Massage Therapies – Use them Yourself
There are a lot of ways to give a massage to anybody. There are different massages for different illness. Oil is the medium through which a massage can be given smoothly and without hurting the skin of the patient. The essences, oils and powders used during a massage are called the tools of massage therapy. Some massage techniques are as follows.
Rubbing
Put your palm on the part of the body which is affected and slowly move your thumb and first finger or thumb and all four fingers, apply pressure. Rub the affected portion in this way for a little while. The pressure should not be applied with the tips of the fingers, the entire palm should be touching the skin of the patient. This method increases blood flow in the affected area and the nerves get charged up.
Circular motion
With your palm or fingers slowly press the muscular area of the affected part. With this move your hand in a circular motion. With this type of massage the tired muscles get relief and strength increases in them. The muscles become flexible and stiffness reduces. This is a good massage for frozen shoulders and stiff wrists.
Kneading
With your thumb and all four fingers or first finger pinch the affected muscles slowly. The lubrication increases in the joints and help them move without pain. Stiffness in the cartilage reduces and helps increase the movement of the joints.
Tapping
With the lower portion of your little finger beat the affected area. Beating should be done lightly. Lightly however it should be done fast. 13 -14 strokes in a second should be the rate at which it should be done. This method releases the stress in muscles and loosens them.
Pressure method
With you palm and all five fingers press the affected area for a few seconds. Keep the pressure up to 3-5 kgs. Slowly increase the pressure and the time to keep the pressure on the body.
Stroking/Hammering
One or two light punches are given on the affected area. Stiff muscles get released and loosen up. This technique is used on sportsmen.
