Massage is certainly a very well-known concept for everyone, and probably everyone has already undergone some massage in their life. Massage has become a popular phenomenon today. We can use massage services not only in fitness centers, but also in cosmetic and hairdressing studios or salons. There are also facilities that specialize only in certain types of massages. Thai and various types of Asian massages are most often performed here.
So how to know the services offered? What exactly is a "real" massage?
A little bit of history
Historically, massage can be considered the oldest remedy. The origin of this word is derived from the Greek word masso, ie mash/press. Even primitive people already knew that if they rubbed the injured area, the pain would disappear. The oldest written records mentioning the effects of massages are from Egypt and can be dated to 5000 BC, Other notes are from China and India, where massages were used as part of personal hygiene. The Babylonians, Persians, Assyrians, Greeks and Romans also used the effects of massages. There are also mentions of the healing effects of massages on fractures. Gradually, oils with fragrant ingredients began to be used as massage equipments, which were to intensify the effect of the massage.
Claudia Galena, who used massages to care for gladiators, can probably be considered the "father" of sports massage. He used a massage to prepare the wrestler for a fight, and after the fight he used a massage to relieve fatigue.
In the Middle Ages, massages declined because exposing and touching were unacceptable. It was not until the 16th century that there was a renaissance in medicine, and the first autopsies improved awareness of anatomy. Since then, massages have been explored and improved again.
Why to enjoy massages?
Today, we characterize massage as a comprehensive set of massage touches and pressures that help us get rid of fatigue or improve preparation for full performance. The key to success, ie a properly performed massage that will bring the expected effects, is an individual approach to the massage. Therefore, the masseur must adapt the touch to your health condition, body constitution and type of massage.
Effects and division of massages
We use the massage procedure to improve regeneration after exercise, to increase performance, to eliminate fatigue, to influence changes that take place in the body due to illness, injury or exertion, but also as a means to strengthen physical and mental health, where massages can be considered a preventive therapy to strengthen the body, to improve the overall appearance and, last but not least, to prepare for further treatment. It is therefore also an important helper in physiotherapy. To summarize the last lines, massages have a preventive, curative, reconditioning, cosmetic and also a psychological meaning.
The effects of massages depend on the type and type of massage. We can include the following massages in the basic division by type:
Classic (convalescent) - is the most well-known and most used type of massage that we encounter in massage facilities.
Therapeutic (rehabilitation) - is a special massage that is performed by a physiotherapist or other health-educated worker. In addition, it may contain rehabilitation components such as mobilization, traction, balling. The most famous massage of this type is reflex or acupressure.
Sports - is a special massage designed for athletes. It has several types that perform different tasks.
Reconditioning and relaxation - this is a soothing massage that is enjoyed by the general population. The main goal is to relax the mind and body. They are often combined with so-called special massages, such as aroma massage, lava stone massage, honey and chocolate massages, working with human energy (Breuss massage, Dorn method). We can also include massages of an Asian character (Thai and Indian massages).
Cosmetic - the main goal of these massages is to care for the exterior. The basis is face and décolleté care, but we can also include anti-cellulite massages and the like.
Physiologically, we can expect the following effects from massages:
local - they aim to affect muscle tone, increase the secretion of sweat glands, affect blood and lymph circulation, improve muscle function due to increased blood circulation, reduce pain
distant - improve the secretion of glands, allow the formation of biologically active substances, affect more distant sites based on reflex chaining
overall - they represent relaxation and regeneration of the body and spirit and help maintain quality mental and physical condition, they also contribute to strengthening the body, improving blood circulation and metabolism, slowing down the aging of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
And who can actually perform a massage?
A masseur is a person who must have knowledge of anatomy and physiology and know the basic massage touches, which can be suitably combined according to the needs of the person being massaged. Another necessary knowledge of a masseur is to be able to provide first aid. Of course, the appearance of the masseur (cleanliness of clothes) and the environment in which he works is an important business card of his work.
Massage devices and aids
The boom that massages have seen in recent years has made room in our market for offering various electric massage devices. Handy and portable massage pillows, "vibrators" or massage beds or even beds appear on the market.
Buyers may be interested in the idea that they will have a massage independently of the masseur, the massage device will not get tired, they can adjust the length of the massage and they can choose exactly the location they want to treat. These are, of course, the advantages of these devices. However, it is necessary to realize that not all areas of the body can be massaged with these devices. The device cannot replace all types of massage touches (usually only allow vibrations) and the intensity and speed cannot be set. So they cannot replace human hands. Massage devices will always be just an imperfect substitute for a skilled masseur.
However, during home massages or self- massages, it is advisable to use many aids, such as acupressure pads, foot massage rollers, rough gloves or brushes, which can support their effects.
However, some devices can significantly help the masseur in his work. They either perform the massage themselves or they help the masseur to achieve the best possible effects. These devices use medical, spa or cosmetic equipment. These can be, for example:
- underwater massage baths, where the masseur uses a stream of water and his strokes, thanks to this combination, the effects are more intense
- vacuum or lymphatic massage devices that make the masseur's job easier and can be more powerful and effective than the masseur himself.