Body massage is a form of beauty therapy often offered in health spas and beauty salons. It is used as a treatment to promote well being and physical health as well as a relaxation treatment. The popularity of massage is increasing, as is the demand for different varieties of massage therapies. Many people choose body massage treatment as a form of stress relief, and depending on the client, this can range from a one of visit to a regularly scheduled appointment.
The benefits of massage have been proven to reduce stress as well as minor ailments such as mild backache and muscle pains. Stress is known to be the cause of many other complaints such as insomnia, migraine, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers, a regular massage course can alleviate stress significantly and as people become more aware of the effect stress can have on the body the demand for massage and other holistic (whole body) treatments increases.
One of the reasons a body massage is so effective in combating stress is that prolonged unrelieved stress can have a negative effect on the muscles. Massage is one of the few therapies that can work on all the muscles in one session while providing immediate stress relief.
Standard Process of a Full Body Massage
A full body massage works on all parts of the body excluding the face and head. A standard session will last between one and two hours during which a therapist will use a combination of massage techniques to work on the arms, legs, back, neck, shoulders, neck, chest and buttocks.
Massage Techniques
The most common massage techniques used in a full body massage are:
Effleurage – effleurage (also known as stroking) are the movements most commonly used at the beginning and end of each body part being massaged. The movements are the most soothing of all the techniques and are also often used to introduce the massage oil to the skin. The therapist’s hands will remain in constant contact with the clients skin during effleurage while the movements are slow and rhythmical with only slight pressure placed on the client’s body.
Petrissage – these are the techniques that people most commonly associate with massage and are the movements most commonly shown on television. The movements involved include kneading, rolling and friction. Petrissage uses more pressure than effleurage and is used to work a section or group of muscles to relieve tension in problem areas. The movement is always applied in the direction of the heart.
Friction movements are performed with the thumb and fingers and are used for deep tissue massage, by applying deep pressure in a circular motion, tapotement can help to increase mobility and loosen bunched muscles.
Tapotement or percussion techniques are quick movements such as hacking and chopping that are used to stimulate the nerve endings and increase circulation. These movements should not be painful; rather they should have a revitalizing effect on the body.
The Effects Of Body Massage
Massage is used to increase circulation helping to relieve fatigue in the muscles as well as remove muscle tension. It helps to stimulate the lymphatic system and break down fatty tissue while also improving skin texture and elasticity.
Used primarily for relaxation body massage has many more benefits that many people are unaware of but experience and is often described as a sense of well being.
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