Holistic Massage
What is Holistic Massage?
The basic movements consist of effleurage (soothes and relaxes, assists the return of blood to the heart and aids lymph drainage), petrissage (used to break down tension and stiffness in tissues and particularly in large muscles, improving circulation), friction (used when focussing on smaller areas to break down ‘knots’ and for loosening tightness around joints), percussion (brisk, invigorating and stimulating strokes, eg ‘chopping’ motion) and finally vibration (this technique is used to make the muscle tremble and shake in order to release tension).
Holistic massage is so called as it benefits are not only felt on a physical level, but also on an emotional and spiritual level.
What can Holistic Massage be Used for?
Holistic massage can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as physiotherapy and aromatherapy. Different mediums can be used for massage, including oils, creams and (recently used less often) talcum powder. A treatment can be relaxing or invigorating (or both!) and there are many short-term and long-term benefits. The treatment also includes massage of the head and face if the client so wishes, and can also include the hands and feet, as well as back/shoulders/neck and arms/legs - the therapist can concentrate on a combination of these, dependent on the length of the treatment.
What is the Effect of Holistic Massage?
One of the most important effects of massage is that it boosts the body’s own immune system, which helps the body fight illness and disease using it’s own natural defences.
The most obvious effect of a holistic massage is the relief to tired, stiff joints and to muscle fatigue and also improved muscle suppleness. In addition to this the massage encourages relaxation, better sleep, improved lymph drainage, and improved digestion and skin tone.
Psychological effects of massage include reduced stress levels, increased energy and self-esteem, and greater positivity and awareness.
The History of Holistic Massage
The origins of this technique can be traced back thousands of years to many parts of the world. It’s existence was recorded as early as 3000BC in China, when pressure points were used for promoting health and for relaxation. In India massage has always been an integral part of life and family members are massaged from being babies through to old age. Massage was also central to life in Roman times, when it was used to treat sore muscles and stiff joints and for improving the circulation. It is well known that Julius Caesar, Roman Emperor had a daily massage for his well-being.
In the late 18th Century a physiologist called Per Henrik Ling, who had earlier studied in China, developed a system of movements which improved his health and helped maintain his physical condition. Ling was born in Sweden and holistic massage is still often referred to as Swedish massage.