Defining Massage

From a very early age, our natural reaction when we hurt ourselves is to rub the injured are to soothe the pain. We are instinctively aware of the healing power of touch. Massage teaches us how to use touch for therapeutic benefit – to relax and soothe the body, and also the mind. With so many of today’s health problems arising from stress, massage can have a profound and positive effect on our well-being.

Massage used to be considered an unnecessary luxury. Today it is valued by many not only as one of the most effective means available for combating stress and including relaxation, but also for its many other physical and mental benefits, including expelling toxins, relieving muscle soreness, increasing flexibility, easing chronic pain, reducing tension, promoting restful sleep, and improving concentration.

How massage works?

The human body is made up of different systems, among them the muscular, nervous, skeletal, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Each system is affected, either directly or indirectly, by massage. After a massage you might expect your muscles to be relaxed, your senses to be heightened, your skeletal system to be realigned, your lymphatic system to be cleansed, your circulation to be improved, and your digestive system to function more smoothly. (Disorders such as constipation can be alleviated through massage.)

The first noticeable effect of massage on the body is a slight reddening of the skin in the area being worked on – this indicates that there is increased blood flow to that area. Improved circulation helps relieve many muscle ailments. When a muscle is tense and tight as a result of stress or injury, it contracts. This has the effect of squeezing some of the blood from the muscle, reducing circulation to it and causing the muscle fibres to cling together and become dry, rather like when cooked spaghetti is left to stand with no sauce. In severe cases, waste matter and toxins build up in the muscle fibres, and tense spots or knots develop, which feel like hard pebbles lodged deep within the muscle. If left untreated, the body begins to mistake these knots for bone and lays down calcium deposits on them. The results can be extremely painful.

When you massage a tense, contracted muscle, blood flow to it is increased, which helps to separate the muscle fibres. Think of this as putting sauce on spaghetti. The result is that toxins and waste matter are flushed from the cells and eliminated from the body through urination, defecation, and perspiration. When one body system is adversely affected, other body systems are also impacted. Tense, contracted muscles affect the skeletal system by gradually pulling the bones out of alignment ultimately causing more pain and reducing mobility. Massage relaxes and can also help lengthen the muscles, which in turn realigns the skeleton. After a good massage, a person will often stand straighter and appear taller.

The physical benefits of massage are inextricably linked to an improved state of mind. Anxiety levels decrease, and people tend to sleep better after a massage. A well-rested person suffers less from exhaustion and fatigue and deals more effectively with stress, the ability to concentrate improves, and people tend to experience fewer tension headaches.

Preapering to massage?

All you really need to perform a massage is a pair of hands, but whether the aim is to soothe sore muscles or to ease tense ones, choosing a suitable oil or lotion helps to make the treatment more effective. Try using essential oils for their therapeutic qualities, and take time to create a relaxing environment by adjusting lighting and temperature and by making the person comfortable.

Ingredients for massage?

Carrier oils: My favourite oils for massage are sweet almond, grapeseed and coconut oil because they are light and easy to massage with, but you can also use jojoba oil. If desired, essential oils may be added to any of these carrier oils. Olive oil is good for massage foot massage, and while you can use it on other parts of the body, avoid the face as it may clog pores.

Lotions: Ready-prepared massage lotions contains oils and tend to be greasy, so if you prefer to make my own. Use any unscented, uncoloured light lotion and either add an essential oil of your choice or add a little oil to your palms, then rub a small amount of lotion into your hands before performing the massage. Lotion evaporates more quickly, so reapply it more often than when massaging with oil.

Essential oils: These highly concentrated plant extracts must be added to a carrier oil or unscented lotion. Do not apply them to the skin undiluted. Add 2-5 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil or lotion.

Natural ingredients: Fresh fruit such as papayas, kiwis, pineapples, strawberries, bananas, and mangoes are great natural hydrators. They also contain enzymes that break down dead skin cells, exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin. A popular treatment at my spa consisted of a massage with pureed fresh winter melon, an Asian fruit that leaves the skin silky soft and nourished. For a fruit massage, use about three parts pureed fruit to one part oil. Fruit also makes an excellent ingredient for wraps. For natural exfoliators, experiment with grated fresh ginger, sea salt, oatmeal, poppy seeds, ground walnut shells, or even coarsely ground coffee, mixed with just enough carrier oil to bind the ingredients.

Setting the stage?

A specially designed massage table is best for giving a massage, but at home you can improvise by using a futon or laying several blankets on the floor to create a firm but padded surface on which the person can lie. Beds, especially softer ones, are not ideal as they absorb the pressure of deeper strokes and can often be uncomfortable for the masseur. When the person is lying on their front, place a rolled up towel or pillow under the ankles to prevent foot cramps and to relieve pressure on the knees when massaging the legs. Women may find a folded towel or pillow placed under the collar bone and chest comfortable. The best position for the arms is by the sides with palms facing up, but some people are more comfortable with arms raised by the head. It is fine for people to adjust their position during the massage. When they are lying on their back, it can help relaxation to place a pillow under the knees to support them and prevent them from locking straight. You may also want to place a folded towel under the neck to help keep the body straight. Body temperature drops during a massage so keep the room warm, slightly above normal room temperature. If the room is cold or draughty, the person will tense up. Cover areas not being worked on with a towel or blanket, and take care to keep the person’s feet warm.

Creating atmosphere?

A massage can be given anywhere at any time, but you can make it special by taking a little time to prepare the room and to create some ambience. Keep lights low, and avoid bright overhead lighting, which can be uncomfortable to look into when lying on the back. Candles provide a subtle and soothing light. Linens and sheets should be clean and unrumpled, otherwise they can be uncomfortable to lie on. Try laying down luxuriously textured fabrics such as velvets and silks or scattering a few fresh flower petals over the massage area. You may want to add a drop or two od essential oil to a diffuser, but be careful not to overdo it, and do not use chemical air fresheners – heavy scents are cloying and unpleasant. Finally, any music should be soft and without lyrics, otherwise it can be distracting and intrusive. The atmosphere should be that of a peaceful and calming haven. The room should be free room chaos. All cares and worries are left at the door.

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