Massage techniques
Roughly speaking, the different massage techniques are divided into two large groups: the classical and the alternative massage forms. In the course of the classical massage, the skin, connective tissue and muscles are treated at exactly the point where they are worked on by the action of mechanical force. Classical forms of massage are usually all medically recognized and can be found in the usual textbooks and therapy guides.
Alternative forms of massage, on the other hand, are more concerned with the treatment of internal organ disorders by stimulating the body surface and thus activating various reflex arcs. In this way, a diseased organ is not treated directly, but rather the therapy is carried out by massaging a surface area assigned to this organ. While most of the classical methods are covered by the statutory health insurance companies, alternative massages are usually part of the services that have to be paid for by the patients themselves.Furthermore, the different types of massage can be divided into the groups of direct, reflective and electromechanical massages.
There are also different devices that can be used for massage, such as massage balls or the Blackroll. Classical massage Classical massage is mainly used for tension and hardening of the skeletal muscles. In addition, diseases of the musculoskeletal system (especially the spine) and post-traumatic changes are also typical indications for a classical massage.
By activating various reflex zones, this form can even be helpful in cases of neurological complaints such as paralysis, spasticity, sensitivity disorders and neuralgia. The classical massage works mainly by increasing the blood circulation in the treated body regions. According to the guide, the classical massage comprises five hand movements, which are applied in different sections due to their specific effects.
The most relaxing of these five movements is the so-called “effleurage”. Especially at the beginning of the massage session, this method serves to distribute the oil or skin cream. The stroking over the skin is especially important because the patient’s skin should first get used to the masseur’s hand.
In the course of the application, the stroking serves as a recovery phase between the other four hand movements. During the so-called “kneading” (petrissage), the patient’s skin and muscle tissue are kneaded between thumb, index and middle finger. Alternatively, in cases of significant tension, the masseur’s whole hand can be used.
The main purpose of this hand grip is to release tension in the muscular area and to relax the subcutaneous connective tissue by increasing blood circulation. During “friction” (friction), both the therapist’s fingertips as well as the palms of the hands perform small, circular movements on the patient’s body surface. This movement can also be used to effectively release tension and hardening of overstrained muscle areas.
A further handle of the classical massage is the “tapping” (tapotement). The therapist performs short, striking movements either with the edge of the hand or with the fingers. In this way, the local blood circulation can be greatly increased and the degree of tension (tone) of the musculature reduced.
During “shaking” (vibration), fingertips or flat hand are placed on the patient and a muscle tremor is initiated. It is precisely this hand movement that seems to have a relevant influence on the deeper lying tissue and even the internal organs. In addition, the “vibration” has a loosening effect and can therefore be used to relieve cramps.
While the classical massage is extremely well suited for the treatment of chronic diseases, acute inflammations are considered an absolute contraindication. This means that a classical massage must not be performed on patients with acute inflammatory processes in the musculoskeletal system. This rule also applies to other acute diseases such as febrile infections and diseases of the vascular system.
The reason for the prohibition of classical massages in such patients is the fact that it is assumed that massaging would put too much strain on the already weakened organism. Moreover, a classical massage should not be performed on patients with pronounced skin diseases. The pressure exerted on the skin during the massage could possibly worsen these changes.
Reflective massage Reflective massage measures belong to the group of the so-called alternative massage forms. This means that during the application not the ill, and/or aching body area is massaged, but other regions, which are to affect illness by a reflexive procedure. Acupressure: The probably best known form of the reflektorischen Massage is the acupressure.
Acupressure originally comes from the Asian region, is assigned to traditional medicine and is now also very popular in Europe. The principle of acupressure is based on the allocation of different, specific pressure points to individual body regions and organs. By activating one of these pressure points, conductive pathways are stimulated and thus influence the corresponding organ.
The teaching of acupressure describes a total of 20 of these pathways.In addition, this type of alternative massage aims at a balanced relationship between body and mind. The acupressure massage is a further development of ordinary acupressure, in which special massage sticks are used. At the beginning of a treatment session, the therapist strokes along the middle of the patient’s body, starting from the head and going down to the feet.
In this way, a first impression of the physical and mental condition is to be gained. As soon as the therapist feels an imbalance on the skin, the targeted treatment with the help of the massage sticks begins. Cupping head massage: In addition, the so-called “cupping head massage” is also used very often nowadays.
In this type of massage, a special cupping glass is placed on an intact area of skin. The cupping glass is in direct contact with an oil that was previously applied to the surface of the body and develops a slight suction on the tissue. The cupping glass can then be moved over the area to be treated.
The effect of this form of massage is based on an increase in blood circulation in the skin, connective tissue and muscles. It has been proven that the cupping glass massage has a stronger circulation-enhancing effect than the classical massage. The actual treatment effects of the alternative massage forms have not yet been scientifically proven.
Typical indications for the implementation of reflexive massage forms are complaints such as migraine and rheumatic disorders. Beyond that above all cupping is considered as particularly promising treatment method with patients with intervertebral disk problems, knee complaints and lumbago. As already mentioned, the indications for reflex massage are not limited to musculoskeletal diseases.
Acupressure and cupping are also expected to have a positive effect on internal clinical pictures. For this reason, more and more patients suffering from bronchitis, asthma, high blood pressure, hypotension or digestive problems are undergoing acupressure. Even people with chronic inflammation in the area of the tonsils should be able to be helped by using cupping.
Electromechanical massage In the meantime, massage is no longer a purely manual treatment measure. Electromechanical massage devices are becoming increasingly popular, but are far inferior to the classic forms of massage. Special massage beds allow relaxation while lying down.
In addition, thighs, back and/or neck can be loosened up by special massage chairs. Such armchairs can now even be found in most shopping malls. What all electromechanical devices have in common is that the massage is performed by an interplay of vibrating elements, rotating rollers, cylinders or air cushions.
Depending on the device, pressure, kneading and tapping massages are possible and the muscles can be loosened. Similar to the classical massage, the effects of the electromechanical devices are mediated by increasing the tissue and muscle blood circulation.
