The act of massage is one which applies pressure and tension to the soft tissues of the body, including such things as muscles, lymphatic vessels, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints. This is applied as a form of therapy to mend injury, alleviate psychological stress, handle pain, and improve circulation and blood flow.
There are various types of massage therapy and bodywork available. If you're trying to settle on which type of massage therapy and bodywork you personally should get, the best idea is to go over some of the more popular offers, and inform yourself on what they're all about, so that you can make an informative and knowledgeable conclusion.
What are the Available Types of Massage Therapy and Bodywork I can select from?
While there are numerous types of massage therapy and bodywork available that you can choose from ? over 150 in fact ? there are some in particular that are more popular than others, mainly because of the favorable results and effects they bring about. A very popular one is that of the Thai massage. This particular massage therapy and bodywork technique started in India, and how it works is the recipient changes into pajamas and lies onto a solid surface of some sort, such as a massage table, mattress, or mat, and the massager then leans on the recipient's body using their hands and forearms to apply rhythmic pressure to practically every part of their body.
There is also that of trigger point therapy, which uses manual pressure or C02 injections to certain points on an individual's body. With the proper pressure, there can be a prompt noticeable improvement in terms of the muscular functioning of the person. This type of therapy has even been known to decrease migraine pain, mock sciatica, mock carpel tunnel syndrome, as well as other pain symptoms.
Then there's the Swedish massage, which applies long and flowing strokes. It is designed specifically to increase circulation and blood flow. Oil or cream is commonly applied to the skin in this form of massage, as it not only aids to loosen up the recipient but also helps the massager to make longer and smoother strokes on the body. There are six primary strokes involved with this form of massage, which are: petrissage, effleurage, friction, compression, tapotement, and vibration.
You can give your feet a soothing foot massage or ask a friend to help you have a foot massage. To start your foot massage you will need to have your feet cleaned. You can soak your feet in Epsom salts, lavender or peppermint oil for 10 minutes in a warm water foot bath.
Dry the feet thoroughly and make sure that even the area between your toes is dry. Once the feet are beginning to dry you will need to rub some soothing oil on your feet. Hold one foot in your lap and use one hand to support this foot.
With the other hand you should begin to massage the top of the foot. For this part of the foot massage you will need to use your thumbs. Slow, firm, stroking motions that start at your toes and move upwards to the ankles are the best way to start this foot massage.
When you are near the ankles the foot massage will follow the same path back down to your toes. The return journey should be accompanied by slow stroking with the thumbs providing the required massage. The pressure that is applied at the toes should be lighter than at the ankle. You will need to repeat this foot massage 5 times.
Next in a cupping motion you will need to gently hold the heel of your foot. With your free hand hold the top of the foot and gently rotate the foot. The first rotation should be done clockwise and next anticlockwise.
Repeat this step about 4 times to relax, calm and de-stress your aching foot and ankle joints. This foot massage must be done gently so that you don't end up hurting your foot as a result of the foot massage.
When you have completed rotating the foot you will need to give your soles a really soothing foot massage. This part of the foot massage begins at the base of your big toe. The foot massage for the toes starts with the big toe.
Once your big toe has been given a de-stressing massage, the foot massage will then move towards the other toes. Gentle rolling motions can provide the ball of your foot a relaxing foot massage.
By the time your foot massage will have been carried out on both of your feet, you will have calmed down and your day's stresses will have vanished as well. The added bonus is that your feet are all ready for walking around your home with no aches or pains to be felt.
Both Kerry Ng & Nimesh Ajwani are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kerry Ng has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Buyers Guide, Acid Reflux and Strep Throat. Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Massage Blog. Click here for more great helpful information about Massage: