Four basic techniques of classical massage. Classical massage: techniques and techniques. For massage of the scalp and intercostal spaces
Includes the following basic techniques.
Stroking. Depending on the size and shape of the massaged area, stroking is carried out with one or two hands, fingertips, palm, back of the hand and fingers. There are planar (superficial and deep) and enveloping stroking (continuous and intermittent); as well as a number of auxiliary techniques: rake-like, tong-shaped, ironing, etc. (Fig. 1, 1-5). Reception is carried out slowly, rhythmically, along the blood flow; with edema of the limbs, the overlying sections are stroked, and then the underlying muscle fibers in the direction of the course. The force of pressure is greatest in places with a sufficient amount of fatty tissue, muscles and in the region of large vessels, the smallest is in places of bone protrusions. Stroking begins and ends the massage.
Rice. 1. Massage techniques. 1-5 - stroking: 1 - planar superficial, 2 - planar deep, 3 - embracing continuous, 4 - rake-like, 5 - ironing; 6 and 7 - rubbing: 6 - longitudinal direction of massage movements, 7 - circular direction of massage movements; 8-13 - kneading: 8 - continuous - longitudinal direction of massage movements, 9 and 10 - continuous - transverse direction of massage movements, 11 - spiral direction of massage movements, 12 - felting, 13 - rolling; 14 - chopping; 15 - continuous vibration.
Trituration- a more energetic reception than stroking. We carry out with fingers, the whole palm, the base of the palm, the edge of the palm, the fist, one or both hands at the same time. Rubbing is performed longitudinally or transversely, in a circular, zigzag or spiral manner. Auxiliary rubbing techniques: sawing, hatching, planing, tongs, rakes and other techniques (Fig. 1, 6 and 7). Rubbing is done both along and against the flow of blood and lymph, slower than stroking; the force of pressure increases with an increase in the angle between the hand and the massaged area. Rubbing prepares tissues for the next technique - kneading and is combined with stroking.
kneading- the most difficult method. It is performed with fingers - thumb and forefinger, thumb and all other fingers, one or two hands. The reception consists in grabbing, lifting, pulling, squeezing and stretching the tissues. It is carried out in the longitudinal, transverse, semicircular and spiral directions. Basic kneading techniques: continuous and intermittent. Auxiliary techniques: felting, rolling, shifting, twitching, compression, stretching, etc. (Fig. 1, 5-13). Reception begins with lighter and superficial kneading, gradually moving on to more energetic and deep kneading, doing it smoothly, rhythmically, slowly in combination with stroking, without pinching and twisting.
Vibration- this technique consists in giving the body part oscillatory movements. Distinguish between intermittent vibration and continuous vibration itself. When performing intermittent vibration, the massage therapist's hand each time breaks away from the massaged area, as a result of which the vibration movements follow each other in the form of jolts. Reception is performed with the ends of the fingers, the palm, the edge of the palm, the fist lengthwise or transversely, in a zigzag or spiral manner. Auxiliary methods of intermittent vibration: patting, puncturing, tapping, quilting, chopping (Fig. 1, 14). When carrying out intermittent vibration, the direction of impact matters: oblique (used to impact on superficially lying tissues), vertical (to impact on deep-lying tissues). When performing continuous vibration, the massage therapist's hand, without leaving the massaged area, produces rhythmic oscillatory movements in one place or along the entire massaged surface. It is performed with one, two and all fingers (Fig. 1, 15), palm, fist. Produced longitudinally or transversely, zigzag or spiral. Reception requires great skill, if performed incorrectly, the massage therapist may experience various disorders that can lead to vibration disease; when performing, the angle of inclination of the fingers matters - the larger it is, the deeper and more energetic the impact; the pressure on the tissues during the reception should not be painful. Auxiliary techniques: shaking, shaking, pushing.
Rice. 2. Average physiological position of the upper (1) and lower (2) limbs.
The general obligatory rule when carrying out all the described massage techniques is the maximum relaxation of the muscles of the massaged area, which is achieved by the so-called average physiological position (Fig. 2). With dry skin and its increased sensitivity, with fragile ones, boron vaseline is used to improve massage movements, with oily and sweaty skin, ingrown scars -.
In sports practice, for the implementation of stroking, rubbing, it is necessary to lubricate the skin with petroleum jelly; kneading and chopping is done on dry skin. Ointments are not used if you need to cause a thermal, mechanical and reflex effect. For warming and to reduce pain after bruises, sprains in sports practice, it is recommended to rub mixtures of equal parts of alcohol tincture of pepper, castor oil, one or two eggs, or a mixture of half a glass, half a glass of castor oil, one egg and other various complex mixtures.
Classic massage . In the technique of classical massage, one should distinguish between basic, auxiliary and combined massage techniques.
The main ones are stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration. Each of the main techniques, depending on the clinical indications, can be used in a different form. Auxiliary massage techniques, such as rake-like, comb-like, tong-like stroking, sawing, stroking while rubbing, etc., which are variants of the main massage techniques, are used to enhance or weaken their physiological effect. The choice, as well as indications for the use of auxiliary techniques, depend on the anatomical and topographic features of the massaged area (size, relief, the presence of massive muscles, etc.), the object of the predominant massage effect (skin, muscles, blood vessels, nerves), the functional state of the tissues, organs and reactivity of the patient. Combined massage techniques are a combination of basic and auxiliary techniques.
The leading role in massage belongs to the main massage techniques. The implementation of each of them has its own distinctive features.
Stroking (Fig. 1-2) is characterized by sliding movements that do not cause noticeable displacement or stretching of the tissues. When stroking, the massaging hand moves slowly, smoothly, rhythmically. Depending on the clinical indications, stroking can be superficial (with flaccid and spastic paralysis, muscle hypotrophy, weakening of vascular tone) or deep (with muscle contractures, joint stiffness), planar (with vascular dystonia) or embracing (with lymphostasis, peripheral vascular edema) , continuous or intermittent (with skin abrasions).
Auxiliary stroking techniques (Fig. 3-5): comb-like - performed by bone protrusions of the distal ends of the main phalanges of the fingers bent into a fist (at the locations of massive muscles, large fat deposits, in areas covered with dense fascia); ironing - with the back surface of the main and middle phalanges of the fingers (more facilitated effect on the fabric); rake-like - with the palmar surface of the ends of straightened and spaced fingers (if necessary, spare certain areas of the skin); cruciform - with the palms of the hands (with massive muscles, large fat deposits on the limbs); pincer - by capturing individual muscles or muscle bundles with the index and thumb or thumb and other fingers (selective effect on the muscles).
Rice. 1. Embracing uninterrupted stroking. Rice. 2. Deep stroking. Rice. 3. Stroking - ironing. Rice. 4. Comb-like stroking. Rice. 5. Cross stroking. Rice. 6. Longitudinal grinding. Rice. 7. Circular rubbing. Rice. 8. Longitudinal kneading. Rice. 9 and 10. Forceps kneading.
Rice. 11. Kneading - felting. Rice. 12. Kneading - rolling. Rice. 13. Continuous stable vibration. Rice. 14. Continuous labile vibration. Rice. 15. Intermittent vibration (chopping).
When rubbing (Fig. 6 and 7), the massaging hand, unlike stroking, does not slip, but, depending on the degree of pressure, shifts, stretches, and frays various layers of tissues. Causing increased hyperemia, rubbing improves tissue nutrition, promotes more enhanced absorption of crushed pathological deposits in various tissue layers. Rubbing also excites the contractile function of the muscles, increasing their tone. Vigorous rubbing along the nerve trunks causes a decrease in their excitability. Rubbing is not used on its own, but, as a rule, is combined with stroking. Of the auxiliary techniques, sawing is performed with the thumbs of both hands or the ulnar edge of one or both hands moving in parallel in opposite directions (at the locations of massive muscles, large fat deposits, with cicatricial adhesions); hatching - with the end of the thumb or several fingers (with scars); crossing - with the radial edge of a vertically set brush (when massaging the abdominal press); planing - the position of the massaging fingers is the same as when sawing, the pace of movement is fast (with scars, adhesions).
Kneading (Fig. 8-12) consists of grabbing, lifting (pulling) and pushing, or grabbing, squeezing and stretching tissues. Kneading can be continuous and intermittent, and is performed both in ascending and descending directions. Massage movements should be slow, smooth, rhythmic, without jerks, not infringing on tissues. Kneading is combined with stroking. Having a more energetic effect than rubbing, kneading significantly increases muscle tone, increases tissue hyperemia, tissue metabolism, more vigorously promotes the emptying of lymphatic vessels, and the resorption of pathological deposits in tissues. Auxiliary kneading techniques: tong-shaped kneading - squeezing (when massaging muscles that can be completely captured, for example, the quadriceps muscle); felting (Fig. 11) - squeezing and rubbing the massaged tissues between the palms of the hands moving in opposite directions (with muscle soreness, large fat deposits); rolling (Fig. 12) (in the abdomen with obesity); shifting (when massaging flat, short muscles); twitching-tingling and stretching (with deep ingrown scars); compression (with a decrease in tissue elasticity); pressure (when massaging the facial muscles, in places where nerve endings come to the surface).
Vibration (Fig. 13-15) consists in the transfer of the massaged part of the body of rhythmic oscillatory movements. It can be continuous and intermittent, stable (produced in one place) or labile (throughout). Having a pronounced reflex effect, vibration, depending on the amplitude and frequency of massage movements, methods of application, can change the excitability of the neuromuscular apparatus of tissues to varying degrees, activate regenerative processes, tissue trophism, change the functional state of the heart muscle, its rhythm, the height of blood pressure, exert analgesic and even anesthetic effect. Auxiliary vibration techniques can be divided into two groups: the first represents variants of continuous vibration - shaking, shaking and pushing (the massage therapist's hand and the massaged part of the body seem to be one whole); the other - variants of intermittent vibration - puncturing, patting, chopping (Fig. 15), tapping, quilting (the massaging hand, in contact with the massaged surface, each time moves away from it).
The main and auxiliary massage techniques can be performed with the entire surface of the palm or its supporting part, the thenar and hypothenar areas (in large areas - the back, abdomen), the palmar surface of one or more fingers (in small areas, in the area of periarticular tissues, mucous bags, with muscle hardening, in places where the nerve exits to the surface), bony protrusions of the distal ends of the main phalanges of the fingers bent into a fist, the ulnar edge of the hand, the ulnar end of the forearm (at the locations of powerful muscle layers, muscles covered with powerful fascia, etc.). You can massage with one or both hands, while the hands can participate separately (both hands move in parallel), or together sequentially (one hand follows the other), or by laying one hand on the other. The last massage technique is called the “weighted brush” and is used for a more energetic effect on the tissues. Massage movements can be performed in different directions: longitudinally or transversely (on the limbs), zigzag or spirally (in large areas - the back, abdomen; with partial damage to the skin - abrasions), circularly (in the area of \u200b\u200bthe joints). The participation of the right and left hands during massaging to prevent rapid fatigue should be balanced as much as possible. The masseur's strength is saved by changing the groups of working muscles and the working posture.
Massage is the most natural way of healing, and everyone can literally carry healing at their fingertips. Massage has not even hundreds of years, thousands. It was improved by different peoples and many generations, bringing something of their own. And today the movement forward in this direction continues. New methods are being developed that take into account the peculiarities of a particular disease, and massage really heals, you just need to accurately follow the sequence of techniques.
Any massage treatment always begins with establishing contact with the patient, regardless of how long the session lasts - 15 or 90 minutes. It is he who allows you to create the mood necessary for treatment. Contact occurs with the first gentle touch. Then they move on to stroking, which relaxes not only the area you are working on, but the body as a whole. This technique opens the way to deeper manipulations - rubbing and kneading, which reduces or completely removes muscle fatigue, and as a result increases muscle performance.
Rubbing acts much more energetically than stroking, since the hand does not slide over the skin, but shifts it, shifts it in different directions. Remember, it is necessary to carefully prepare the muscles in accordance with our recommendations, since their insufficient warming up will lead to the fact that any movement with friction will be very unpleasant for the patient, and the therapeutic effect of these movements, affecting only the most superficial layers of the muscles, will also be seriously reduced. Muscles can react to such an intervention with spasms. And your patient will undoubtedly feel worse than before the treatment. Vibration techniques, if you use them at all, can only be introduced during rubbing, or at least after it, when the patient's body is really well warmed up.
FLAT STROKE
Stroking is the simplest and most familiar of all massage techniques. At some point, any of us unconsciously used it - to relieve, reduce pain or relieve muscle tension. Stroking is a rhythmic movement that is ideal for starting a massage. It relaxes both a specific area of the body and the whole body, preparing the muscles for deeper work with them. Stroking can be used on any part of the body, although the technique varies considerably depending on the place of application. For example, on the back, which has a wide flat surface, the movement is always performed with relaxed hands, and when moving up, they press a little on the body, and when the hands return back, down, on the contrary, no pressure is applied. This is due to the peculiarities of human physiology: this sequence improves the general circulation of blood and lymph, which carry waste products and toxins to the lymph nodes for further processing and removal from the body.
The massage procedure ends with stroking, with movements as slow as at the beginning of the session, only now gradually fading away. Such a finale consolidates the therapeutic effect received from the manipulations you have carried out.
Mastering the formal side of massage, the technique of movements and their sequence is necessary at the beginning of training, when you are not familiar with the whole process. Strict adherence to the rules at the time when you take the first steps is very disciplined. It should be recognized that massage is an art with its rather strict rules. And before you can afford creative freedom, you need to learn them to perfection.
Unfortunately, many from time to time have the feeling that all techniques can be interpreted in their own way. Indeed, the temptation is great, but patients will most likely perceive this as negligence, and then do not dream of good results.
In this section, we talk about the basic techniques of massage. You must properly master the proposed material before you begin to apply the knowledge gained in practice. Of course, one can truly learn only by experience, but, as you know, one cannot do without a thorough study of theory. This will certainly benefit you, give you confidence and make the results more impressive.
COVER STROKE
Stroking, which has a particularly calming effect, is carried out on the calf muscles, since they are often extremely sensitive. If circulation is poor and varicose veins are visible, then stroking is the only technique you can safely use. The value of this light stroking is that it helps return the lymph to the large lymphatic channels in the groin, where it is cleared. Sluggish return of lymph in this area leads to very common problems: edema and cellulite in the thighs and buttocks. Stroking, which improves upward movement, directly helps the body in self-regulation. To do this, the hands take the form of a gutter, clasping the leg on the sides.
It is very important (in order not to embarrass the patient) to position the hands in such a way that the hand moving along the inner surface of the thigh can be deployed in time.
kneading
Kneading is a term that refers to any movement in which you squeeze the muscles, squeeze them, and rub and twist. This is a technique unsurpassed in its ability to literally squeeze out toxins and tension from the muscles. It enhances the flow of fresh blood and oxygen and allows you to maintain the process of self-regulation and renewal in the norm.
This technique is especially good in the shoulder girdle, buttocks and legs. You can squeeze the muscles with both hands in opposite directions, or place one hand on the patient's leg and knead with the other.
TWIST
If you perform this technique correctly, then the accumulated tension and toxins are literally twisted out of the muscles. This technique, in combination with rubbing, acts most effectively on the large muscles of the thighs and calves.
When performing twisting on the hips, the thumb is pressed against the other four on the calf muscles, on the contrary, the thumb is maximally retracted from the rest so that the hands tightly clasp the muscles.
TRITURATION
Rubbing is the most well-known and widely used kneading technique. It is used quite widely, as it can act both as part of a soothing relaxing massage and as part of a stimulating tonic treatment. The slower and deeper the movement, the more effectively it relieves muscle tension and fatigue.
The more energetic the movement, the more you stimulate blood circulation and awaken the entire body. This technique is ideal for high muscle mass areas such as the thighs and buttocks, although it can also be used on the lower legs. Never use it if you notice varicose veins or broken capillaries on your legs. For the movement to be effective, lock your hand on the muscle before squeezing it between your thumb and fingers. Hands should rhythmically, but smoothly move towards each other. Improper placement of hands on the muscle will lead to the fact that you will simply pinch it.
CIRCULAR COMB-SHAPED MOVEMENT
Finger combing is very effective. Light pressure when applying this technique in the upper chest leads to relaxation of the muscles in the shoulder girdle. And a greater effort when working with the pectoral muscles, deeper penetration weakens even very strong and prolonged tension. This technique gives a pleasant feeling when carried out on the back of the hands, and when stable. tangible pressure - and on the soles. Bend your fingers into loosely clenched fists, place the middle phalanges on the massaged area and make circular movements.
STRAIGHT-LINEAR RIBBED MOVEMENT
On the hips and buttocks, perform a rectilinear movement, while the phalanges of the fingers should close. This variation of the comb-like movement promotes deeper penetration into muscles and tissues, breaking down stubborn fat deposits and relieving tension. In this move, you loosen your fingers into a fist and move your middle knuckles, with palpable pressure, up your leg. The direction of movement is always from the bottom up. This helps venous blood to return to the heart, and lymph to flow to the lymph nodes located in the groin. Never use this technique for varicose veins.
PUNCHING
Tapping is the simplest of the two vibratory techniques. It is a stimulating, exciting movement. It relieves chronic, stubborn tension and increases blood flow to the massaged area, filling it with energy. Due to the strong tonic effect of the technique, it should not be used on a fragile, elderly or in need of complete relaxation of the patient. Limit the application of movement to areas such as the thighs or buttocks. Here, its powerful effect helps to break down body fat and eliminate congestion.
chopping
Chopping is the most dynamic of vibration techniques. It plays the same role as tapping, and the same precautions must be observed when performing it. But. it takes more time and practice to master this technique perfectly. I recommend working out the manipulation first on your hips! For proper execution, two components are necessary: relaxed hands and the correct rhythm. When chopping, the movements should be alternate, the little finger is slightly bent. You need to touch the massaged area not with the edge of the palm, but with spread fingers. Make sure that your brushes do not strain.
CIRCULAR GRINDING
Reception promotes deep penetration into muscle tissue due to pressure and rotation. It is good to apply in any area that needs a very deep study: on the back, in the upper parts of the shoulders and on the calves. In the spinal area, the technique serves to relax the muscles and nerves that come out of the spinal column. Place one hand on top of the other, fingers straight but relaxed. Fix them on the muscle and rotate slowly, describing small circles. When doing this technique on the knee joint, use your thumb.
THUMB ROLLING
This technique is aimed at smoothing thickening in the muscle tissue and deposits of uric acid salts, which accumulate in places where tension interferes with blood flow. Applying movement is especially useful in the upper back, in the area between the spine and shoulder blade. With the entire length of your thumbs, alternately and rhythmically press on the soft tissues. Shift your entire body weight onto your thumbs so that the pressure is strong.
RAKE STROKE
Reception is used at the end of the entire sequence of movements. It softens, soothes, and sensitizes the skin in the area you have been working on, and can also smooth out a person's auric energy, the energy that surrounds their body. The patient has a feeling of special relaxation and pleasure. Simply stroke the patient's back with slightly spaced fingertips, gradually loosening contact until your fingers float through the air just above the surface of the patient's skin.
"GROUND"
It is very important that at the end of the session the patient feels your good disposition towards him. This reinforces the effect of the treatment. At the end of the procedure, he is usually relaxed, almost in the clouds, and it would be wrong and even harmful to let him get up right away. A sudden change in position and an immediate return to active life can lead to a headache. In addition, it is very important that the ward fully enjoy the waves of deep relaxation that flow through his body. Such a technique as "grounding" is intended to "return the patient to the ground", literally "put him on his feet." After the massage of the upper half of the body, "grounding" is especially important - it is necessary to establish contact with the patient's feet in order to return to him the necessary "synchronization" of the body and spirit. Therefore, always after the procedure, you should hold your hands on his feet for at least 20 seconds.
Some Tips
You are now ready for your first massage session. Undoubtedly, you are excited, enthusiastic, and perhaps a little afraid. This is quite understandable. Mastering something new always excites us. However, one has only to start, relax in time - and the process of work will capture you so much that excessive excitement will pass by itself.
Of course, you will be surprised to see what response the patient finds in the seemingly little that you do for him. Your care, desire to help will definitely bear fruit. Moreover, a sincere act of kindness is sometimes more effective medicine than just a perfect technique.
I thoroughly enjoyed the massage given by an inexperienced but caring and enthusiastic student. And an experienced but jaded professional sometimes conducts treatment formally and casually. The simple execution of techniques has nothing to do with a wonderful massage. I believe that everything is ahead of you and you have yet to find your only right solutions for each case.
One of the best and most enjoyable ways to learn massage is to take a course yourself. Find a good therapist and experience the benefits of a real massage, or study this tutorial with a loved one and practice on each other. In any case, make sure that, while generously giving others warmth and attention, do not forget about yourself.
Should be remembered
1. The first touch is especially important - let it be gentle.
2. Relax! Rest assured that you are doing everything right.
3. Breathe calmly and lower your shoulders.
4. Feel comfortable. In a tense state, you will not give the necessary treatment and you yourself will not enjoy your work. Change position if you are uncomfortable.
5. Keep your hands in full contact with the patient's body, pressing them lightly against him.
6. Shift all the weight on the arms so that the patient feels the full pressure.
7. Help the patient to relax, do not call him to talk. If necessary, speak softly and quietly.
8. Set the rhythm of the movements. One technique should flow smoothly into another. Stroking is used as a link between movements.
Any type of contact massage involves the use of basic classical techniques: rubbing, stroking, kneading and tapping. Each of the types of equipment is divided into several subtypes, differing in the direction of movement, strength and depth of impact. All techniques are performed in a certain sequence, and to improve the sliding of hands over the skin during sessions, oil, cream or lotion is used.
Masters divide movements into basic and auxiliary massage techniques. Stroking, kneading, vibration effects and rubbing are considered the main ones.
They are used in all European practices and are mandatory. Squeezing techniques, twisting, stretching, etc. - to additional. They are used at the discretion of the master and depending on the indications and purpose of the massage.
Stroking
Stroking movements have a calming and relaxing effect, cleanse the skin of dead cells, which leads to improved skin respiration. Mechanical impact triggers metabolic and regeneration processes at the cellular level. As a result of the release and opening of the capillaries, the cells are saturated with oxygen. Reception also has a positive effect on internal systems: during massaging, the elasticity of blood vessels increases, blood pressure stabilizes, and the work of the gastrointestinal tract improves. The stroking effect is effective for relieving pain, getting rid of insomnia and eliminating symptoms of physical and emotional fatigue.
Massage movements during operation are free and smooth. When sliding, the palms do not collect the skin into folds, do not displace the muscles and do not affect the lymph nodes.
Types of stroking
Massage masters divide movements into embracing and planar. Planar reception is usually used to work with the muscles of the abdomen, chest and back. The direction of sliding of the hands is chosen any.
Embracing stroking is used to influence the sides, buttocks, legs and arms, the back of the neck. They differ in that the palm tightly wraps around the area being worked out. To enhance the impact on the subcutaneous tissue and adipose tissue, a weighted technique is performed: one palm is placed on top of the other and the body weight is transferred to the hands.
In the direction of movement, this massage technique is divided into:
- spiral;
- wave-like;
- Rectilinear;
- Circular;
- Zigzag;
- Combined.
Additionally, you can use such auxiliary techniques as:
- ironing;
- Cruciform or rake-like stroking;
- Pinch-shaped and comb-shaped impact.
Tendons, feet, fingers and small muscles pass with pincer-like strokes, and cruciform - lower or upper limbs. This technique has proven itself in sports and restorative massage. The most gentle effect is ironing, which is usually used in children's and delicate massages.
Trituration
Immediately after stroking in classical massage comes rubbing, which is a displacement with stretching and rolling of tissues. Reception affects the deeper layers, frees and improves the circulation of biological fluids, removes toxins from the body and normalizes the subcutaneous glands. Doctors recommend using rubbing movements for neuralgic diseases - they lower the degree of CNS excitation, which leads to a decrease in pain.
Types of rubbing
Rubbing techniques in massage are performed both with all fingers, and only with the thumbs or 4 fingers of the palm. Strengthening is obtained by rubbing movements using the base or edge of the palm. Intercostal space, head, feet and fingers are worked out only with fingers or an open palm. By analogy with stroking, you can do rubbing with weighting.
The choice of the direction of movement is selected taking into account the structure, condition and shape of muscle tissue, joints, skin and tendons.
With rectilinear deep massaging, additional techniques are used, such as:
- Sawing or planing;
- hatching;
- crossing;
- Nipper-, comb- or rake-like rubbing.
To increase the mobility of muscle tissue, hatching is used. This technique is indispensable in the treatment of adhesions formed after operations and other similar skin lesions. Planing improves muscle tone and fiber mobility, while sawing is suitable for intensive warm-up work on large muscles. Crossing allows you to improve the circulation of body fluids, speed up metabolic processes at the cellular level and get rid of puffiness.
kneading
Manual massage devotes most of the session to kneading work. The reception is carried out only after rubbing and stroking: the skin and muscle tissue should have a sufficient degree of suppleness and relaxation. Otherwise, you can get sprains, microtrauma, bruises. Kneading techniques in massage allow you to work out deep-lying muscle layers. Its essence is capture, squeezing, displacement with simultaneous lifting of tissues. During work, the intensity and depth of movements increases gradually, and to increase efficiency, you can work with weights. Short and sliding movements are made without twisting the fabrics or jerking.
Gliding movements - quick and short, but without twisting the skin and jerking. The reinforcement is distributed evenly over the entire surface to be machined. The alternation of loosening and strengthening gives an additional tonic effect. Kneading massage shows its effectiveness in improving the circulation of biological fluids, in increasing the nutrition of tissues and saturating them with oxygen, in cleansing cells from toxins, lactic acid and respiratory products.
Types of kneading
The basics of massage prescribe two main types of kneading technique: longitudinal and transverse. Longitudinal is usually used to work with the muscle tissue of the legs, back, chest and abdomen. If there are damaged tissues in the treatment area, then it is recommended to massage with intermittent kneading. This method is also used to stimulate the work and strengthen the neuromuscular apparatus. The back surface of the neck, pinched and small muscles of the back, the front wall of the abdomen can be kneaded by transverse kneading. It copes well with spasms, relieves tension and swelling.
Work with the long and latissimus dorsi muscles is carried out with the help of beak-like movements: they perform the technique with fingers folded with a pinch or beak. This technique starts recovery processes, improves blood circulation, and stimulates the contractile function of muscle fibers. Kneading, performed only with the pads of the fingers, exerts gentle pressure on the muscles, so it is recommended for problem areas of the back and limbs, damaged skin, small and spasmodic muscles. The base of the palm, fists and knuckles go through areas that require enhanced study: hips and buttocks, back, inner side of the arms.
In addition to the basic kneading techniques, you can use:
- Rolling and shifting;
- pressure;
- Wallow;
- Forceps massaging.
Felting kneading technique has proven itself when working on areas damaged by sclerotic changes, operations, injuries and mechanical disorders of the skin. With severe flabbiness of the skin, weakness of the muscular corset, as well as for working out the lateral part of the back and abdominal walls, rolling is used.
Reception breaks down fat deposits well, forms a beautiful relief of muscles and helps to reduce body volume. Only long muscles pass by shifting. Pressure has a stimulating effect on the nerve receptors, which improves the secretory and excretory function. This additional technique is used in therapeutic and restorative, preventive massage when working with disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
The forceps massage is non-specific and is suitable for back, upper or lower extremities, sternum or face massage.
vibrations
Vibrations differ from all techniques in the way they are carried out: they are short shocks or claps that transmit vibrations of different speeds, depths and amplitudes to the tissues. The vibrations are able to reach the internal organs and resonate in all cells of the body. The physiological effect of vibration reception on the body is expressed in the improvement of reflex reactions, normalization of blood pressure, and a decrease in the number of heart contractions. The depth of vibration sets the main effect: deep ones have an irritating effect on the central nervous system, and superficial ones have a relaxing effect.
Types of vibrations
The main classification divides vibrations into intermittent and continuous. Continuous vibrations are constant oscillatory movements. They improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and central nervous system. Additionally, continuous exposure includes techniques such as shaking and shaking, shaking and pushing. Auxiliary techniques are used for restorative and therapeutic massage, to increase skin elasticity, reduce body volume, and strengthen the muscle corset.
Intermittent vibrations are point single strikes that are performed one after another in a selected rhythm. The main methods include:
- Patting and more intense effleurage;
- Chopping;
- Punctuation and quilting.
Puncture is used in areas of skin with a minimum fat layer and where a callus has formed after fractures. Labile puncture can be used while massaging the limbs and the head, and stable puncture can be used only in areas with calluses. Tapping leads to rhythmic reflex contractions of muscle tissue, which improves blood supply to the area being worked on. Chopping is performed on striated and smooth muscles to improve their condition, tone and conductivity. Patting dilates blood vessels, reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings and increases local body temperature.
Auxiliary Techniques
One of the main auxiliary techniques is squeezing. It resembles amplitude and rhythmic stroking, but differs in that it affects the subcutaneous tissue and connective tissue, as well as the superficial muscle layers. A kind of squeezing technique is extrusion. During work, the hands pass the surface of the body with great gain or burden.
Squeezing, squeezing has a positive effect on the functionality of the neuromuscular apparatus, increases the local body temperature, improves the saturation of tissues with nutrients and eliminates the accumulation of excess fluid in the intercellular space. Usually, the reception is used by masters of therapeutic, sports, regenerating and anti-cellulite massage. During the study, the hands of the master can move longitudinally or transversely, and the technique itself is performed both with the entire palm, and with its base or edge.
Rolling is used in cosmetic massage techniques and improves the condition of the skin and muscle tissue. It is performed with the base of the palm, which slowly moves along the muscle, rolling from the tenar to the hypothenar. The Finnish version of the roll is carried out only with the thumbs. It allows you to have a deeper effect on the area being worked out and is suitable for massaging even small muscles.
Another important additional technique is stretching. It acts on the central nervous system and is used to treat paralysis, postoperative adhesions, scars of various kinds. It affects deeply located muscle fibers, so it is forbidden to make sharp jerks.
When performing a massage, the order and sequence of the techniques is necessary. The session is always started and ended with stroking, which has a relaxing effect and prepares the skin and subcutaneous tissue for subsequent treatment. After stroking, rubbing is performed. When working with the spine and lower back, the hand moves along the spine.
Back massage does not affect the spine itself - this can lead to damage to the discs. Usually the reception is carried out with two hands, movements are made in different directions. The intensity and strength of rubbing increases gradually. The purpose of this technique is to work out the subcutaneous layers and muscle tissue. Kneading movements put pressure on the muscles, which increases their tone and conductivity.
You can alternate rubbing and kneading with intense and deep stroking. To enhance the effect, kneading is carried out with fists, elbows or the base of the palm. However, such a study requires caution and an understanding of the anatomical features of the client: too strong and rough movements can lead to injury. Then carry out vibration effects. The sequence of movements and technique is used in any type of massage procedures that use direct contact with the client's skin.
Any massage is a complex of alternating massage techniques and their performance techniques. Massage uses certain basic and advanced techniques, which can be conditionally grouped into five main groups:
- stroking
- trituration
- squeezing
- kneading
- vibration
In its turn massage techniques can be classified as:
- medium-deep (squeezing, rubbing, stroking)
- deep (kneading)
- drums (vibration)
Basic massage techniques
This is the most commonly used massage technique. Stroking consists in sliding the hands or hands over the skin. The skin should not move when stroking, the direction is only along the lymph flow.
The main types of stroking:
- planar (deep and superficial)
- embracing (deep and superficial)
Additional strokes:
- comb-shaped
- ironing
- cruciform
- pincer-shaped
- rake-like
It consists in stretching, movement, displacement of tissues in various directions. When rubbing, the skin moves along with the masseur's hands. Rubbing has a deeper effect on the skin than stroking.
Rubbing is performed:
- the base of the palm
- palmar surface of the hand
- tubercles of the thumbs
- bony protrusions of the phalanges of the fingers bent into a fist
- fists
- pads of the index or middle or second to fifth fingers
- ulnar edge of the hand (or forearm)
Rubbing is performed with one or two hands:
- transversely
- longitudinally
- zigzag
- circularly
- spirally
Additional rubbing techniques:
- sawing
- hatching
- planing
- pincer-shaped
- rake-like
- comb-shaped
- intersection
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It's just a deep stroke. But unlike stroking, squeezing not only affects the skin, but also the surface layer of muscles, connective tissue and subcutaneous tissue.
The main squeeze techniques include:
- squeezing carried out by the edge of the palm
- transverse squeeze
- squeezing, carried out with two hands (with weights)
- squeezing carried out by the base of the palm
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This is the main massage technique, it is considered the most difficult to perform. Stretching is of great importance. In the general scheme of performing a massage, kneading takes 60-75 percent of the total massage time.
The breakdown is:
- squeezing
- capturing
- shifting
- rubbing
- squeezing
- lifting
- grinding
- push-ups
Types of kneading:
- continuous
- intermittent
Additional stretching techniques:
- pincer-shaped
- bias
- inflation
- contraction
- stretching
- topping
- pressing
- comb-shaped
- wallow
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This is the transfer of oscillatory movements to the massaged area of the body, produced evenly, but with different amplitudes and speeds. Vibration has a variety of effects on deeply located bones, nerves, tissues. The movements of the massage therapist's hands during vibration should be painless, soft and gentle. Vibration causes responses of the type of viscero-visceral, motor-visceral and skin-visceral reflexes.
Vibration is performed:
- palmar surface
- fist
- distal phalanges of one finger, thumb and forefinger, thumb and other fingers
Types of vibration:
- continuous (labile and stable)
- intermittent
Additional methods of continuous vibration:
- shaking
- shaking
- chipping
- nudge
Additional Intermittent Vibration Techniques:
- pat
- tapping
- hacking
- punctuation
- flogging
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Massage should begin with stroking, due to which, due to pleasant sensations, muscle relaxation occurs. After stroking, rubbing and squeezing are performed, then kneading and vibration. Between everyone massage techniques stroking is done, which ends the massage procedure itself.
When carrying out the massage procedure, it is necessary to alternate all the techniques, without taking breaks between them, one technique should smoothly pass into another. Also, do not massage the lymph nodes.
You need to start the massage gently and gently, then gradually increase the techniques, and at the end of the procedure, repeat the relaxing, gentle techniques again. The number of repetitions of certain massage techniques depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and other specific factors (state of health, age, etc.). Some massage techniques you need to repeat up to 4-5 times, while others - much less often.
The dosage and strength of the massage are of great importance. Rhythmic, hurried, unsystematic and rough movements, as well as excessive duration of the massage, can even cause pain, overexcitation of the nervous system, irritation of the cerebral cortex and convulsive muscle contractions. Such a massage can only bring harm.
It must also be remembered that all massage movements should be directed towards the nearest lymph nodes along the lymphatic tract.
You should also not start the massage suddenly and end with sudden movements. First massage sessions should not be too intense and long, the muscles need special preparation for intense exposure. The patient's muscles should be as relaxed as possible. It is important to carefully record the sensations that arise in the patient and periodically change the force of finger pressure on the body.
The most commonly used technique in classical massage is stroking. A massage session usually begins and ends with stroking, other massage techniques are completed with stroking, inserting it between them. When stroking, the massage therapist's hand glides over the skin without shifting it into folds. Depending on the goals of the session, the degree of pressure may be different.
How stroking affects the body
When stroking, mechanical cleansing of the skin occurs. It is freed from the remnants of the secretions of the sebaceous and sweat glands and from excess horny scales. As a result, skin respiration becomes more efficient, secretory function improves.
In the tissues of the skin, blood circulation improves due to the opening of reserve capillaries, metabolism increases, skin nutrition becomes better, and its tone increases. The skin becomes smoother, firmer and more elastic, in a word, the effect of skin rejuvenation is observed.
Stroking has a tonic effect on the walls of blood vessels located in the thickness of the skin, facilitates the outflow of blood and lymph, which helps to reduce tissue swelling and accelerates the removal of metabolic and decay products.
Using various stroking techniques, dosing the degree of pressure and the duration of the procedure, it is possible to achieve opposite effects on the nervous system, for example, with a superficial planar stroking, there will be a calming effect, and with a deep intermittent one, it will be exciting.
If stroking is used in the area of the so-called reflexogenic zones, then in this way a therapeutic effect is exerted on the internal organs and systems associated with these zones. The analgesic and resolving effects of stroking are also known.
Basic Stroking Techniques
Planar stroking carried out with a brush with straightened and closed fingers, which are located in the same plane. Movements can have a different direction: transverse, longitudinal, circular, spiral. The procedure can be performed with one or two hands.
Planar stroking is used to massage the back, chest, abdomen, face, neck, as well as arms and legs.
Planar deep stroking is performed with one palm, while the second acts as a burden, exercising pressure of various strengths on the back of the massaging palm. Movement should be directed to the nearest lymph nodes.
The deep stroking technique is used to massage the back, chest, buttocks and legs.
Embracing stroking performed with a brush folded in the form of a gutter. The thumb is retracted as much as possible to the side and during movement it is opposed to the rest of the closed fingers, thus, the brush wraps around the massaged surface. The movements are carried out in the direction of the nearby lymph nodes, and can be either continuous or intermittent. Like planar stroking, the clasping can be made deeper by applying pressure on the massaging brush with your free hand.
Auxiliary stroking techniques
rake stroking carried out with spread fingers. During execution, the fingers resemble a rake for collecting leaves, and the brush is at an angle of 30-45 ° to the massaged surface. You can perform the reception with one hand or two, with or without weights.
Glable stroking is used on the scalp, to massage the intercostal muscles, on areas of the body with damaged skin that needs to be bypassed.
For execution comb stroking the brush is collected into a fist, but not completely, and stroking is carried out with bone protrusions of the main phalanges of the fingers, with one hand or two. This technique massages large muscle groups in the pelvis, back, palmar surfaces of the hands and plantar surfaces of the feet.
Forceps stroking folded in the form of forceps I and II fingers. You can connect the III finger, which will increase the surface of contact with the skin. This technique massages small areas of our body, for example, fingers and toes, nose, ears, face, etc.
Ironing performed with the back of the fingers of the hand, bent at a right angle with respect to its base. The technique is successfully combined with rake-like stroking, when ironing is used when moving forward, and rake-like stroking is used in reverse. It can be used on any part of the body, except for the scalp.
General rules for performing stroking techniques
- Before stroking, the patient should take a comfortable position of the body and relax the muscles of the massaged area as much as possible.
- Stroking can be performed as an independent technique, or it can be combined with other classical massage techniques.
- A massage session begins with stroking and ends with it.
- Combining different types of stroking, a superficial stroking should be preferred to start the procedure, after which a deeper stroking with weights can be applied.
- The pace of stroking should be slow, about 25 strokes per minute. It is important to perform movements smoothly and observe a certain rhythm if you use intermittent stroking.
- All types of stroking are performed along the lymph flow to the nearest lymph nodes, with the exception of planar stroking, which can also be performed against the lymph flow.
- In case of signs of stagnation of blood circulation, when swelling is observed, stroking should begin from the overlying area in relation to the edema. For example, with swelling of the foot and ankle, the thigh is massaged first, then the lower leg, and only then the ankle joint and foot. In this way, a suction effect is achieved, which reduces swelling.
- In one procedure, it is not necessary to apply all the basic and auxiliary stroking techniques. You should choose the most suitable for the massaged surface and the patient's condition.
- The flexors of the arms and legs are massaged with deeper strokes than the extensors.
Possible mistakes
- Sharp movements and a fast pace of stroking. The skin with such stroking can move, which is unacceptable.
- Too much pressure with deep stroking, which can cause pain in the massaged.
- The fingers are spread, bent and loosely attached to the massaged surface. With this implementation, several points of contact arise, which leads to uneven effort and discomfort to the patient.
Stroking on different parts of the body (video)
