Massage: what is its benefit, harm and are there any contraindications

The first thing that comes to mind when the word "massage" is something pleasant and blissful, a real pleasure and relaxation for the body. And this is partly true. But the massage procedure does not always bring pleasure and joy. Today we will consider what types of massage exist, what benefits they have in themselves, and whether there are contraindications and even harm.

The benefits of massage

Everyone knows that massage is useful, but what exactly? Let's look at what exactly it is beneficial for. It affects almost everything: the skin, muscles, joints, tendons with ligaments, the lymphatic and circulatory systems, the nervous and respiratory systems. Given such a wide range of effects, it ceases to seem surprising that after a session of high-quality massage, people feel as if they have just been reborn. Of course, massage can be different, and we will talk about this a little later, but the result will always be the same - benefit! But you just need to remember that any massage, and especially the one that is associated with the spine and face, should be carried out exclusively by professionals with great experience. Otherwise, it can lead to disastrous consequences.

With massage you can cleanse the dermis from keratinized particles and other contaminants, significantly increase the tone of the skin and muscles, improve blood circulation, establish metabolism in a specific place of exposure, improve the work of pores and sebaceous glands, saturate the skin with oxygen. Ultimately, you can get smooth, toned skin that has a healthy tone.

Considering that massage directly affects metabolic processes in the body, it promotes weight loss and the release of fat from the tissues, activating its burning. However, in fairness, it should be noted that the benefits of such a massage and the effect itself will be noticeable only with an integrated approach, when everything else will be added proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Massage helps to increase muscle elasticity, without the appearance of lactic acid, increases blood flow to muscle fibers, saturates them with oxygen, improves and restores their performance, which comes in handy after prolonged physical exertion. For comparison, in five minutes of a high-quality massage, the muscles will relax in a way that they would not have been able to do in half an hour during normal rest. Helps to disperse lactic acid in muscles. Those who know firsthand what it is will understand the advantage of such an impact. Massage can relieve muscle pain. They can also stop muscle atrophy. It has a strengthening effect on the ligamentous apparatus, prevents the deposition of harmful substances in the joints.

It has long been no secret that the skin is a clearing of the nervous system, since it is connected with the entire body by nerve endings. Considering this, the effect of massage can be called universal, because it can both excite the NS and completely relax it. With its help, you can establish a connection between the brain, muscles, internal organs and the circulatory system. It contributes to the acceleration of regeneration in cases where the work of the nerve for some reason has been disrupted.

Many girls will like the fact that with the help of massage you can really get rid of cellulite! This is not at all an invention for the purpose of making money for massage therapists - this is a fact, which is explained by the specifics of the impact.

You can talk about the benefits of massage for a very long time, but the essence of this will not change. If there is an opportunity to visit good specialists and there are no contraindications, then do not deny yourself so much useful and pleasant care.

The harm of massage

Massage is a full-fledged medical procedure that can be fraught with harm. Firstly, it is advisable to carry out such procedures solely as directed by the observing doctor, and not at will. Let's make a reservation right away that we are talking about a full-fledged massage. Before the session, be sure to inform the doctor about what worries you, if there are any ailments. The harm of massage can be colossal if the patient has various ailments, which we will write about in contraindications, or if the body is undergoing inflammatory processes. Never ignore this fact, otherwise it will only get worse.

Massage contraindications

Now, in fact, about the contraindications. They can be permanent, temporary or local. The names speak for themselves. In the first case, massage is generally unacceptable, in the second, you should wait for recovery, and then start sessions, in the third, contraindications apply to a specific area.

So, massage is absolutely contraindicated for:

• HIV;
• diseases of the blood and a predisposition to bleeding;
• atherosclerosis;
• heart failure in the third degree;
• impaired blood circulation;
• active stage of tuberculosis;
• gangrene;
• the presence of malignant tumors;
• scurvy;
• angiitis;
• acute venereal diseases.

Temporary contraindications are:

• state of alcoholic intoxication;
• the presence of inflammatory processes in the body;
• pain in the abdomen, feeling of nausea;
• bleeding;
• existing acute pain;
• acute renal and cardiovascular failure;
• hypertensive, cerebral and hypotonic crises;
• a state of acute fever.

It is customary to refer to local contraindications as the following places:

• where the lymph nodes are located;
• breasts, nipples and groin area;
• on the abdomen, if there is a hernia, or the woman has menstruation;
• back in the lower back, in the presence of kidney stones;
• where there are protruding moles;
• where the excision of the malignant tumor took place;
• with the presence of benign formations;
• suffering from a fungal disease, having cracks, warts, viral inflammations, etc.

In fairness, we list the situations in which massage, on the contrary, is indicated. So, make an appointment with a specialist if you have:

• there are pains in the back, neck and lower back;
• worried about constant pain in the head;
• have a diagnosis osteochondrosis;
• there are sprains, bruises or fractures that are in the healing phase;
• there are disorders that are a consequence of a fracture;
• chronic or acute arthritis;
• neuritis or neuralgia;
• chronic gastritis;
• radiculitis;
• paralysis;
• bronchial asthma;
• a stomach ulcer or 12 duodenal ulcer, provided there is no exacerbation;
• arterial hypertension;
• rehabilitation period after a heart attack;
• disrupted bowel function;
• mental fatigue;
• physical fatigue;
• hypertension;
• bronchitis.

In these cases, subject to the permission of the attending physician, massage will only benefit.

Massage is a serious matter, so be sure to consult your doctor before a session.

Massage types

There are many types of massage, and here are just a few of them:

• urological;
• for children;
• hardware
• percussion;
• cryomassage;
• gynecological;
• cosmetic;
• resuscitation;
• medical;
• hygienic;
• prophylactic;
• segmental reflex;
• sports;
• self-massage, etc.

In addition to these, there are at least 30 more varieties.

Massage treatment

By itself, massage has not so much a healing effect as an auxiliary one. For example, if a simple treatment would last two to three months, then by including massage in the therapy it would be reduced by two or three times. It can be used as a general tonic, as it helps to increase and strengthen the immune system. It is easier to list diseases for which massage is powerless than those for which it will provide all possible help. We have previously listed health problems for which such a procedure will be useful, this list can be relied on, but it is far from complete. Comprehensive advice can be obtained from a specialist who is engaged in the relevant practice.

How to do massage correctly

So, we figured it out with benefit and contraindications, now let's touch on the topic of how to do massage correctly. To begin with, the person who will be doing must prepare not only with his body, but also with his spirit. Negative thoughts should not be present in the head, all problems should recede into the background. This is very important, because only then will the muscles completely relax.

It is even better if relaxing music plays in the room and the atmosphere itself is inviting. And then we will consider some variations according to the situation.

How to massage a man

After a hard day at work, when a man just falls off his feet, it would be useful to pamper him with a relaxing massage. First of all, it is important to prepare the very atmosphere that will set you in a romantic mood and allow you to escape from all the problems.

It will not hurt to prepare what the massage will be performed with. Take any base oil you like and add vanilla, lemon or lavender ether to it. You just need to be sure that the man, and you yourself, are not allergic to these components. Massage can be done not only with hands. Touching the body of your "client" with feathers, patches of natural soft fur - it is also pleasant and relaxing to no less degree.

A relaxing massage routine for a man is as follows:

1. Let the man take a hot bath or shower, as massage is best done on the steamed body and muscles.
2. Then lay him on his stomach so that he is comfortable and can begin. Do not worry if you have never done a massage before, if necessary, ask the man to tell you where to push harder and where to stroke longer.
3. Any massage always begins with stroking, then rubbing begins and only after that kneading the muscles. Be sure to alternate this stroking and massage, too, with them.
4. Actions start from the neck, and then gradually "slide out" to the back.
5. After carefully working out the lower back, work on the shoulders and arms, paying particular attention to the inner area. You need to massage the entire arm, from the shoulder to the back of the hand. When finished with one limb, move on to the other.
6. With transverse movements, start massaging the sacrum and buttocks. Pay special attention to the sacrum area, as this is where pinching often occurs, which causes pain and a feeling of heaviness.
7. Next are the inner thighs and knees. Do not spray, rinse one leg first and then the other. Massage your heels and calves in the same way.
8. Once the back massage is over, ask the man to lie on his back and start massaging his chest. The whole sequence is similar in this case.

How to do back massage

Yes, a complex and therapeutic massage, which is aimed at improving the body, should be done only by a specialist. And a simple massage that will not cause any harm can be done at home.

The massaged person should be laid on his stomach, his hands should be placed along the body, slightly bent at the elbows. Put a pillow under your head.

It all starts with superficial stroking, then go to deep, performing it with the back of the hand, moving from the bottom up. Work your sacrum. Move your palms some distance from the spine and move up to the hollows of the armpits, then return to the groin folds. Work your entire back in this way with gentle but confident movements. Perform grasping movements on the sides.

Next comes the stage of squeezing. This is a deep technique in which all movements should be performed in the direction of the lymph, and they should be done slowly. The action is directed not only to the skin, but also to deeper layers. To increase efficiency, weights are needed, therefore, when pressing, the hand is placed on the hand. Long muscles are processed first, and then wide ones.

Then comes rubbing. Reception is performed by displacement of the skin. The long muscles begin to rub from the sacrum. The zone of spinous shoots near the neck is worked out in semicircular movements. As soon as you reach the hairline, go back to the sacrum. Everything is repeated five to six times.

On the broad muscle of the back, movements can be performed with the edge of the palm. You need to move from the buttocks in the upward direction. On the lateral side of the torso, you need to make a "crossing", which is performed by the radius in the direction from the thigh to the armpits. In place of the ribs, rubbing is done from the spine in different directions. To work out the scapula, the arm of the massaged person must be bent at the elbow and put on his back. Hold the person's hand with one hand, and rub with the other using the fingertips. Finish rubbing with both hands in a circular motion over the entire back.

Next is kneading. To enhance the effect, you need to put one hand on the other. It all starts with working out the long muscle. You can just walk with your fingertips along the sides of the spine, or draw circles with the phalanges. Then they move on to the broad muscles. Move from the crest to the armpits, grabbing and pulling the muscle, massaging it in a circle.

The session ends with a small vibration, which is performed by a series of light blows all over the back. Then a vibrating stroking is done.

All this fits into an average of 20 minutes, while half of the time is spent only on kneading.

How to massage the neck

In this case, the person being massaged sits on a chair, and then everything is simple.

First you need to stroke, moving your palms from top to bottom and to the sides. Next, you can make light pinching, grasping movements or comb-like movements. Then you need to rub the mastoid processes. At the same time, the neck of the massaged person is wrapped in a half-hoop. All movements of moderate intensity. Hatching, sawing and crossing are applied in a similar way. Can be applied to the entire surface behind rubbing with bent phalanges of fingers or pads.

Be careful when performing neck massage, as this is far from the strongest place, which is very easy to injure. An option for massage of the cervical-collar region can be viewed in the video below.

How to massage your feet

With a properly performed foot massage, you can achieve simply stunning results from the muscles, the subcutaneous layer and the skin itself. The glands activate their work, blood circulation is normalized, the lymph flow will improve. Muscles will become more elastic and body fat will be reduced. At the time of the massage, the legs are resting, therefore, at the end of the session, lightness in the limbs is granted.

Legs can be massaged selectively, according to specific zones, or completely, from buttocks to heels - it depends on the desire and the amount of time allocated for the massage. There is a very interesting fact - when massaging the arch of the foot, you can reduce back pain, and when working with your toes, you can improve the state of vision, sinuses and ears.

Now about how you can massage your feet.

1. Take the arch of the foot with one hand, and actively rub it with the other palm. As the warming up occurs, you can change your palm to knuckles.
2. After thoroughly warming up, you need to thoroughly stretch your fingers, each individually. You need to move in the direction from the nail to the base, rolling the skin.
3. Grab the foot with one hand and fix it, and with the ball of your big toe, begin to perform circular movements throughout the foot. If the skin is rough, you can press harder, if it is soft and thin, you can use it weaker. Pay special attention to the heel area.
4. The next step is to work with the Achilles tendon. It is massaged with the thumb up and down so that the person does not feel pain and discomfort. The bones of the foot and ankle are massaged with similar movements.
5. Roll your foot towards the ankle.
6. Next, go to the lower leg and warm it up well, after which, with your knuckles, gently wash the entire muscle in a circular motion.
7. Climb up, bypassing the popliteal fossa. The thighs are already massaged here.

The massage ends by kneading the buttocks and lightly pinching the entire surface, and then stroking. After that, the massaged person should lie down for at least a quarter of an hour.

How to massage a newborn

First, let's look at some of the rules for baby massage.

• You can start the massage after the baby is 20 days old. Babies who are not yet three months old should not massage the fontanel area, under the knees, elbows, inner thighs and armpits. Also, you cannot press, knock and pat.
• The optimum room temperature is 18-23 ° C. The baby will be undressed during the session, so it is important to provide comfortable conditions so that he does not freeze.
• The massage should be performed on a flat and stable surface. The ideal option is a changing table covered with a terry blanket or diaper.
• Prepare in advance what you need during the session, so that later you will not be distracted and not leave your baby.
• If you have long nails, cut them off, otherwise you can injure the delicate skin of the crumb. It is better to remove all jewelry from your hands. Wash thoroughly with soap and water, including under your nails.
• Find the best massage time. A couple of hours after feeding is a good choice.
• During the session, talk to your baby, smile at him or sing good songs.
• Do all movements strictly in the direction from bottom to top, as well as from the periphery to the center. Do everything very carefully so as not to cause harm and discomfort to the baby.
• The duration of one session should be about a quarter of an hour.

Now let's look at the step-by-step massage technique.

1. You need to start with the handles. Massage each finger, unclench the baby's fist and massage the palm. Smoothly go to the wrist and above, bypassing the armpits.
2. Move on to the legs. First, massage the foot, remembering to pay attention to each toe on the leg. Then, with light movements, go to the groin. Be careful with your knees, there should be no effect on the joints, and do not touch anything under the knees at all.
3. Next is the tummy. Stroke it starting from the navel in a clockwise direction. Close your hands on the midline of the belly and perform sliding movements when one of your hands moves in the downward direction and the other up. Try not to touch your baby's genitals.
4. Massage the chest of the crumbs from the center to the shoulders, and then from the center to the sides. Don't touch your breasts.
5. Turn the baby over onto the tummy and gently massage the neck. When the child tries to lift the head up, experts recommend stopping the massage for this time.
6. Then the back is massaged. Two directions are maintained: from the lower back to the side of the shoulders, from the vertebra to the sides. The spine is not affected. The butt is ironed from the sides to the tailbone.
7. Lay the baby on one side and begin to gently move your hand along the paravertebral lines, going from the sacrum to the head. The baby should bend forward a little. Do this three times, and then put the baby on the other side and repeat the same thing.
8. Now return the baby to its original position on the back and massage the head, bypassing the fontanelle. Pat your ears.

You need to complete the massage with light strokes all over the body.