Masterclass - Other Massage Techniques

I originally planned for this to focus on Swedish massage technique, however it only ended up being a few lines long and I was only repeating what I had written before. After a rethink I thought I would give a round up on the other techniques that are out there and a symmetrisation of each one

Amna Massage is the Japanese version of massage, using more deeper techniques and kneading.

Ayurvedic massage is the mixture of yoga, medication and herbal remedies; this uses one or two therapist and heated oil  The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humours or doshas called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Bare foot deep muscle uses the therapists feet that combines western and eastern techniques on the patients body. It is said that it can the same effect on the patient without causing strain of the therapists hand or back. Can also be done clothed or unclothed.

Bowen technique involves a rolling movement over muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints.The technique is less stress on the patients joints and is more recommended for very young or elderly patients.

Lympathic Massage technique used to gently work and stimulate the lymphatic system, to assist in reduction of localised swelling. Recommended for people who have slight;y sedate lifestyle, this works on a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes.

Stone massage uses different temperature stones to soothe or stimulate the muscles, and can also take some strain for the therapist.

Swedish Technique uses five different long flowing strokes, it is only in English, Québécois and Dutch speakers that call it this, other countries refer it as a classic massage.

I do also recognise that there are many more variations out there with their own techniques and benefits.  

Next week - The start of the make up masterclass's

Masterclass - What Is Champissage?

In my whites from last weekend, ready for action!

For the regular readers who tuned into last weeks Aromatherapy Masterclass, will already know the answer to this weeks question. The belief in Champissage is that energy channels are unblocked by the head, face and shoulders massaged. Champissage is also known as Indian Head Massage, and originates as the name suggests from India. The therapy was brought over to the west by Narendra Mehta.

The key benefit of Champissage is that as it's a focused massage therapy it can be used in smaller amounts of time like 15-30 minutes. It can also be done fully clothed for people who feel uncomfortable undressing to be massaged, a massage oil/cream it not also necessary to perform this treatment as well (however it does make it easier). It can also benefit people in offices as it can fitted into lunch breaks and helps tense muscles that can come from slouching over a keyboard.

The treatment usual takes place with the client on a chair, the therapist will start from the upper arms and shoulders. Then would work the neck, scalp and lastly the face. For the face the client is asked to lean their neck back (if possible) and a support is put there while the therapist works.

I learnt about this therapy just as I was completing my aromatherapy training, I did mine in a week long course. I think out of all the massage therapies this is one of the best to start with as it the course prices are reasonable (mine was about £100 in 2002, compared to about £500 for a body course) and is the most simplest to pick up.

Next Week: Reflexology

Masterclass - Massage Techniques

Which one are you? I'm hopefully none of these!

Last week we learnt that massage has great benefits not only physical but mental (Introduction to massage), this week we going to look at more the different movement or techniques that make up a massage routine.

Effleurage

This is always a smooth stroking movement, that is used firstly to establish a connection with the client and also to establish a level of firmness a therapist can have on the client. This is also a relaxing movement, repetitive to lull your muscles to relax. It is lead by the fingers and uses the whole of the hand to glide over the skin. Can also be used to disperse oil over the area. There is a one movement that is similar called feathering that uses the same technique but more with the finger tips than the whole hand.

Petrissage

Best described as a kneading action, and is carried out on more fleshy parts of the body. It feels like a rolling action as the hands of the therapists gently sqeeze and release handfuls of the flesh while pressure is being applied using the heels of the palms. For smaller areas thumbs and fingers can be used as well as varying pressures. Kneading promotes the draining away of waste prodcuts and aids circulation.

Pulling

Simply is what it says: A movement that more used on fleshier parts of the body, starting from the front the therapist using a curved hand would move their hands towards the back. This produces a slight "pulling" sensation with loosens the muslces on the side of the torso.

Friction

This uses the hterapists thumbs in to dig a little deeper into those tissues that need that little bit more help. This should only be done after 10-15 mintues of warming up the muscles as without it it's very uncomfrotable for the client. One of best wasy to have this done is to have the gaps of the spine done, this is a great tension release.

Nothing should feel uncomfortable or painful, we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable. For this we need your feedback on how it feels, a good therpist should check throughout the treatment if you are happy without distrubing the process of relaxation. If you're sleeping we will leave you alone until we really do have to move you (and don't feel ashamed I find it a compliment!)

Next we start looking at more individual thereapies starting with the one I first qualified in (and my persoanl favourite): Aromatherapy.