| Swedish massage therapy is comprised by a | | | | techniques help to improve your overall health and |
| number of different techniques. It is designed to | | | | well being. |
| relax and heal your muscles. Rubbing and pressure | | | | The second type of massage we will examine - |
| techniques areapplied to the muscles in order to | | | | Acupressure massage - can be used by a |
| achieve this. A Swedish doctor, Per Henrik Ling | | | | layperson and does not require a professional |
| developed this technique in the 1700s. This | | | | therapist. It is similar to acupuncture, in that it |
| massage does many things including increasing the | | | | uses various points throughout the body to relate |
| oxygen to the blood and releasing toxins from the | | | | to different sources of energy in the body. |
| muscles. | | | | Instead of using needles; pressure or reduction is |
| Benefits: It is especially beneficial for use after | | | | applied to these points. |
| strenuous exercise, as it gets rid of metabolic | | | | Pressure: Pressure should be applied with a blunt |
| waste in the tissues. Circulation is improved, | | | | object; the fingers are often the best choice. |
| without putting undue strain on the heart. | | | | Sometimes you can use a fingernail or even a |
| Tendons and ligaments are kept suppler by | | | | pencil eraser (one that is on the other side of a |
| stretching them with this technique. The skin and | | | | pencil). You are actually bringing energy to a point |
| nervous system are stimulated with this method | | | | by pressing it. When trying out pressure points |
| and your nerves are soothed and relaxed. | | | | you can press them for only a 1/2 second if |
| Techniques: Swedish massage therapy is made up | | | | desired, but if you really want to get the full |
| of several techniques. These are combined, in | | | | effect, 1-2 minutes is preferred. However if you |
| sequence, to make the treatment more | | | | are already weakened physically from ailments or |
| effective. They are: | | | | advanced age, a shorter period may be preferred. |
| 1. Effleurage: This is made up of smooth gliding | | | | Reduction: Turning your finger, counterclockwise |
| strokes using thumbs, fingertips and palms. | | | | over a pressure point, performs reduction; this in |
| Massage oil is sometimes used for enhancing this | | | | effect removes a blockage of energy. When you |
| experience. Specific body parts sometimes require | | | | do this you will release pent up energy and |
| different procedures. There are light and deep | | | | alleviate pain or tension in the associated area. |
| methods of this technique. | | | | You continuously massage the point in an |
| Light method is used as a calming treatment for | | | | counter-clockwise fashion for about 1-2 minutes, |
| different ailments but especially for use when | | | | to get maximum benefits from this massage |
| beginning therapy for healing. It is also good for | | | | therapy. |
| reliving tension and stress. | | | | Do not overuse points and try not to use the |
| Deep therapy applies firmer pressure on the soft | | | | same places everyday. Overuse of a particular |
| tissue, plus increases circulation and lymphatic flow. | | | | point may result in loss of effectiveness. You |
| This technique is used for healing injuries, and is | | | | should use the corresponding points on each side |
| especially good for athletes. | | | | of the body. Carefully monitor which spots are |
| 2. Petrissage: this technique uses hands, thumbs | | | | effective, for your particular problem. |
| and fingertips to knead the muscles. With gentle | | | | Acupressure points are only 0.5 mm in diameter, |
| rolling the muscles are lifted away from the | | | | so you will need to be quite precise when locating |
| bones, then they are rolled and squeezed. This | | | | the right area to use acupressure massage on. |
| method increases the blood circulation and | | | | You can also try adjacent points for better |
| releases toxins from the muscles. | | | | effects. Tension can work against you and render |
| 3. Friction: this massage uses palms, thumbs and | | | | this technique ineffective. It is best to be relaxed |
| fingers to make deep circular movements, | | | | when using this massage technique. |
| especially near the joints and sides of the spine. | | | | Ear acupressure can also be performed. |
| This therapy will break down adhesions and | | | | Sometimes small seeds are taped to the ear to |
| promote flexibility in joints and muscles. | | | | give pressure for a longer period. You can also |
| 4. Vibration: this method will shake the body with | | | | tape small balls over pressure points in the body. |
| oscillatory movements with the hands. | | | | There are 3 important pressure points at the |
| 5. Percussion: This is when the muscles are | | | | bottom of the ear, where it attaches to your |
| tapped briskly | | | | head. One is behind the lobe , another to the right |
| 6. Passive and active movements: This technique | | | | (left ear) and the third at the top of the base of |
| is when the muscles and joints are gently | | | | the ear. |
| stretched and bent. | | | | Acupressure is something you can do without a |
| All these techniques are used in sequential order. | | | | skilled technician. However you should try to |
| Swedish massage has many uses, two of which | | | | educate yourself about this massage procedure |
| are helping a patient recover from injuries, and | | | | first. There are good books available and websites |
| aiding in strengthening muscles. It will also help to | | | | that will give you more information on this |
| cut down stress and tension. All the above | | | | technique. You can also use your local library. |