Massage is a systematic and scientific manipulation of soft body tissue.Massage instruments and vibrators are available in market.But human hands,source of human magnetism are best,human touch has its own healing powers.Massage affects the muscular system,blood circulation,nerves.Massage has relaxing and wonderful therapeutic effects.Before giving massage -it is important to create a pleasant and soothing atmosphere.Massage room should be warm and well-ventilated.Lighting should be dim.Candle light is soothing and hypnotic.Noise should be minimum.Soft music can be played.The room should be scented with essentialaromatic oils.The masseur's haand should be clean and warm and he should be relaxed.Infre-red heat treatment may be given prior to massage to relax muscle and ease tension.
Massage techniques-A)efflurage(stroking)-The body is massaged using continuous gliding and stroking movement of varied pressure.Direction of strokes is towards the heart.Slow,even and rhythmic pressure is applied by masseur.Ways to carry out efflurage-5 different ways-a)stroking with both palms on larger areas such as legs,arms,breasts,back.b)stroking with one palm on particular area.c)stroking with knuckles on back and thigh.d)ball of thumb for massaging between muscles,tendons and fingers.e)finger tip stroking for tip of finger of patient.B)friction-this break up and remove deposits around joints.Helps to reduce swelling and nerve inflammation.C)petrissage-is done by squeezing movements.Kneading,pressing,rolling of muscular tissue is done by hands.It helps to eliminate accumulated waste products.D)Tapotement(percussion)-is given from wrist,this increase blood supply and provide nutrition to affected parts.technique is done such as hacking,tapping,capping,slapping,cupping,beating,vibration.
Oil for massage-a)coconut oil may be mixed with folling vegetable oils such as-1)basil for refreshes the mind,2)clove for remove mental and physical fatigue.3)jasmine for sensual stimulant.4)lavender-antiseptic,5)orange has vitamin c,6)sandwool-soothing effect.b)olive oil for children and infants.c)colored oil as per chromotherapy can be used.
Benefits-relieves nerves and muscle pain.relax the muscle,passive form of exercise for weak child and old persons,relieves anxiety,tension,fatigue.Improve tone of skin and muscle.,improve blood circulation and digestion.
In disease helpful are-polio,paralysis,headache,sinus problems,insomnia,lumbago,constipation,rheumatism,joint pains,swelling,sciaticas,cramps in calves,agings,numbness,sprains,stiffness,in paediatric cases.
Massage should not to be used-in eczema,thrombosis,phlebitis,angina pectoris,hypertension,varicose veins,abdomen in pregnancy