The benefits of massage have long since been recognized. Thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, Hippocrates recommended “a scented bath and oiled massage every day”.
massage
Any body who has had a long day and has sore neck and back (and feet!!!) would definitely appreciate the endorphins (the feel-good substances) the body produces during a massage.
Although origin of massage can be traced back to ancient China and Mesopotamia (some 5000 years ago), the modern massage methods used today stem from Sweden. Per Hernik Ling, after visiting China in the 19th century, brought back to Sweden and later entire Europe what is later known as Swedish Massage.
Swedish Massage employs four (4) basic techniques:
- Effleurage (or stroking)- this is a warming technique that uses slow stroking and rhythmic movements using the palm of the hands, which are kept close together.
- Tapotement (or percussion)- uses brisk, light hacking, tapping, or clapping action to chop and slap fleshy and muscular areas such as the buttocks, thighs, and back. This cannot be used on bony areas or near broken veins.
- Petrissage (or kneading)- the skin and tissue are kneaded using the fingers and thumb. This is ideal for shoulders, hips and thighs. This boosts circulation and ideal to relax tense muscles. Massage therapists claim that petrissage improves elasticity and helps break down fatty tissue.
- Frottage (or friction)- is a technique that involves small circular movements of the fingers, the heels of the hands or the pads of the thumbs applied over areas of muscles. This technique releases muscle tension and improves circulation.
To avoid pulling at your skin, a masseur would probably use a massage oil or aromatherapy oil.
For people with back pain, massage is often one of the first therapies they run to. Massage therapy soothes the muscles and relaxes, however, this does not take care of the root of the problem. If the cause of your back pain is a misalignment in your spine, it can only be corrected through chiropractic approach (using spinal manipulation). This is why even though back pain lessens after a massage session, it never totally goes away unless “fixed” by a chiropractor.
Ask our chiropractor if he can help with your back problem here.
THE SECRETS OF HEALTH. “Your Five-Star Chiropractic Experience!” 910 Medical Plaza, Amorsolo cor Dela Rosa St, Makati City. Tel#:(02) 345-5214. Cel#:09494183464 (Smart)
