The term “massage” comes from the Arabic and means freely translated as: “to touch” or “to feel”.
Introduction
The term massage refers to a process in which the skin, connective tissue and muscles are mechanically influenced. This mechanical influence is achieved through various manual stretching, pulling and pressure stimuli. As a rule, a massage serves to relax overstrained body regions and thus to prevent and/or treat orthopedic problems.
However, a massage can also be used merely to relax the psyche and reduce stress. Massages were already carried out thousands of years ago and for this reason they are probably one of the oldest healing methods in the world. The first records of massage-like treatment methods date back to 2600 BC.
The medical massage itself probably has its origin in East Africa. But also from Asia there are early records about its execution. In the meantime, completely independent procedures and methods of this kind of body relaxation exist. The theoretical principles of the different forms of massage differ in part very much from each other. The reason for this is the fact that the individual forms are based on different treatment theories.
General effect of a massage
Although the individual massage practices sometimes differ greatly from each other, all forms have a similar influence on the human body. The main effect of a massage is a local (local) increase in blood circulation of the skin, connective tissue and muscles. In addition, the relaxing effect of a massage mediates a reduction in blood pressure and pulse rate.
It is precisely these influences that prove the calming effect of a massage. It is precisely this effect that has a long-term positive influence on the psyche and well-being of the patient. With the help of common massage techniques, strained and overloaded muscles can be effectively relaxed and the body can be driven to regeneration.
Adhesions and scars in the area of the muscular structures and the connective tissue can be effectively loosened if performed properly. Furthermore, according to some studies, a positive effect on the healing of wounds can be proven when a massage is performed regularly. In addition, especially in chronic pain patients, a pain-relieving effect mediated by massage can be observed.
In many cases, the dose of painkillers (analgesics) taken can even be reduced in the long term in this way. Although the massage is only applied superficially to the skin, connective tissue and muscles, the nerve connections (so-called reflex arcs) can also have an effect on internal organs. In this way, when a massage is performed regularly, not only the skin and connective tissue is relaxed, but also a positive influence on the entire nervous system is exerted. Effects of the massage at a glance
- Relaxation of the musculature
- Relaxation of skin and connective tissue
- Dissolving of adhesions and scars
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Positive influence on the autonomic nervous system
- Stimulation of the cell material change
- Pain relief
- Stress Reduction
- Relaxation of the psyche
