Types of massage techniques: traditional and exotic

There are two main massage systems: European and Asian. The Eastern school is based on the technique of stimulating energy channels through active reflex points on the body. European works with the body with the help of mechanical action. In addition to the classic and well-known species, there are also exotic ones with the participation of snails or snakes, hot stones and even buckwheat. The forms of massage and the method of exposure, zones and contraindications differ.

All techniques are divided into several groups. The classification is conditional, since preventive massage can be medical, and sports massage can be performed manually or by hardware.

The list of types of body massages according to the classification looks like this:

• Sports, medical and cosmetology - stand out in a separate group according to the scope;
• Preventive and therapeutic methods;
• Group according to the method of execution (independent or paired);
• Hardware or manual;
• Impact area group.

According to the method of exposure, the species are divided into deep, medium and low. Depending on the effect of massage on the functional state of the body, trophic, tonic, soothing, energy-topping and normalizing body functions are distinguished.

The type of massage does not affect the effectiveness: all of them are aimed at activating metabolic reactions, regulating the work of vital systems and organs, improving the well-being and condition of the patient.

classical technique

All types of classical exposure are based on one principle: mechanical study of deep subcutaneous layers. This group includes European and some medical procedures.

Italian method

Autolifting or Italian massage is a simple and effective procedure to improve skin condition. It is performed from a sitting position, it consists in soft and even pressure with the palms on the face. The forehead is worked out first, then the eye area, nose, cheeks, and selections. The session ends with simultaneous pressure on the forehead and back of the head. This effect activates the lymph glands and improves the elimination of toxins.

Finnish method

Finnish massage is based on a combination of Russian and Swedish systems, and it is recommended to carry it out after a bath, sauna or a long hot shower. Sessions are recommended for frequent back pain, increased muscle tension, injuries and sprains. Finnish massage consists of three main techniques. The first is stroking: longitudinal and transverse. The second is squeeze. The third technique is kneading. It is performed with the pads of the thumbs.

exotic species

Exotic massage is performed using plants and animals, reptiles and mollusks, fire and stones, singing bowls and even bird droppings. It is difficult to calculate how many types of massage there are.

Almost every country has many exotic traditional techniques.

snail method

The effectiveness of unusual procedures with snails is explained by the beneficial properties of mucus. It contains active ingredients that promote rapid tissue regeneration, antibacterial and antioxidant substances. Before the session, a rubber cap is put on the hair, and the skin of the area being treated is smeared with fresh milk or cream. Mollusks are placed on the body for 15-20 minutes. The mucus remaining after them is evenly distributed over the body and washed off with cool water after 20 minutes.

snake method

The effect of the procedure is deep relaxation, elimination of phobias, getting rid of negative energies, headaches. Snake massage normalizes blood pressure, relieves muscle blocks and spasms. The area of ​​study is the back, arms and legs. The snakes are placed on the human body for 20-180 minutes, and the type of reptiles depends on the goals. For relaxation, snakes and other small non-venomous snakes are used, and for treatment - pythons and snakes.

Brazilian method with bamboo sticks

To work out the body, special bamboo sticks are used. After an unusual procedure, there is:

• A surge of vitality and energy;
• Reduces cellulite and body fat;
• Release from slags;
• Normalization of blood flow;
• Improvement of metabolic processes.

Brazilian massage is used to model the shape of the hips, buttocks, lower leg and waist.

Buckwheat method

In England, buckwheat is used not only in cooking, but also for cosmetic purposes. Buckwheat is a good natural adsorbent that removes toxins and waste substances from the body. Buckwheat massage is recommended for smokers, people who abuse alcohol, during recovery from illnesses and for deep skin cleansing. Buckwheat massage is also indicated for diseases of internal organs, chronic fatigue, insomnia.

Groats for procedures are poured into special bags, which are placed along the energy points and meridians of the body. Warm buckwheat treats problems with blood circulation and skin, and the aroma of ready-made cereals is used to normalize the mental state.

Taiwanese

A safer and gentler method than acupuncture, but also more effective. The procedure is carried out with the help of sharp knives. They are placed on acupuncture points on the body and face, which leads to a change in the energy flows in the body. Taiwanese massage allows you to relax, calm emotions and thoughts, normalize the psycho-emotional background.

This type of massage has a minimum of contraindications, and the first result is noticeable after a few procedures.

Spiked ball massage

For sessions, two types of balls with spikes are used:

• A large gymnastic, which is called a fitball;
• Small smooth.

Massage with tennis balls

Simple and convenient technique for home use. Massage with tennis balls helps to get rid of pain in the neck and back, legs, and abdominal muscles. It is able to relieve fatigue, tension, headaches. The balls are placed in a cotton sock or clamped between the foot and the floor, the study can last from 10 to 40 minutes.

Massage with tennis balls has no side effects and does not require special skills. It is equally useful for both adults and children.

Therapeutic techniques

Warming method

Warm-up sessions are prescribed to work out joints and bone tissues, correct defects, and stretch muscles. This type of massage should be carried out only in a clinic or rehabilitation center: incorrect movements of the master can lead to injury. The session consists of twisting, stretching, circular movements and vigorous strokes.

Differentiated method

When massaging, techniques of relaxation and stimulation of muscle activity are used. Differentiated massage is used to detect stretching of muscles and muscles that are in hypertonicity. Sessions have an invigorating effect, activate the work of the cardiac system, improve metabolism.

Connective tissue method

The time of appearance of this form of massage is the beginning of the 20th century. Connective tissue massage is used to treat diseases of internal organs and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Connective tissue massage is performed after palpation and examination by a doctor. If seals, tissue enlargements, increased tension or blocks are detected, massaging is carried out by shifting the skin.

Connective tissue massage is performed along muscle fibers, tendon bases and lines of attachment of muscles and joints. All study is carried out with the ring and index fingers. Start connective tissue massage from a healthy area, gradually moving to the problem area. The movements of the master during the session are soft and smooth.

Connective tissue massage refers to rehabilitation and therapeutic, so it cannot be performed at home. The depth, strength, intensity and frequency of the study must be agreed with the attending physician.

local method

Local massage is the impact during the session on a specific part of the body. It can be an arm, leg, joint or muscle, ligaments. When carrying out a local procedure, the maximum therapeutic and health-improving result is achieved: all the time of study is given to only a small area. Local massage differs in that it is always carried out from top to bottom.

Assign local massage on an individual basis, depending on the disease, its stage and degree of development, contraindications and restrictions.

Preventive method

Perform preventive massage in order to prevent diseases, stress, increased physical and emotional stress. They do it with the help of classical techniques: stroking, kneading, rubbing. Sessions can be for the whole body or be local. The main rule of study is to move from top to bottom and from the central lines to the periphery.

rehabilitation method

Rehabilitation massage is used for diseases, disorders of the musculoskeletal system and as a restorative massage for rehabilitation after operations and injuries. The intensity of the course, its duration and depth depends on the testimony of doctors and a preliminary examination.

Rehabilitation massage consists of basic techniques: stroking, kneading, rubbing, vibrating pats. Improvement is noted after just a few procedures if performed correctly.

hardware views

Air technology

Air or compression massage is aimed at eliminating stagnant lymph. Pressotherapy consists in alternately working out parts of the body with the help of compressed air supplied to special cuffs. The effect is to remove excess fluid from the body, cleanse tissues, activate metabolic processes and improve the condition of the skin.

Compression massage reduces puffiness, is indicated for weight loss and as an anti-cellulite agent. Regular sessions restore skin elasticity and smoothness. It has compression massage and a number of contraindications:

• Oncology;
• Skin diseases;
• pacemaker;
• Heart diseases;
• Gynecological diseases;
• infectious diseases;
• Skin disorders;
• Pregnancy and lactation;
• Pneumonia;
• Diabetes;
• Varicose veins;
• Hypertension.

Air massage of the body leads to a large loss of fluid, so it is recommended to drink at least a glass of water before and after the session.

Vertebral technique

To conduct a vertebral or spinal session, a special apparatus is needed - a chair with built-in rollers. Depending on the configuration, the chair is equipped with air-compression, roller or vibration exposure programs. With the help of procedures, a healing and relaxing effect is achieved, cellulite is eliminated, and a beautiful body relief is formed.

The speed of the rollers, their location and vibration intensity is controlled by the remote control.

sports techniques

Warming

A warming massage is used for hypothermia, before training and during breaks in competitions, for quick recovery and for minor sprains and bruises. The procedure includes stroking and kneading, which are carried out only in the direction of blood flow. After the procedure, blood flow increases, metabolic processes are activated at the cellular level, the tone and elasticity of muscle tissue improves. Warming massage also has contraindications: injuries and diseases of the endocrine, cardiovascular system, violations of the skin in the area of ​​study.

Kinesio

The youngest sports equipment. For its implementation, kinesiology tapes are needed - special adhesive tapes that work as applicators. Ribbons have a relaxing effect, improve blood flow, metabolic processes, help restore damaged tissues and reduce pain. Each band can be worn from 3 to 14 days: the breathable material is comfortable, allergy-free and water-resistant. The greatest effect is observed in the first week.

Indications for the use of kinesio taping:

• Sprains and bruises;
• Pain in the shoulders, knee joints, elbows, cervical region;
• Heel spur;
• Headaches, dizziness, migraines;
• Osteochondrosis.
• Therapy is also recommended for pregnant women with swelling, lack of sleep and back pain.

Relaxation and beauty techniques

The second name is sculptural technique. This variety is aimed at kneading deep-lying muscle tissue. The impact technique is aimed at activating metabolic processes at the intercellular level, improving blood circulation, and increasing tissue elasticity. Sessions can be carried out by hand or with the help of a special apparatus. Before carrying out, a natural oil or base cream is applied to the skin.

Relaxing method

The technique of deep relaxation relieves stress, has a relaxing effect, helps to achieve harmony of soul and body. It is used for chronic fatigue, overwork, stress, depression and a number of diseases. A relaxing session includes the following types of work: diaphragm massage, stroking, intense and deep kneading, rubbing, vibration exposure. The movement of the hands of the master during the session is smooth, slow, and the strength is negotiated with the client.

Tonic method

Tonic massage refers to relaxing, therapeutic, and sports. It includes various techniques, and its effectiveness depends on the time and duration of the session. Tonic massage is indicated for apathy, drowsiness, decreased efficiency and concentration.

If you do a tonic massage in the morning, it will help you wake up and give strength, expand blood vessels and activate metabolism, saturate the blood with oxygen. After starting the work of nerve receptors, hormones that improve mood are released into the blood. The muscles of the back begin to work out, then the area of ​​the sacrum, thighs, legs, chest and arms. Tonic massage is performed with vigorous movements with a moderate impact force. The duration of the session is up to 30 minutes.

If a tonic massage is performed in the evening, then the session should last at least an hour. This will allow you to get the opposite effect - relaxation, stress relief and fatigue.

Massage for men and women

If there are no contraindications and restrictions, then women can do any massage. Cosmetic and anti-cellulite, relaxing and exotic types are popular. Specific methods are only gynecological and for bust enlargement.

Gynecological massage refers to therapeutic and is recommended for improper location of the uterus, bleeding, chronic inflammatory processes and insufficient activity of muscle tissue. Procedures are prescribed only after the diagnosis has been made and confirmed.

To increase the bust, there are water, corrective, vacuum and acupressure massages. Each technique has its own characteristics and contraindications. The main danger of any of the types is stretching the skin and getting microtrauma from careless exposure.

Types of massage for men

Especially for men, a urological massage has been developed, aimed at improving the functioning of the prostate gland. The course consists of 15 sessions. The effect of the procedure is an increase in the level of potency, a decrease in the likelihood of prostate cancer, and a decrease in the risk of developing a cyst.

Another massage for men is Taoist. A special technique of influencing the points located on the penis has a relaxing effect, increases potency, improves the functioning of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. Both Japanese and Thai massage, and Shiatsu are popular with the representatives of the stronger sex. Each of these techniques uses aromatherapy, natural oils and classic techniques: deep and intense stroking and vibrating tapping, kneading and rolling, point work with thumbs or forefingers, power kneading.

Before visiting any of the procedures, it is better to consult a doctor.

Even relaxing sessions have contraindications: high blood pressure, skin diseases and infectious diseases. It is also worth adhering to the recommendations of a doctor or cosmetologist: sessions should be carried out according to a set schedule with intervals for rest and recovery. Otherwise, you can get the opposite effect: stretching of the skin, circulatory disorders, microtraumas, bruises and hypertonicity of muscle tissue.

The positive effects of visiting the procedures are improved mood and a surge of vitality, relaxation, improved functioning of internal organs and activation of natural tissue regeneration, increased elasticity of muscle tissue and improved skin condition. Cosmetic sessions help eliminate mimic wrinkles and reduce the visibility of age-related skin changes. Rehabilitation and treatment sessions contribute to the return of flexibility and mobility of the joints, oxygenation of muscle tissue. Energy techniques help to restore the balance between the subtle body, energy flows and physical organs of a person.