MassageTherapy Basic Strokes and Benefits

Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years and used by the Chinese, Japanese, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans; many cultures throughout history have practised some form of body manipulation to ease and prevent or cure illnesses.  There are a number of recognised benefits that can come from a qualified and skilled massage therapists including:-

• Increased mobility in joints
• Improved blood circulation
• Reduced muscle tension
• Pain relief
• Reduce inflammation and swelling
• Better digestion
• Enhanced skin condition
• Nervous system stimulation

Five of the basic massage strokes are Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement and Vibration.

Effleurage which is the French word that means ‘stroking', is a technique that is used to warm up the massage effect and let the person get used to the therapist's hands, this first stage of massaging stimulates the circulation of the body and prepares for the other massage strokes.

Petrissage is a technique that is used to lift and pull the muscles away from the bones, the massager will then knead the muscles, rolling and squeezing them which can help relieve sore muscles by clearing away the lactic acid.

Friction is referred to when using the thumbs and fingertips to work deep circles into the thickest part of the muscles and around the joints, this effect usually helps break adhesions and knots of tissue that form when muscle fibers bind together.

The Tapotement stroke involves the chopping, beating and tapping which can be used for two purposes, firstly to invigorate the muscles, which in turn will stimulate them giving you a burst of energy and secondly, if this technique is used for a longer period it will begin to fatigue and will relax the muscle, which will relieve mucles that are cramped or strained.

Vibration is achieved by pressing fingers or flattened hands firmly on the muscle, then shaking rapidly the are area for a few seconds, this can help to stimulate the nervous system and can improve the function of the glands by boosting the circulation.