow the masseur's instructions carefully. The sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes and seek through the release of accumulated energy relax the body and mind.

Deep massage

In this type of massage is used a more intense pressure on the hands, being a great option for those who have chronic muscle problems, such as injury or pain. This massage can relieve anxiety, chronic muscle pain and muscles.

During the session, the masseur uses slow but deep movements with the fingertips to relieve the deepest knots in the connective tissues and muscles. The person who will be massaged can be dressed only in their underwear and this type of massage can last up to 90 minutes.

Sports massage

The sports massage is recommended for those who have an injury that was caused by repetition of movement, very common to happen when practicing any sport. Being an important therapy for prevention of such injuries because it increases physical performance and flexibility.

In addition, this type of massage can be used to relieve anxiety, pain and muscle tension. It can be applied to the entire body, but should also focus on body regions that are more demanded by the athlete.

Depending on the technique, the deep pressure can also alternate between soft and heavy movements. This massage can be performed on the naked body or wearing thin clothes and can last between 60 to 90 minutes.

Trigger point massage

The type of massage called trigger point is very specific and generally recommended for people who are injured, suffer from chronic pain or other specific conditions. Trigger points are areas that concentrate tension in the muscles, and this massage aims to release this tension.

Through wide, fluid and soft movements, the therapist will identify and act on these specific points. Besides the solution of the problem in question, this massage prevents these points of tension from radiating and causing other pains. The session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and can be performed with or without clothes.

Prenatal massage

The prenatal massage is a tool with several benefits for pregnant women. Besides relieving pain brought by this moment, as in the feet and legs, the prenatal massage relaxes and relieves muscle tension.

It can be done at any stage of pregnancy, always taking due care and performing it with a specialist. The procedure of prenatal massage resembles Swedish massage and focuses on the lower back, hips and legs.

A table designed for pregnant women is used, where women can lie comfortably. It is possible to wear light clothing during the massage to partially undress and sessions last up to 60 minutes.

Couple massage

The couple massage brings the conventional benefits of a massage, such as relaxation, relief of pain and muscle tension, and still creates a unique moment for the couple.

It is usually done in spas that also add services such as sauna, whirlpool baths and aesthetic treatments like manicure and exfoliation. The couple massage can be of various types and it is possible that both perform the same massage or different types.

Chair massage

Chair massage is characterized by quick, focused sessions on the neck, shoulders and back. No undressing is required and can be performed anywhere the person can sit comfortably.

It is a great solution to relieve daily stress and anxiety as the therapist applies medium pressure for about 30 minutes.

Shantala

Shantala originated in Ayurvedic medicine with Indian origins. It is performed on babies and brings numerous benefits for the little ones such as relief from colic, besides deepening the bond between mother and child.

It is a moment of relaxation that can be done with the help of oils or creams that are suitable for babies. In addition to the benefits for the child, it also relaxes the mother and promotes general well-being. It is an ancestral technique that highlights the maternal bond.

Reflexology

Reflexology is considered a complementary and alternative treatment for various diseases, in addition to relaxation and pain relief. It works by applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, nose, head and ears. Each point reflects on another part of the body.

Thus, the reflexologist will use the specific points to achieve the desired result. In this practice, it is believed that each organ or body part is reflected in the soles of the hands and feet, or in the ear.

In the case of a headache, for example, pressure is applied between the right thumb and index finger. For menstrual cramps the point is in the center of the palm of the hand, and so for other pains and diseases. Each session usually lasts about 30 minutes.

Self-massage

Self-massage is the practice of massage therapy on oneself. It is a free and relaxing alternative to relieve the tensions of everyday life. In addition, it strengthens self-care and even self-knowledge, because the direct contact with our body is the best way to get to know ourselves.

It can be performed with the help of oils and creams and there is no time limit. A tip to further enjoy this moment is to light candles, an incense of your choice and maybe even put on some relaxing music. Doing this self-care ritual will certainly bring physical and mental benefits to you.

What is the biggest benefit of massage?

The massages, regardless of its type, bring numerous benefits in the short, medium and long term. At first the person will feel relaxed and some pains will disappear immediately.

With the practice, the long-term benefits began to be noticed, such as decreased anxiety, improved blood circulation, skin elasticity and even the immune system. After all, the pressure put on the massage, whether lighter or stronger depending on the type, stimulates the metabolism, preventing diseases and premature aging.

In addition, some specific types of massage can bring very characteristic benefits, such as recovery from injuries in athletes or even aesthetic effects. Even the functioning of the intestine can be improved with constant massages!

However, one of the greatest benefits of massage is mental. After all, this practice reduces stress and anxiety, creating a unique moment of care for body and mind. During the massage session, leave behind all the problems and focus only on the good feelings. You will feel renewed!