| > | | | | of movement is kneading dough. It is mostly done with |
| Massage improves blood circulation; stimulates skin | | | | both hands, particularly on the thighs and buttocks. |
| function; improves muscle tone; calms the nervous | | | | Petrissage helps strengthen muscle fiber, remove |
| system and eases aches and pains in muscles and | | | | waste products and ease fatigue. |
| joints. | | | | There’s another type of massage movement |
| Massage therapy is no doubt an effective natural | | | | called friction which creates just that. It involves rubbing |
| therapy that has tremendous healing properties. To get | | | | the hands backwards and forwards across an area |
| maximum benefit from this therapy you should know | | | | and is very warming and stimulating to the tissues. |
| the principles of massage therapy and do’s and | | | | Do's and don’ts |
| don’t while doing massage. Touch is both | | | | Massage is a gentle healing art suitable for everyone |
| healing and comforting and what’s more you | | | | from babies to the very elderly. Note the below points |
| can enjoy the pleasure of it — both giving and | | | | while doing massage - |
| receiving. Massage improves blood circulation; calms | | | | Do not massage |
| the nervous system; stimulates skin function; improves | | | | Any infected area |
| muscle tone and eases aches and pains in muscles | | | | A person who is feverish or has a raised |
| and joints. | | | | temperature |
| The basic principles of massage | | | | Over an area where varicose veins are present |
| Massage is a way of stroking the body, with variations | | | | Over any unusual swelling or inflammation |
| in the length and depth of strokes. However, you | | | | Bruised or broken skin |
| should always direct firm strokes towards the heart, | | | | Before massaging do |
| as this will be beneficial to the circulation. | | | | Check with the person about to be massaged |
| Long flowing massage strokes with little pressure on | | | | whether any of the above apply |
| the body are the most soothing and relaxing. This type | | | | Make sure the room is warm enough |
| of movement is called gentle, even pressure and is | | | | Warm your hands before massaging |
| often used to start and finish a massage. | | | | Hope this article will help you to know the basic |
| Patting or tapping the skin with your fingers quickly and | | | | information about massaging in the right way! |
| slowly is stimulating and helps to increase blood flow. | | | | Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health |
| This is called tapotement. It is usually done on small | | | | advice and is for general information only. Always |
| areas such as the forehead, cheeks and neck. | | | | seek the insights of a qualified health professional |
| Petrissage involves squeezing and releasing a muscle | | | | before embarking on any health program. |
| or part of a muscle group. A good example of this kind | | | | |