Jane Holstead Holistic Therapies
Therapeutic Massage
WHAT IS MASSAGE?
Massage is one of the easiest ways of maintaining good health, and also helps to attain it. It is one of our most natural instincts, to “rub” a pain better.
“The physician must be experienced in many things but assuredly also in rubbing. For rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid”
Body massage is composed of specific manipulations of the
soft tissues of the body each of which will produce certain
effects on those tissues and on the body in general.The manipulations are chosen for the effects they produce and these may be superficial or deep, stimulating or soothing.
WHAT CAN MASSAGE AFFECT?
The Circulatory Systems
Mechanical pressure assists the flow in the veins and lymphatic vessels, and is directed towards the heart and the nearest superficial lymph nodes.
The reflex action of the sympathetic nervous system causes dilation of the arterioles and creates a hyperaemia and feeling of warmth in the area.
By improving the blood and lymph flow, waste products produced in the tissues are carried away more rapidly and readily, and fresh oxygenated blood flows into the area, bringing nutrients.
The Nervous System
The general effect is to create a feeling of warmth and relaxation both locally and over the whole body.
The Muscles
Deep massage movements will improve the circulation to muscle tissues, aiding in the rapid removal of damaging wastes, and in the delivery of nutrients, this speeds up the recovery time for tired muscles, and aids in the repair of damaged muscles.
The Skin
As there is an improvement in circulation, there will be an
improvement in texture and appearance after a number of
treatments. Dead cells on the surface are rubbed off which
leaves newer cells and with the application of the creams
this gives the appearance of fresher, healthier, more
nourished skin. There will also be a movement and loosening
of subcutaneous tissues so that the skin moves easily,
relieving tension lines. After a treatment there is a
temporary feeling of warmth, and a cleansing effect since
the sweat and sebaceous glands are emptied and sebaceous
secretions stimulated.Fatty Tissue
Fatty tissue cannot be broken down by massage, but the area may feel softer after a vigorous treatment.
The Abdomen
The gentle pressure on the intestines can stimulate peristalsis, and therefore improve their functioning as a “waste disposal” system, thus relieving constipation, and improving digestion.
The Mind
The psychological effects can be excellent. The recipient is
getting personal attention, and taking “time out” from the
rest of the world. There also develops a close personal
relationship between the practitioner and the recipient.
Many of today’s illnesses can be directly traced to high
stress levels, this is not something which can be cured by
taking a few pills, it needs a long term cure, and massage
can be one of the main ingredients in a cocktail aimed at
calming and soothing.
In today's western society it is not considered correct to
“touch”, and yet, it is one of the most basic instincts, to
pick up and cuddle a child, to put your arms out to someone
in distress, to hold the hand of someone to let them sense
your genuine desire to aid them, there is no language or
understanding barrier to “touch”. Massage is one way of
being able to receive “touch” in a non-sexual,
non-aggressive way, it takes you back to childhood and the
acceptability of asking for “touch” when in need of comfort.
Massage