Massage has long been used to treat a variety of diseases. It helps relieve pain and muscle tension, improve the overall tone of the body and restore strength. Currently, scientists are discovering more and more new possibilities for massaging. The range of its application is constantly expanding. Massage is used in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system: various types of neuroses, neuritis, neuralgia, diseases of the spinal column, limbs, diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestion, genitourinary system, various infectious diseases.
Massage techniques differ depending on the disease, its severity and the patient’s condition. You should never neglect contraindications, which occur in some cases.
Massaging affects nerve receptors located on the skin, muscles and tissues. These receptors are connected via sensory pathways to the central and autonomic nervous systems. During massage, impulses arise that are transmitted through channels and reach the corresponding areas in the cerebral cortex. There, a complex reaction is synthesized, which causes functional changes in the body.
The nervous factor during massaging is the main one, but there is also a mechanical effect on the human body, as a result of which blood and lymph circulation and the movement of interstitial fluid are enhanced. During the massage, dead skin cells are removed, congestion that has occurred in some areas is eliminated, and metabolism is enhanced. This is a very important factor, since in almost all diseases, muscles lose elasticity, stagnation of blood, lymph, interstitial fluid occurs, internal organs are compressed, and the body cannot fully perform its functions.
Massage helps eliminate negative symptoms and helps the body return to full functioning.
It is difficult to say how long ago massage appeared, but its history goes back several thousand years. This is evidenced by drawings on clay tablets, papyrus scrolls, wooden blocks, and stone blocks. The huge steles of the Tomb of the Healer in Sakora (Egypt) are especially impressive. Ten-meter stone slabs are covered from top to bottom with drawings depicting various massage techniques. These drawings were carved on stone in the 3rd millennium BC. e. by order of Pharaoh Akamahor.
But not only in Egypt they knew massage. It was known in ancient times in Babylon, Assyria, Mesopotamia and India, from where it spread to other countries.
Archaeological scientists examined the ruins of the capital of Ancient Assyria and concluded that the Assyrians paid great attention to massage techniques for various injuries. Evidence of this is the discovery of large stone blocks in several ancient temples. The pictures show in detail how to carry out various massage techniques.
Similar stone blocks were found during excavations in the area between Cairo and Basra, where Ancient Babylon used to be located. But not only the ancient Egyptians and Assyrians were experts in massage. The Chinese are rightfully considered to be among the first to use massage as a means to treat various diseases.
The Chinese themselves believe that massage appeared more than 6 thousand years ago, in the 4th millennium BC. e. After 2 millennia, massage has taken first place among various means used to treat diseases. In the 2nd millennium BC. e. a book appeared written by the Chinese physician Zhu Tzu. It described in detail several massage techniques and talked about the benefits of massage. Zhu Tzu's book quickly spread throughout China. It began to be studied in many massage schools. Based on it, several new massaging techniques have been developed. It should be noted that at this time there were more than two thousand massage schools in China. The most famous masters from different schools annually went to a competition organized at the imperial court. And the most skilled massage therapists received positions as courtiers. The most famous of them were massage therapists from schools in the provinces of Shandong, Guanzhuan, and Henan.
Zhu Tzu wrote several more books on massage. They became the main foundation on which the building of classical Chinese massage was built. There was not a single doctor, either during the time of Zhu Tzu or after him, who would not study the “Simple Body Massage” of the great Chinese healer.
This book became fundamental for other doctors who wrote many books that outlined the basics of classical massage. The Chinese not only systematized already known massage techniques, but also added many improved techniques.
Chinese doctors considered massage an art that required special training and skill. Massage, in their opinion, helped a person not only relax better, but also achieve harmony between body and spirit. “After a massage, a renewed person looks at the world around him with new eyes,” the famous Chinese healer Yi-fui liked to repeat. Coming from simple peasants, sent by his father to one of the monasteries at the age of six, he perfectly mastered the proposed massage techniques, and then developed several new ones. Yi-fui was already a renowned masseur at the age of twenty-five. Having won the competition a few years later, he was left at court. And Lu-ji received the position of chief court physician to the emperor thanks to chance.
The emperor was very angry with the dancer girl and decided to execute her. Yi-fui began to plead for the girl, saying that he was ready to use all his skill if only the emperor would forgive her. Lu-ji agreed, setting the condition that if he did not like Yi-fui's massage, he would execute both. The famous massage therapist agreed. After the massage session, Emperor Lu-ji not only forgave the girl, but also made Yi-fui his chief court physician. He told his entourage that from now on he would forget about illnesses, since he had a great doctor and healer next to him. It is believed that Emperor Lu-ji lived to the age of 83 thanks to the daily massage performed by Yi-fui.
Yi-fui himself, having become the chief court physician, held this position for more than 40 years. During this time, he researched and compared several hundred methods of different schools. Yi-fui left behind more than two dozen books in which he not only compared massage techniques, but also revealed the advantages of some schools over others. The doctor himself remained a supporter of “simple” massage until the end of his life and always emphasized its advantage over “complex” massage.
He had students, many of whom became famous healers, but still could not surpass the famous teacher in skill.
The most famous and famous student of Yi-fui was Chuang-tsi, who was an unsurpassed master of “complex” massage, that is, carried out not only with his hands, but also with special sticks. Chuang-tsi used up to 200 sticks of different lengths and thicknesses when massaging. The followers of Chuang Tsi developed this art, further improving it, and the sticks they used became the prototype of modern acupuncture. Such sticks are still used in some massage parlors in China, where they adhere to ancient techniques. But not only the Chinese were famous for massage. The Japanese have also developed their own massage techniques. They adopted the basis from the Chinese, but then went their own way. Therefore, experts can always tell which massage - Japanese or Chinese - is used as the basis for the techniques performed.
The Japanese were in many ways followers of I-Fui, that is, they did not use other tools and devices for massaging, except their own hands. Also, the Japanese, from ancient times to the present day, adhere to the postulate that massage should be carried out only in a place “that pleases the eye and caresses the ear.” In the rooms where the massage session was held, they opened sliding doors, and the person being massaged could see a beautiful landscape: flowering plants, evergreen trees, picturesque stones. His ears were delighted by the singing of birds and the murmur of water flowing over the stones. It was not the exquisite draperies, music and poetry that created a special aura during the massage, but the beauty and harmony of nature. When massaged, the person’s body relaxed as much as possible, and his soul very keenly felt the beauty of the world around him.
Based on classic Japanese massage, a special shiatsu acupressure massage has been developed, which in our time occupies not the least place among unconventional methods of treating various diseases.
The Japanese also became famous for combining the use of massage with water treatments. First, a person was immersed in a hot spring, and then, after leaving it, he was massaged. The Japanese, living on islands with a unique climatic zone, discovered the healing properties of thermal springs - onsens - a long time ago. This is evidenced by written documents from the 8th century. There are nine types of onsens, depending on the predominance of certain mineral substances in them. “Red” onsens are called because of the excess of iron in them, “salt” onsens contain a lot of different mineral salts, and “acne” onsens contain alkali (after bathing in such a source, the skin becomes slippery, like an eel’s).
Depending on the temperature of the water, a person could spend from 5 to 35 minutes in the source. Then he retired to a special gazebo, where the massage was performed. This custom dates back several centuries, but has not lost its relevance in our time.
Previously, massage was the privilege of monks of closed monasteries, but from the end of the 16th century it became known to the caste of samurai warriors. It was in the 16th century that the noble feudal lord Takede Sengenu, after battles with his warriors, went to bathe in hot springs. Among his retinue there were always several doctors who were fluent in massaging techniques. Takeda Sengenu noticed that after bathing in onsen and massage, sword wounds heal faster, fractures, cuts and bruises heal. In addition, bathing and massage helped relieve tension after a battle and perfectly restored strength before new battles.
The fame of the invincible and invulnerable warriors Takeda Sengen spread throughout Japan. Many enemies of the feudal lord tried to find out the secret of the quick correction of his warriors, but they never achieved anything. This secret was discovered only in the 19th century, when various massaging techniques began to be closely studied in Europe, including the countries of the Far Eastern region.
Nowadays, Japanese athletes use these means - bathing in onsen and massage - when preparing for competitions.
In the mid-twentieth century, Japanese doctors discovered that not only bathing in a thermal spring, but also hand massage and massage with water jets can be combined with massage. The Japanese began to build small artificial waterfalls near springs. Such methods are very helpful in maintaining health and longevity. And older people who resort to such means of healing claim that it gives them strength and they feel rejuvenated.
Currently, European and American scientists have paid close attention to Japanese massage, which is combined with bathing in thermal springs. Research is being conducted into the possibilities of treating diseases in this way.
Several years ago, the French scientist Paul Gangois discovered that these remedies are excellent in treating many respiratory diseases. Therefore, now Americans and Europeans are busy developing new methods for treating various diseases based on the research of Paul Gangua.
If we go back to ancient times and look at other countries, India deserves special mention. This country is also famous for its many massage schools. Indian doctors wrote a huge number of books that described various techniques and techniques of massage.
Indian healers used massage to treat many diseases, but their techniques differed in many ways from the Chinese and Japanese. The Indians were the first to use wet rubbing before massage and developed massage in a steam bath. Light massage techniques were used in this room, and another room was intended for more complex ones.
The Indians, like the Chinese and Japanese, carefully cleansed the body before performing massage techniques. They first used clean water and then washed the body with scented water. After the massage techniques, water procedures were used - dousing the body with water or swimming in a pond. Bathing after a massage, according to both Indian and Japanese healers, gave good results not only for improving the health of the body, but also for its rejuvenation.
Modern science, dealing with issues of life expectancy, health and longevity, has adopted ancient techniques. Scientists, having carefully studied them, have developed a whole massage complex to rejuvenate the body. These techniques are now used not only in massage parlors in the Far East, but also in European and American beauty institutes.
It is worth remembering Ancient Egypt once again. There was a slightly different approach to massage, which was due to the climate. The hot sun, dry air and dust made the skin rough. In addition, cracks often appeared on the skin. Rough massage techniques were also used. Instead of gentle touches, special attention was paid to deep kneading, rubbing and percussive techniques.
Preparation for the massage necessarily included a bath. In addition to this, wiping with a damp cloth was also used. Next, rubbing with heated oils was carried out. They were rubbed with hands and a special woolen cloth so that the oil penetrated deeper into the skin, softened it, made it elastic and pliable, that is, ready for massage techniques. After such preparation, the massage therapist proceeded directly to massaging.
But not only the Egyptians used water and oil for massage; the ancient Greeks also resorted to this. The latter generally considered water and oil to be necessary attributes, without which proper massage is impossible. The ancient Greeks had special schools in which they taught slaves the art of massaging. Many famous ancient Greek doctors wrote about the benefits of massage. Some of these works have survived to this day. Statements about the benefits of massaging can be found in Hippocrates and Galen. The ancient Greeks paid special attention to the beneficial effects of massage in the treatment of various diseases. In addition, they tried to determine for which disease which type of massage is more suitable.
Ancient Greek doctors believed that massage was important not only for patients. Healthy people should also resort to daily massage in order to constantly keep the body in good physical shape. This approach was very relevant, because the Greeks created the cult of a healthy, strong person. Only such a person was able to participate in the games and competitions that were constantly held in different cities, and if necessary, he could become a warrior.
A special commission selected healthy and strong people to participate in the war. Along with the warriors, slaves also went to war, who trained the warriors before the start of the battle, and after the battle they provided massage to relieve tension, fatigue, and help with bruises and injuries. It is known that for every 10 thousand warriors who took part in the battle, there were 3-4 thousand slaves specially trained in massage.
The Greeks were the first to distinguish between general massage, which was suitable for healthy people, and therapeutic massage, intended for the sick. Greek physician Herodikos, who lived 484–425 BC. e., was the first who tried to give a physiological basis for massage, and his great contemporary Hippocrates (460–377 BC) continued this work. He and his followers also drew a clear line between general and therapeutic massage.
A similar division and similar techniques were observed among the ancient Romans, who borrowed a lot from the Greeks. An example is the construction of public baths, where there were special massage rooms. Wealthy citizens had such premises in their own homes; there their guests could relax, take a bath, and receive a restorative massage. Such a commitment to massage was not a luxury, but a necessity, since the Romans, like the Greeks, paid great attention to body culture.
The Romans continued to improve massage techniques, as evidenced in the works of the famous physician and scientist Celsus. Celsus was a great supporter of massage techniques. In addition to him, Asclepiades, Galen, Manconius and Philius Glautus (1st–2nd centuries AD) left behind works on the benefits of massage. Many of their works, unfortunately, were destroyed during the barbarian invasion of Rome, and only some fragments have survived. But even these passages were considered by medieval doctors to be role models and they learned a lot from them.
The barbarians who sacked Rome did not master the art of massage and did not adopt it from the vanquished. Of course, barbarian tribes also used massage, but these were only the simplest and crudest techniques, which were very far from the true art of massaging of the ancient Romans. And for a very long time in Europe, massage did not develop and improve.
At this time, the Chinese and Japanese had completely completed their search for the possibilities of using massage and only supported existing traditions. In Europe, massage was rarely used; only healers sometimes used it to treat dislocations and bruises. But in the East, starting from the 8th century, massage flourished.
Evidence of this can be found in the books of Eastern doctors who praised massage as “a miraculous remedy for restoring strength and relieving fatigue.” The famous philosopher and physician Ibn Sina - Avicenna (980–1037), who began treating people at the age of 16, emphasized in his “Medical Canon” the benefits of massage as an excellent therapeutic agent. In the “Canon” he indicated the following types of massage: strong, strengthening the body, and weak, softening, relaxing; long-lasting, promoting weight loss; moderate, equal to physical activity; restorative after exercise. This work contributed to the development of massage in Turkey, Persia and other countries.
In addition, in his work “Kulanj” he described in detail a stomach disease that he himself suffered from and gave in detail various means of treating this disease. He gave first place to massage, placing it before medications. In Kulanj, Avicenna explained how important it is for a patient to use massage first, and then medications.
According to the recollections of his student and associate Juzjani, Ibn Sina not only treated people by massaging, but resorted to this remedy himself when the colic in the stomach became very severe. “I persuaded the sheikh to take medicine,” Juzjani wrote in his biography of Ibn Sina, “but he did not listen to me. Instead, the sheikh lay down on his back, on a specially laid out mat, and began to massage his stomach with slow, long passes. Then the movements changed, became more energetic, and the sheikh carefully approached the sore spot. His thin fingers seemed to touch some fragile vessel as he reached the source of pain. But then they turned into fast and agile scorpions that attacked the pain tormenting the sheikh’s flesh. After such a massage, he rose from the mat and sat down at the table. I noticed that the pain had receded and no longer tormented the sheikh’s insides. He asked to tell the students that he would continue his lectures as soon as the month appeared. And many came to classes, looked at the smiling sheikh explaining the most difficult questions, and none of them could imagine that even at noon he could barely walk from the tormenting kulanj.”
Juzjani’s testimony can be trusted; he compiled the most accurate and truthful biography of his teacher. In it, the author mentioned many of Avicenna’s works, which were lost during the raid of Sultan Mahmud in 1024. Unfortunately, the book “Kulanj” also perished in a fire, but excerpts from it can be found not only in Juzjani, but also in Ibn Arabi, as well as in Avicenna’s letters to al-Biruni. Therefore, modern researchers believe that the book “Kulanj” has now been restored almost completely. And of course, of particular interest to doctors are those chapters that talk about the treatment of stomach diseases using massage.
Avicenna was not alone in his judgments and practical application of massage. He was supported by another famous doctor who lived in the 12th century, Ibn Arabi. He became famous not only as a famous philosopher, but also as a doctor, who left behind many books on the practical use of massage for various diseases. Ibn Arabi learned a lot of useful things from the works of Avicenna, supplemented them and developed them. Ibn Arabi was the first to use massage in the treatment of various forms of nervous and mental diseases. He developed and put into practice his own massage techniques, which helped get rid of obsessions and unreasonable fears.
The techniques he used relieved neuralgia, and he earned real fame for the fact that with the help of massage he could cure a person of migraines. One day he was awarded by Emir Ashik Khan, who had suffered from terrible headaches for a long time. He offered Ibn Arabi the position of chief physician at his court. But Ibn Arabi refused this position, preferring to remain in his hometown. He sent his best student to Ashik Khan. There was a correspondence between teacher and student for many years, in which the use of various massage techniques was discussed. Many of these letters have survived to this day and give an excellent idea of the techniques and techniques of medieval oriental massage.
In Europe, interest in massage was renewed only in the 14th century, during the Renaissance. It was at this time that massage began to be used again in European countries. Artists and sculptors were the first to turn to the writings of the ancient Greeks and Romans and discovered that massage was an excellent way to achieve harmony between body and soul. Massage again began to gain its position in Europe.
Massage techniques began to be closely studied in the works of ancient Greek and Roman doctors and books by oriental healers. Based on Greek and Roman massage with oriental elements, a classic European massage was developed, which was used for almost two centuries.
It should be noted that the works of Pietro Egilata, Monde de Siucci and Bertuccio played a very significant role in the promotion of massage. They published many books in which various massage techniques were presented in great detail. Its beneficial effects on the body were also mentioned. But doctors developed not only theories, they began to apply therapeutic massage in practice, prescribing special massage sessions for patients and studying the results of its effects on the body.
The first to use therapeutic massage was the French military doctor Ambroise Pare. He took part in many battles and used therapeutic massage techniques when treating the wounded. He was convinced in practice how much faster the wounded recovered after such sessions.
Ambroise Pare developed various therapeutic massage techniques, which he used for various injuries. In addition, the doctor constantly used fragrant ointments during massage and emphasized the importance of their use. He produced several types of ointments based on honey, which had a good healing effect. An ointment prepared with honey, egg yolks and rose oil according to the recipe of Ambroise Paré was used by massage therapists until the 19th century.
Nowadays, an improved ointment recipe serves as the basis for some cosmetic lotions and massage creams.
Following the example of Ambroise Paré, many doctors began to turn to therapeutic massage as a necessary tool in the treatment of many diseases. This is confirmed by the work of the famous German physician Hoffmann, “Radical instructions on how a person should act in order to avoid early death and all kinds of diseases.” This book spread very quickly among doctors and won many good reviews, as it contained detailed recommendations on how best to use various massage techniques. Particular attention was paid to the use of rubbing in acute and chronic diseases.
In the 18th century, the work of the French physician Joseph Tissot, “Medical and Surgical Gymnastics,” appeared. The author described the beneficial effects of rubbing on the human body, as well as the need for its constant use for medicinal purposes. This book later helped many doctors in treating patients.
In the 19th century, the Swedish physician Henrik Ling presented to the medical community a fully substantiated complex of therapeutic massage. The results of his research were described in the book “General Fundamentals of Gymnastics.” This book caused a lot of strong responses, because Henrik Ling, with the help of massage, helped restore mobility to those patients who seemed to be forever deprived of the ability to move. Ling used massage to treat various injuries and was convinced of the effectiveness of his techniques. The treatment of disorders of the body's motor functions as a result of injury deserved special attention. The Swedish doctor presented a detailed account of all the massage techniques that he used in the treatment of immobilized patients.
Henrik Ling also developed massage techniques for the treatment of diseases of internal organs. And he proposed treating joints and ligaments using new techniques such as movement and vibration. His techniques were included in medicine under the name “Swedish massage”. Ling's techniques have become widely used by many doctors and are used by them as the basis for creating their own massage techniques. Just ten years after the publication of Ling’s book, there were almost no clinics left in Europe where a course of therapeutic massage was not used. In the resort area, it has become a mandatory remedy for the treatment of various diseases.
In addition to the use of massage by medical practitioners, massage theories have not been left without attention. In many medical institutes, special departments were opened to study massage techniques and their effects on the human body. Many different monographs appeared that confirmed the enormous effect of therapeutic massage.
And in the twentieth century, special attention began to be paid to the specialized use of massage. Several types of massage were identified, which included various techniques and differed from each other in purpose. The use of each type of massage was determined by necessity and pursued specific goals. Some of them were based on the Swedish Ling system, others were developed from Japanese or Chinese massage. Currently, specialists are trying to combine various techniques, thanks to which a new type of massage has emerged - combined, or universal. Doctors often resort to this type of massage when treating patients, since it includes elements used in various types of massage.
Combined massage has many supporters, since its use provides a deeper effect on all organs and systems of the body, which contributes to its normal functioning. There are no fewer supporters of specialized massage, since with the help of the latter it affects the diseased area of the body. The choice of the type of massage remains with the attending physician, who offers the patient the best option for getting rid of the disease.
Currently, specialists distinguish several types of massage. These are therapeutic, segmental reflex, preventive, general health, children's, acupressure, sports, cosmetic, erotic and self-massage. Each of these types of massage has its own specifics and differs in the method of implementation.
Thus, therapeutic massage is used for various diseases. With its help, painful areas and areas adjacent to them are identified. Massage techniques are often performed in a gentle manner so as not to cause new pain. In this case, massage is carried out on both sick and healthy areas. After the disease has subsided, another type of massage is prescribed.
Segmental reflex massage is considered by many specialists to be a type of therapeutic massage, since in this case certain diseased areas are massaged. But the specificity of the techniques of this type of massage suggests that this is still a separate type of massage. Preventive massage is used after recovery and is aimed at quickly bringing the body back to normal. Preventive massage is less intense than general health massage, since gentle techniques are used when massaging, but it is stronger than therapeutic massage. Preventive massage is prescribed regularly, at certain intervals, in order to prevent recurrence of the disease.
General health massage can be prescribed to a healthy person to improve the tone of the body. To do this, one specific execution technique is selected, and there are no restrictions on the use of techniques.
Children's massage is also divided into general health and therapeutic. General health care is prescribed to any healthy child, and therapeutic therapy is prescribed to strengthen the body after or during illness, after injuries, dislocations, sprains, and fractures. Children's therapeutic massage is necessarily prescribed to children born as a result of cesarean section, since their body is most often not able to function normally.
Such children, for example, lack the leg-tucking reflex and sometimes the grasping reflex.
Baby massage is prescribed to healthy children once a year, to weakened children 3 times a year (up to 1 month, at 5–6 months, at 9–10 months). After a year, you can use general health or therapeutic massage on the advice of a doctor.
Shiatsu acupressure is a complex type of massage. It is performed by influencing certain points of the body. To master it, you need to have a good knowledge of human anatomy, as well as the location of the points of influence. This massage can be both general health and therapeutic. Acupressure self-massage should be performed very carefully, after consulting with a specialist first. Most often, acupressure is performed by a specially trained person. However, some acupressure techniques can be learned and used independently, for example, in case of sudden sharp pain.
Sports massage is prescribed for people involved in sports. It is divided into several subtypes, each of which, in turn, has different methods of implementation. Sports massage helps relieve excess tension before a start or, conversely, improves body tone. Sports massage is used for minor injuries and is performed by a specially trained massage therapist.
Cosmetic massage is very important for women, as it eliminates wrinkles, helps rejuvenate the skin of the face and neck, and restores its elasticity and firmness. Cosmetic massage has various methods of implementation. It is quite simple to master and should be used regularly. This type of massage produces the greatest effect in combination with various cosmetics and procedures.
Self-massage can be general health and therapeutic. The first can be used by any person who considers conducting techniques necessary for himself. In this case, self-massage can be both general and local. For any disease, self-massage is aimed at relieving pain and restoring the normal functioning of the body. In this case, local massage is most often used. Self-massage techniques are quite simple to master, but knowing them is very important, since in emergency cases you can help yourself without waiting for a specialist. In addition, regular use of self-massage will help relieve stress and tension after a hard day, relieve headaches and other unpleasant sensations, restore strength and tone the body.
All these types of massage can be used and applied as needed.
Before performing a massage, you should be well prepared for it. The massage should take place in a warm, ventilated room where the temperature is at least 20 °C. This can be a specially equipped office, an ordinary room or a bathhouse.
In the latter case, a special massage is used, as the body receives additional stress. There are special massage techniques after a bath. They are carried out in a special massage salon or prepared room. It should be remembered that rapid changes in air temperature and humidity can negatively affect the condition of the body. Therefore, after the bath, you should first carry out a series of quick rubbings, and then begin the main massage.
It is advisable that a shower or bathroom be located nearby, as water procedures are necessary after the massage. The greatest effect of massage is achieved when the massaged body is completely relaxed. For better gliding of hands during dry massage, use talc or baby powder. If the massage is carried out after a bath or shower, then you can use massage cream, various ointments or Vaseline.
The massage should be performed on clean skin, preferably after a warm 3-5 minute shower. It is not recommended to massage immediately after eating; the interval should be at least 1–2 hours. After completing the massage procedures, you need to lie down for 5–10 minutes so that the muscles do not immediately receive stress from movement. If the first session is carried out, the massage should be preparatory, and the first massage techniques should be short. Gradually, the time for subsequent sessions increases, and massage techniques become more intense and varied.
All massage techniques should be performed along the lymphatic tract, that is, towards the heart, towards the nearest lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in the popliteal fossa, armpit and groin area should not be massaged (Fig. 1).
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The position of the person being massaged should eliminate tension in the muscles and joints, and also allow him to relax as much as possible. It should be remembered that massage techniques should not cause pain. As soon as even slight pain appears, the massage should be stopped. This is especially important when using massage to treat various diseases. When performing any technique, a certain rhythm and tempo of movements must be observed.
Most techniques are performed in a forward motion, that is, the massage therapist’s hand moves forward with the thumb and forefinger. Massage techniques are so diverse that they allow a differentiated effect on individual areas of the body, organs, tissues, muscles, subcutaneous tissue, skin, joints, etc.
To carry out therapeutic massage, you need to know the necessary techniques and the order of their application. In the treatment of various diseases, the following techniques are most often used: stroking, rubbing, kneading, percussive techniques, movements, vibration, shaking and shaking. Each of these techniques, in turn, has many varieties. Each of them has its own specific mechanical and physiological effect on the body as a whole or only on a certain area of it.
It is important to remember that for different diseases, appropriate massage techniques are used, which include various combinations of massage techniques. Massage techniques are distinguished by types of disease treatment. There are massages of the head, neck, cervicothoracic region, thoracic region, upper back, lumbosacral region, pelvic region, abdomen and limbs. You should know that diseased and healthy areas are located nearby, but only one series of techniques is performed on a healthy area, and 2-3 on a sick area. The techniques should not be monotonous; it is recommended to vary them depending on the patient’s condition. When performing a massage, you need to remember some general rules.
When massaging the scalp, movements should be performed from the crown of the head down and to the sides, that is, to where the lymph nodes are located. This is the back of the head, parotid space and neck area. The neck area is massaged from top to bottom. On the posterior surface, movements go from the occipital region down along the upper edge of the trapezius muscle. When massaging the lateral surfaces, movements are directed from the temporal areas downwards. It is not recommended to massage the neck from the front due to the thyroid gland, although gentle stroking with the fingertips is possible. Movements should be performed from the jaw area downwards.
Massaging the cervicothoracic region is carried out from top to bottom, from the neck along the sternum. In this case, the pectoral muscles are massaged most intensively, and the neck area less intensely and carefully.
The abdomen is massaged very carefully, using only a few techniques, including stroking and light rubbing. They should be performed carefully to avoid pain. The massage begins from the sternum area and gradually moves to the stomach. The lower abdomen is also massaged gently towards the inguinal lymph nodes.
All kinds of techniques are used to massage the back, since this is the most suitable area in terms of the amount of tissue and muscles. Movements are carried out from top to bottom or bottom to top along the spinal column. Circular movements are especially often used in certain areas of the back.
Massage of the lumbosacral region is carried out using various techniques, but you should remember that massage should be done carefully to avoid pinching the nerves and putting strong pressure on the lower part of the spine.
Massage of the pelvic area, as a rule, is carried out in several stages: massage of the gluteal muscles, sacrum, iliac region. When massaging each of these departments, certain techniques are used. In this case, you should remember about the close location of the lymph nodes.
Limb massage also has its own specifics. It is performed in several stages, which depends on the sequence of massaging the limb. Hand massage is performed from bottom to top, that is, from the hands to the cervicothoracic region, leg massage is performed from the feet to the upper thigh. When massaging the limbs, local massage is often used.
If the limbs are injured, then the affected area requires more attention and care when performing the technique. If pain occurs, the massage should be stopped or replaced with a segmental one.
It should be noted that even with segmental massage the sore area may be affected. Therefore, you need to immediately clarify where the pain area is located, identify its boundaries, and then massage. During segmental massage, all the techniques of classical massage are used, as well as special ones that are characteristic only of this type. But if the patient feels pain even with segmental massage, then the session should be interrupted and wait a few days until the patient’s well-being improves. Continuing the massage if you experience pain is strictly prohibited. This is due to the fact that such a massage not only will not help in treating the disease, but can worsen the condition of the body.
Painful sensations indicate that the patient is not ready for a massage session. Massage is designed to relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. If sharp pain occurs in any part of the body, you can use several massage techniques to relieve the pain spasm. The following chapters will describe in detail the use of therapeutic massage, as well as how to properly perform massage for diseases of the digestive system.
Massage is not only a preventive procedure. They can cure many diseases. We are excellent at combating tired or overstrained muscles with massage (or, conversely, with massage we return tone to relaxed muscles), help correct figure flaws, and relieve general stress. But can massage help treat diseases of internal organs? The answer is yes. Let's look in more detail at the list of pathologies that can be eliminated with the help of massage.
First of all, a course of massage can cure pathologies of the nervous system (peripheral).
All kinds of radiculitis, neuritis, osteochondrosis and neuralgia are most often a manifestation of pinched nerves by the vertebrae or fascia of the paravertebral muscles. After all, almost the entire nervous system spreads throughout the body from the spinal cord, which is located inside the spine. Therefore, in almost any of these diseases (up to 90%), the nerves are pressed by the muscles located along the spine. Therefore, any neurologist-massage therapist strives to gain access to those areas of the back next to the spine, from where large trunks of nerves diverge. That's how it works. That it is quite possible to cure diseases of the somatic and autonomic nervous system with a properly selected course of massage. From an anatomical point of view, there is a distinction between the part of the inside of the spine that is open for massaging (neck and abdomen) and the part that is closed (thoracic region and small pelvis).
If radiculitis is diagnosed, massage of the paraverbal muscles, acupuncture and acupressure are effective, as well as, if it is necessary to remove inflammation, injections of adrenal hormones.
Therapists may recommend resorting to massage during stomach ulcers or diabetes.
During a consultation with a gynecologist, you can receive a referral for massage if it is necessary to improve the autonomic innervation of the pelvis. This can eliminate salpinitis, ovarianitis, and in some cases, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Traumatologists prescribe massage to treat arthritis, relieve inflammation of ligaments, etc. Well, surgery resorts to massage when it is necessary to stretch intestinal adhesions.
The technique of any therapeutic massage absolutely depends on the anatomical location and structure of the organs that need to be affected. Therefore, first the doctor selects an adequate therapeutic massage technique depending on the location of the internal organs. Of course, a back massage will differ from a calf massage in the same way as a abdominal massage will differ from a head treatment. The general definition of massage, which sounds like “impact on muscle tissue,” in this case cannot be called correct.
What can be cured with massage and what cannot be treated with massage
A general healing course of massage is indicated for absolutely all diseases. There are no contraindications here. It is commonly said that, thanks to a general massage, the immune system is restored, blood supply to all organs improves, and mood improves. Unfortunately, no meticulous studies have been carried out anywhere in the world on the percentage improvement in immunity or, for example, kidney blood flow after a massage course of 10 sessions. There are only assumptions based on monographs of specialists. Most likely, all these statements are more optimistic than they really are.
But it is quite possible to measure the effect of therapeutic massage. For example, to determine how much the patient’s pain has decreased. Of course, stating the fact that after several back massage sessions, a patient who could not get to the kitchen independently goes to the nearest store cannot be considered a quantitative measurement of the effectiveness of treatment. But this can well be called a qualitative assessment. Therapeutic massage has virtually no contraindications. It is not used only in the treatment of schizophrenia or, for example, epilepsy. Those. in cases where this technique will not bring any result at all.
Therapeutic massage: indications and contraindications
Massage therapy is commonly recommended to treat disorders of the peripheral nervous system. In the treatment of diseases of internal organs, massage is effective if the disease is functional in nature and not organic. What kind of functional disorders of internal organs are these?
So, first we will name those diseases in the treatment of which the use of massage gives maximum results:
diseases of a neurological nature (radiculitis, neuralgia, neuritis, neuropathy, cerebral palsy, etc.);
diseases of a therapeutic nature (diabetes in the initial stage of development, hypertensive heart disease, migraine, dyskinesia of the esophagus and stomach, biliary dyskinesia, dyskinesia of the gallbladder, gastritis, hiccups, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, enuresis, bronchial asthma and others);
diseases of a gynecological nature (inflammatory diseases of the appendages, pain during menstruation, infertility, etc.);
diseases of a psychiatric nature (overexertion, mild post-stress conditions, restless sleep, mild neuroses and others);
diseases of an endocrinological nature (obesity, diseases of the glands: salivary, thyroid, pancreas, prostate, diseases of the adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles, etc.);
diseases of a surgical nature (muscular torticollis, clubfoot, congenital dislocation of the hip, dysplasia of the femoral head, epicondylitis, arthritis, especially neurogenic of the hip and knee joints, joint contractures, sprains and others);
dental diseases (periodontitis and gingivitis);
diseases of an ophthalmological nature (myopia and farsightedness, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, etc.).
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For various diseases of internal organs, massage is often used. This is due to the fact that it is an excellent tool for reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, raising the tone of the body and its general improvement. All these properties are very important in the treatment of various diseases - such as, for example, diseases of the nervous system (primarily neuroses, neuritis, neuralgia), circulatory system (including diseases of the hematopoietic organs), respiratory system, digestive tract, genitourinary system, as well as ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Massage is used primarily to influence nerve receptors that are located on the skin, muscles and tissues. Receptors conduct impulses associated with exposure to the external environment (cold and warm air, sunlight, water, any mechanical irritation). The impulses travel from the outer layers of the skin to the endings of the nerve fibers. It is through them that impulses enter the cerebral cortex, and a complex reaction occurs there, as a result of which impulses go to various internal organs and systems.
When massaging, the skin experiences mechanical impact from rubbing, kneading, pressing, etc., and nerve receptors located in different layers of the skin transmit these impulses to the central nervous system, to the cerebral hemispheres.
In addition, massage also improves the condition of the skin itself: it removes dead cells of the upper layer, enhances the action of the sebaceous and sweat glands, and helps remove decay products and toxins from the body.
As a result of massaging, the movement of blood, lymph, and interstitial fluid increases, congestion decreases or completely disappears, and metabolism increases. After a massage session, a person feels cheerful and rested. The result of such an effect on the body indicates the benefits of massaging.
But how long ago did people know about these properties of massage?
From the history of massage
Massage as a means of raising the overall tone of the body and restoring strength was known several thousand years ago. It was used in Ancient Egypt and Babylon, Assyria and Mesopotamia. There is various archaeological evidence of this: drawings on clay tablets, papyrus, wood and even stone. A whole complex of massage techniques carved on stone was discovered by archaeological scientists in the tomb of Pharaoh Ankamahor, who lived in the 3rd millennium BC. e. This tomb is called the Tomb of the Healer.
Not only Ankamahor, but also other pharaohs and rulers ordered that massage techniques be recorded so that they would become known to other people.
A study of the ruins of the ancient capital of Assyria showed that the Assyrians paid great attention to massaging for various injuries. This is evidenced by finds in ancient temples. Thus, already several thousand years ago, people knew about the beneficial effects of massage on the body. But it was not the ancient Egyptians or Assyrians who were the best experts in massage. The championship rightfully belongs to the Chinese.
In the 2nd millennium BC. e. The Chinese healer Zhu Tzu wrote a treatise that described in detail the benefits of massage and presented various massage techniques. This work became fundamental for a whole series of works in which the basics of classical massage were formulated. But the Chinese not only wrote down already known massage techniques, they constantly improved their techniques. There were more than 2,000 massage schools in Ancient China. The most famous of them were schools in the provinces of Shandong, Guanzhuan and Henan.
According to Chinese healers, massage is an art that requires special training and skill. After all, massage helps a person not only relax, but also achieve harmony between body and spirit. “After a massage, a renewed person looks at the world around him with new eyes” - this statement belongs to the famous healer Yi-Fui, who was the chief court physician of Emperor Lu-ji. I-Fui studied, researched and compared the methods of different schools for more than 40 years. He left behind more than two dozen treatises, in which he revealed the superiority of some schools over others. Yi-Fui himself was a supporter of “simple” massage and always emphasized its advantage over “complex” massage. And I-Fui earned special fame because he once saved a girl dancer from death with his art. The emperor not only forgave the girl for her offense, but also after that appointed Yi-Fui as the chief court physician.
The famous healer lived a long life, leaving behind many treatises on medicine and more than three dozen students. But none of them could surpass the famous teacher in their skill.
And although Yi Fui always emphasized the advantage of “simple” massage, that is, done with the hands, without any devices, in Chinese massage special sticks of various lengths and thicknesses were often used to enhance the effect on the skin. They became the prototype of acupuncture and are still used in some Chinese massage schools that adhere to ancient techniques.
The Japanese developed their own massage techniques, but still adopted a lot from the Chinese. They became followers of Yi Fui and did not use other tools and devices for massaging except their own hands. In addition, the Japanese adhered to the postulate derived by a Chinese doctor. According to him, massage should be carried out only in a place “that pleases the eye and caresses the ear.” In the rooms where the massage was carried out, they opened sliding doors so that the person being massaged could see a beautiful landscape: flowering plants, evergreen trees. His ears were delighted by the singing of birds and the murmur of water flowing over the stones. It was not exquisite draperies, music and poetry that were supposed to create a special aura during massage, but the beauty and harmony of nature with which a person merged with his soul. When the body is relaxed, the beauty of the surrounding world is perceived in a special way.
Based on classic Japanese massage, shiatsu acupressure massage has been developed, which nowadays occupies a significant place among non-traditional methods of treating many diseases.
In addition, the Japanese combined massage with water treatments. First, a person immersed himself in a hot spring, and then, after leaving it, a massage session was carried out. The Japanese discovered the healing properties of thermal springs – onsens – a long time ago. There is evidence of this in written documents from the 8th century. There are nine types of onsens, depending on the predominance of certain mineral substances. Thus, in red onsens there is an excess of iron, in salt onsens there is especially a lot of various mineral salts, and in eel onsens there is alkali. After bathing in such a source, the skin becomes slippery, like an eel.
Depending on the temperature of the onsen, a person spent from 5 to 35 minutes in it. Then, leaving the source, he retired to a special gazebo, where the massage session was held. This custom dates back several centuries and is currently used before a massage session. But if at first this was a rare privilege of the monks of closed monasteries, then from the end of the 16th century the warrior caste became aware of the custom. It was in the 16th century that the noble feudal lord Takede Shingenu, after battles with samurai warriors, went to bathe in hot springs. Among his warriors there were always several doctors who were also excellent at massaging techniques. Take-de Shingenu noticed that after bathing in onsen and massage, sword wounds heal faster, fractures, cuts and bruises heal. These products helped relieve tension after a battle and perfectly restored strength before new battles.
The fame of the invincible and invulnerable warriors of Shingen spread throughout Japan. Many enemies of the feudal lord tried to find out the secret of the quick correction of his warriors. But it was discovered only in the 19th century. It was at this time that various massage techniques were closely studied in Europe, and Japanese massage did not go unnoticed.
Nowadays, all Japanese athletes, without exception, use these means when preparing for competitions. In the mid-twentieth century, Japanese doctors discovered that it was possible to combine not only bathing in a thermal spring, but also hand massage with massage performed by jets of water. The Japanese began to build small artificial waterfalls near onsens. Such methods are very helpful in maintaining health and longevity. And older people who resort to such means claim that it gives them strength and they feel rejuvenated. Currently, European and American scientists are again paying close attention to Japanese massage, which is combined with bathing in thermal springs. But they are not only interested in health and longevity. Just a few years ago, the French scientist Paul Gangois made the discovery that these remedies are excellent in treating many respiratory diseases. Today, several methods of treating these diseases are being developed based on the experiments of Paul Gangua.
There were many schools of massage in India, where massage was known several thousand years ago. Indian healers became famous for their numerous treatises, which described various methods and techniques of massage. Indians also used massage to treat many diseases. Their methods differed in many ways from those used by the Chinese and Japanese. In addition, they were the first to use wet rubbing before massage, and also developed massage in a steam bath. To do this, water was poured onto special hot iron plates, which turned into steam. In this room, light massage techniques were used; for more complex ones, other techniques were used.
Before performing massage techniques, Indians thoroughly cleaned the body, removing dust and sweat from it with clean water, and then washed it with aromatic water. After the massage techniques, water procedures were carried out: dousing the body with water or bathing in a spring. This, according to Indian healers, gave good results not only for improving the health of the body, but also for resisting aging.
Modern scientists have adopted ancient techniques. Having carefully studied them, they developed a whole massage complex to rejuvenate the body. These techniques are used not only in massage parlors in the East, but also in European and American beauty institutes.
Methods of healing and rejuvenating massage were developed not only in the countries of the Far East - such as China, Japan, etc., but also in the Middle East and Central Asia. For example, in Ancient Egypt there was a slightly different approach to massage, which was due to the climate. The hot sun, dry air and dust made the skin dense and rough, and cracks often appeared on it. And in accordance with this, rough massage techniques were also used. Instead of gentle touches, special attention was paid to deep kneading, rubbing and percussive techniques.
Preparation for the massage included water procedures (bathtub) so that the person could wash away dirt and sweat. Instead of a bath, wiping with a damp cloth was sometimes used. Then rubbing with heated oils was carried out. They were rubbed not only with hands, but also with a special woolen cloth, so that the oil penetrated as deeply as possible into the skin, softened it, made it elastic and ready for massage techniques. Only after such preparation did the massage therapist begin the main massage.
The ancient Greeks also used water and oil for massage. They also had special schools in which slaves were taught the art of massage. Ancient doctors (Hippocrates, Galen) wrote many medical works about its benefits. The ancient Greeks paid special attention to the beneficial effects of massage in the treatment of various diseases. But they considered no less important the use of massage by healthy people in order to constantly keep the body in good physical shape. This was especially important, since the Greeks very often organized games and competitions dedicated to different gods and waged wars. A special commission selected healthy and strong people to participate in the war.
Along with the warriors, slaves also went to war, who trained the warriors before the start of the battle, and then, after the battle, performed massages to relieve stress, fatigue, and help with bruises and injuries. For every 10,000 soldiers who went to war, there were 3-4 thousand slaves specially trained in massage.
The Greeks were the first to distinguish between general massage, suitable for healthy people, and therapeutic massage, intended only for the sick. The Greek physician Ge-rodikos (484-425 BC) was the first to try to provide a scientific basis for therapeutic massage. The great Hippocrates (460 - about 370 BC) continued this work. He also clearly drew a line between general and therapeutic massages.
Massage was also used by the ancient Romans, who borrowed a lot from the Greeks. For example, the construction of public baths, which had special massage rooms. Rich citizens set up such premises in their own homes. Their guests could relax there, take a bath, and receive a restorative massage. Such a commitment to massage was not a luxury, but a necessity, since the Romans, like the Greeks, paid great attention to body culture.
The Romans also improved massage techniques, as evidenced in the works of the famous scientist Celsus, who was a very big supporter of massage techniques. In addition to Celsus, Asclepiades, Galen, Manconius and Philius Glautus (1st-2nd centuries AD) left behind works on the benefits of massage. Many of their works, unfortunately, were destroyed during the barbarian invasion of Rome, and evidence was preserved only in fragmentary information from medieval doctors.
And the barbarians who destroyed Rome also destroyed its rich culture; the art of massage was also consigned to oblivion. The barbarian tribes used only the simplest and crudest techniques, which were very far from the true art of massaging of the ancient Romans. And for a very long time in Europe, massage did not develop and improve.
The main center for the development of the art of massage, without a doubt, became the East. In the Middle Ages, there was a kind of flourishing of massage there. Evidence of this is the many books on medicine by oriental doctors who praised massage as “a miraculous remedy for restoring strength and relieving fatigue.” The famous philosopher and physician Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 980-1037), who began treating people at the age of 16, emphasized in his “Medical Canon” the importance of using massage as an excellent therapeutic agent. In the “Canon” he indicated the following types of massage: strong, strengthening the body, and weak, softening, relaxing it; long lasting, promoting weight loss; moderate, equal to physical activity; restorative after exercise. This work contributed to the development of massage in Turkey, Persia and other countries.
Avicenna was not alone in his judgments and practical application of massage. He was supported by another famous doctor who lived in the 12th century, Hussein ibn Arabi, who left behind many medical treatises on various massage techniques. Ibn Arabi was the first to use massage in the treatment of various forms of nervous and mental diseases. He developed and put into practice his own massage techniques, which helped get rid of obsessions and unreasonable fears.
The techniques he used helped people heal from neuralgia, and he earned real fame for relieving people of migraines with the help of massage. For this, the doctor received an award from Emir Ashik Khan, who had suffered from this disease for a long time. He offered Ibn Arabi the position of chief physician at his court and a very high salary. But the doctor and philosopher refused this offer, preferring to stay in his hometown, and sent his best student to Ashik Khan. There was a correspondence between teacher and student for many years, in which the use of various massage techniques was discussed. Many of these letters have survived to this day and give an excellent idea of the techniques and techniques of medieval oriental massage.
Great interest in these techniques arose in the 14th century, during the Renaissance. It was at this time that massage began to be used again in Europe. Artists and sculptors constantly emphasized the beauty of the human body. More and more new ways were sought to achieve harmony between body and spirit. Massage techniques were studied in the works of ancient Greek and Roman doctors, and the books of oriental healers did not go unnoticed. Based on Greek, Roman and Oriental, a classical massage was developed, which has reached our time almost unchanged.
It should be noted that the works of such doctors as Pietro Egilat, Monde de Siucci and Bertuccio played a very significant role in the promotion of massage. They own many works in which they described various massage techniques in great detail. Its beneficial effects on the body were also mentioned. Therapeutic massage began to be used in practice: patients were given special sessions, and then the result of their effect on the body was studied.
The championship in the use of therapeutic massage belongs to the French military doctor Ambroise Paré. While treating the wounded, Pare began to try using therapeutic massage techniques and became convinced of how much faster the patients recovered after such sessions.
He developed his own therapeutic massage techniques, which he used for different types of wounds. In addition, the doctor constantly used various fragrant ointments when massaging and emphasized their importance. He himself composed several ointments based on honey, which had a good healing effect. The ointment, prepared according to the recipe of Ambroise Pare and based on honey, egg yolks and rose oil, was used by massage therapists until the 19th century. Currently, an improved recipe for this ointment serves as the basis for some cosmetic lotions and massage creams.
Following the example of Ambroise Paré, many doctors began to turn to therapeutic and general health massage as an excellent tool in the treatment of many diseases. This can be confirmed by the work of the famous German physician Hoffmann, “Radical instructions on how a person should act in order to avoid early death and all kinds of diseases.” The book contains many recommendations on how to use various massage techniques. Particular attention is paid to such a technique as rubbing, and its use in acute and chronic diseases.
In the 18th century, another work appeared - “Medical and Surgical Gymnastics”. Its author was the French doctor Joseph Tissot, who described the beneficial effects of rubbing on the human body, as well as the need for its constant use for medicinal purposes.
In the 19th century, the Swedish physician Per Henrik Ling presented the medical community with a fully substantiated complex of therapeutic massage. The results of his research were described in the book “General Fundamentals of Gymnastics.” He used massage to treat various injuries and was convinced of the effectiveness of his techniques. Disorders of the body's motor functions as a result of various injuries were previously considered incurable. The Swedish doctor was able to refute this statement and described in detail in his book the techniques that led to recovery.
Ling developed massage techniques to treat internal organs. And he proposed treating joints and ligaments using new techniques such as movement and vibration. His techniques were included in medicine under the name “Swedish massage”.
The methods of Per Henrik Ling, described by him in “General Fundamentals of Gymnastics,” began to be widely used by many doctors. Some have used them as a basis for creating their own massage techniques. 10 years after the publication of Ling’s book, there were practically no clinics left in Europe that did not prescribe a course of therapeutic massage. And in the resort area it has become a mandatory remedy for the treatment of various diseases.
In addition to practical application, the theory of massage has also been widely studied. Many medical institutes have opened special departments for the study of massage techniques and their effects on the human body. Many different monographs appeared that confirmed the enormous effect of therapeutic massage.
In the twentieth century, much attention began to be paid to the specialized use of massage. Several types of massage have been described, including various techniques and differing in purpose. Thus, there are general health, therapeutic, preventive, sports, cosmetic, children's, erotic massages, as well as self-massage. The use of each of them is determined by a specific purpose and pursues certain tasks. Each of these types has its own implementation methods.
Some of them are based on the Swedish Ling system, others are developed on the basis of Japanese or Chinese massage. Now experts are trying to combine different techniques, which has resulted in a new type of massage - combined. This type is also called universal, since its elements can be used in various types of massage.
Combined massage has many supporters, since its use provides a deeper effect on all organs and systems of the body, which contributes to its normal functioning.
The use of massage for various diseases
Massage is prescribed for the treatment of many diseases. The attending physician always selects the most optimal massage option. This can be a general therapeutic massage or only segmental reflex massage of a certain area. The doctor can also give some recommendations to the massage therapist so that the patient’s condition does not worsen during massage.
Therapeutic massage is prescribed for hypertension, neurocirculatory dystonia (hypotension), and many nervous diseases. These are neuritis, including: ulnar nerve neuritis, brachial nerve neuritis, median nerve neuritis, sciatic nerve neuritis, femoral nerve neuritis, peroneal nerve neuritis, tibial nerve neuritis. In this case, a massage is performed on the limb affected by the disease. Massage is also used on other parts of the body, but when performing it, there is no emphasis on pain areas.
For neuropathy of the facial nerve, segmental reflex massage of the face and scalp is performed. For multiple sclerosis and polyneuropathies, general therapeutic massage is used. With syringomyelia, special attention is paid to areas lacking pain and temperature sensitivity.
In addition, therapeutic massage is an excellent way to relieve pain from occipital neuralgia. Massaging this area relieves tension and pain, dizziness and nausea disappear.
In addition to diseases of the nervous system, massage is used for various diseases of the spine, especially osteochondrosis and radiculitis. With radiculopathies (banal radiculitis), the emphasis is placed specifically on the area of the disease - the cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral or pelvic region.
The same sections are also massaged for osteochondrosis. This is primarily due to the structure of the spine and disruption of the normal functioning of the spinal disc. In this case, massage relieves pain and helps relax tense nerves. After several sessions, a person can walk and turn normally, without fear of sudden shooting in pain areas.
Massaging is performed for diseases of the respiratory system. In this case, special attention is paid to those massage techniques that help ventilate the lungs and improve their functioning. One of the subtypes of therapeutic massage is percussion, which is used for bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, bronchial asthma and emphysema. Most often, for such diseases, segmental reflex massage is prescribed. After the acute stage of the disease has passed, general therapeutic massage is applied.
It is also important for diseases of internal organs, such as the stomach and duodenum. Therapeutic massage is used for peptic ulcers of these organs, as well as for diseases of the liver and gall bladder. In this case, special techniques are used that improve the patient’s condition.
Massage is used for bruises, sprains, dislocations, and fractures. In this case, therapeutic massage is gradually replaced by preventive and general health massage. As you recover, the load and duration of the session increase.
Massage is a necessary treatment for arthrosis (dystrophic change in articular cartilage), gout (impaired uric acid levels and salt deposition in joints), arthritis (inflammation of the joint), as well as various forms of scoliosis and flat feet.
Massage is extremely useful for diseases of the circulatory system and hematopoietic organs. Segmental reflex massage is prescribed for heart defects, myocardiostrophy, ischemia, and angina. But in this case, a gentle massage of the chest area is always used, which is stopped immediately if pain occurs in the heart area.
Similar requirements apply to massaging the abdominal area for peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, gastritis, gastroptosis, intestinal and kidney diseases. This also applies to the treatment of genitourinary organs. For acute diseases of the bladder (urethritis, cystitis), segmental reflex massage is used. In acute forms of the disease, massage is not performed. When the strong, cutting pain subsides, the massage is resumed.
Gentle massage of pain areas is carried out for diseases of the female and male genital area (various inflammations).
For obesity and diabetes, intensive therapeutic massage is used.
You should be aware of various contraindications to the use of massage techniques. Massage should not be used for severe spontaneous and cutting pain in various parts of the body, high temperature, acute inflammatory processes and fever. In addition, contraindications are blood diseases, bleeding and a tendency to it, as well as various purulent processes and all kinds of skin diseases, including wounds and skin lesions - such as cracks, abrasions, burns, frostbite.
Skin disease is a very important reason not to massage. This includes any inflammation and rashes on the surface of the skin, various types of fungus, warts, including flat warts, eczema, psoriasis, herpes, papillomas (in the stage of intensive growth), acne. All these skin diseases interfere with massage techniques, and as a result of massage, pathogens can spread from one small focus to a larger area. This is due to the fact that during massage techniques, the skin is primarily affected, and prolonged mechanical impact during the session can disrupt the integrity of the lesion and transfer the causative agent of the disease to a healthy area. In this regard, the patient’s condition after a massage session may worsen significantly. New lesions that have arisen will have to be treated.
Massage is completely excluded for diseases such as enlarged and painful lymph nodes, inflammation of the lymph nodes and blood vessels, a general serious condition in various diseases and injuries, benign and malignant tumors, active tuberculosis, diseases of the autonomic nervous system during exacerbation, allergic rashes on skin, varicose veins, acute inflammation of the veins, angitis, atherosclerosis of peripheral vessels, diseases of the abdominal organs with a tendency to bleeding, myocardial ischemia, hemorrhages under the skin, chronic osteomyelitis, acute respiratory diseases, as well as the period within 2-5 days after them ; acute period of hypertensive or hypotensive crisis, vomiting, causalgic syndrome after injury to peripheral nerves, cardiopulmonary failure, sclerosis of cerebral vessels with the likelihood of thrombosis and hemorrhage, nausea, Quincke's edema, trophic ulcers, thrombosis, thromboangiitis in combination with atherosclerosis, excessive physical and mental overwork, circulatory failure.
These are the main diseases that exclude any possibility of massage, but besides them, there are some other diseases for which the use of massage is not recommended.
It should also be noted that contraindications to massage may be temporary. As soon as the acute stage of the disease has passed, therapeutic massage is prescribed to restore normal functioning. After removal of tumors, warts, papillomas, when a hypotonic or hypertensive crisis subsides, after acute myocardial ischemia, a gentle massage is prescribed. It is required after drug treatment, especially if the drugs are potent or have been used for a long time.
Before starting massage techniques, you need to consult your doctor. You should not resort to massage sessions on your own. Advice from a specialist will help you coordinate your treatment correctly. If permission for massage is given, then you need to find out which techniques are best suited for this disease.
Massage techniques
Before you begin massaging, you should prepare the room. It should be well ventilated, the optimal temperature for massage is 20-22° C. During the session, silence must be maintained, since loud voices or music, noise from operating electrical appliances will prevent the patient from relaxing. This also applies to bright light; lighting should be moderate. When conducting a massage session, it is better to exclude the presence of strangers; the patient should focus only on his sensations.
A special couch is best suited for massage techniques; if it is not available, then a bed with a hard or semi-hard mattress. In addition, you may need a cushion to place under your head. Small cushions can be placed, if necessary, under the back, lower back, or limbs.
It should be remembered that the patient must take the most comfortable position so that the muscles, joints, and ligaments can relax well. The body position is then considered comfortable when the patient can maintain it for a long time without making any attempts to turn. You will only have to change position when massaging the cervical, thoracic, lumbosacral, pelvic areas or limbs. The massage therapist will ask the patient to gradually change position in order to better massage the area. You should not change your body position often enough or unnecessarily.
The massage therapist's hands should be clean, warm and smooth so that the touch does not cause unpleasant sensations in the patient. If excessive sweating occurs, the patient’s skin should be sprinkled with talcum powder, and if it is too dry, lubricated with a special massage cream or ointment.
Before the session begins, the patient should take a warm shower or at least do a wet wipe. After completing the massage techniques, you should also use a shower or rubdown. With segmental reflex massage, when only certain areas are exposed, areas that are not massaged or have already been massaged can be covered with a sheet.
These are the general requirements for performing a massage session. Next, we will consider massage techniques.
With cervical radiculitis, the cervical spine and occipital region are massaged, with neuropathy of the facial nerve - the face and scalp, with neuritis of the peroneal nerve - the lower leg, ankle, foot, and with syringomyelia - the dorsal and thoracic regions, the abdominal area.
For respiratory diseases, massage the cervical region, chest and upper back. This is due to the fact that these areas are closest to the lungs, bronchi, and pleura.
It is best to start the massage from the upper back, then move to the chest area and end with massaging the cervical region.
When massaging the upper back, pain areas are first identified and then massaged. In this area they may be more intense than when massaging other areas. The thoracic region should be massaged with extreme caution, as sudden sharp pain in the lung area may occur; In addition, you need to remember about the close location of the heart. In this area, performing hard techniques, as well as performing techniques with weights, is excluded. Not all techniques are suitable for the cervical region, but here the massage should be deeper and more intense than in the chest area.
What are the insidious diseases of the respiratory system and what do you need to know about them?
Massage- this is a set of methods of mechanical dosed impact on the surface of the human body with hands or special devices (vibration, vacuum vibrating massager, ultrasonic, etc.).
Mechanisms of action:
Leather. Horny scales are removed, blood and lymph circulation improves, local skin temperature rises, metabolism improves, the secretory function of the sebaceous and sweat glands improves, musculocutaneous tone increases, the skin becomes smooth and elastic.
Muscles. Blood supply improves, oxygen flow and removal of metabolic products increase, muscle tone and elasticity increase and contractility improves.
Ligamentous apparatus strengthens, increases its elasticity, improves joint mobility.
Therapeutic massage is widely used in medical institutions in combination with drug treatment (for the treatment of diseases of internal organs, nervous system, surgical and gynecological diseases; for diseases of the ear, throat, nose, eyes, teeth and gums). After surgery, functional treatment and restoration of physical performance are carried out using rehabilitation massage. This massage is usually performed in combination with physical therapy, mechanotherapy and other methods. In case of illnesses and injuries, massage is prescribed as early as possible to normalize blood flow, relieve pain, resolve swelling, hematoma, restore tissue, and normalize metabolic processes. The first stage of this treatment is carried out in combination with cold, the second - with thermal procedures. Immediately after an injury, massage is performed with ice. After some time, the cold massage is alternated with a warm one. Cold acts on the injured part of the body as an analgesic (reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings) and an anti-inflammatory agent. Usually, after an ice massage, the mobility of the massaged joint improves and tissue swelling decreases. The massage is easy to perform. Ice is placed in a special ice bubble or in a thick plastic bag. The area of injury (or disease) is massaged with ice for 2-3 minutes, then the patient swims in the pool or performs simple physical exercises. This procedure is performed several times. Therapeutic massage for colds (bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) in the first 2-5 days is carried out as a cupping massage, then percussion massage in combination with inhalations (medicines and oxygen). A warming massage is recommended at night.
1. Classical– does not take into account reflex effects and is carried out in the area of the diseased organ or near it
2. Segmental-reflex– affect zones of reflected pain – dermatomes, the innervation of which is associated with certain segments of the spinal cord, in which sensitive cells are excited under the influence of nerve impulses arriving along sympathetic nerve fibers from the diseased organ. For example, with diseases of the liver and biliary tract, the sensitivity and tone of the trapezius muscle reflexively changes. The collar zone (the back of the neck, back of the head, shoulder girdle, upper back and chest) is connected to segments of the spinal cord (D2-D4) and the cervical part of the autonomic nervous system, which is connected to the autonomic centers of the brain. Massage of the collar zone changes the function of the central nervous system and, in a reflex way, normalizes body functions (metabolism, thermoregulation, etc.). The lumbosacral zone (buttocks, lower abdomen and upper third of the anterior thighs) is innervated by the lower thoracic (D10-D12), lumbar and sacral segments. Massage of this area is used for pain in this area, injuries and vascular diseases of the lower extremities, and disorders of the hormonal function of the gonads. They use classic massage techniques and those modified in accordance with reflex changes. The main task of segmental massage is to relieve tension in the tissues of the detected affected areas. The massage therapist must know exactly the relevant segments.
Segmental innervation of internal organs
| Organ name | Spinal cord segments |
| Heart, ascending aorta, aortic arch | C3-4, D1-8 |
| Lungs and bronchi | SZ-4, D3-9 |
| Stomach | SZ-4, D5-9 |
| Intestines | SZ-4, D9-L1 |
| Rectum | D11-12, L1-2 |
| Liver, gall bladder | SZ-4 |
| Pancreas | SZ-S4, D7-9 |
| Spleen | SZ-4, D8-10 |
| Kidneys, ureters | C1, D10-12 |
| Bladder | D11-L3, S2-S |
| Prostate | D10-12, L5, S1-3 |
| Testicles, epididymis | D12-L3 |
| Uterus | D10-L3 |
| Ovary | D12-L3 |
Note. C – cervical segments; D – thoracic segments; L – lumbar segments; S – sacral segments |
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Massage movements are made in the direction of the Benninghof lines, which characterize the greatest resistance of individual areas of the skin to its stretching (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Location of lines of greatest resistance to stretching of individual areas of the skin according to Benninghoff. Front and back views.
3. Spot– influence biologically active points – BAP (projections of large nerves and vessels that have a higher temperature and low electrical resistance) in order to have a reflex effect on various functions of the body, eliminate pain, reduce or increase muscle tone. As in acupuncture, they use:
4. Connective tissue– affect mainly connective tissue, subcutaneous tissue. The method is based on the fact that in various diseases in body segments that have common innervation with the affected organs, areas of increased connective tissue tension—connective tissue cords—appear. Their massage reflexively affects the entire autonomic nervous system without affecting individual organs.
5. Periosteal– massage areas of the periosteum (where the muscles are weakly expressed), which in some diseases reflexively change: they become denser and are accompanied by sharp pain, especially when pressed. Massage improves the trophism of bone tissue and internal organs “associated” with it.
In this article we will continue to consider the areas massage applications.There are diseases and injuries in which massage can be performed and this should certainly lead to a positive result. In previous publications, the basic techniques and techniques of self-massage were described and you had time to master them. Therefore, in this article I will not dwell on the massage technique, but will immediately move on to the description of certain injuries and diseases that can be cured with the help of massage.
Let's look at what you can do when knee bruise and which one to do massage for sprains. In this case, it is advisable to use stroking, rubbing and kneading, namely, healthy tissues that are located above the injured area. The area itself can be gently stroked.
If one of the limbs (arm, leg) is injured, then they should be slightly elevated.
At knee bruise you need to start with a massage of the thigh muscles using soothing techniques and techniques, such as stroking, rubbing and kneading. You need to finish the massage by stroking the knee joint with both hands.
If you have myositis, inflammation of muscle tissue, then first of all we determine the area of application of the massage. More often massage for myositis carried out in the neck and lumbar region. Massage of the neck and shoulder muscles is carried out while sitting, using techniques such as stroking and rubbing the scalp in the occipital region with both hands.
They also use kneading of the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle, alternately with one hand and then with the other. The lumbar region is massaged while standing. At the same time, they perform techniques already familiar to us - stroking and rubbing with one or two hands from bottom to top and to the sides. The hands are clenched into fists or clasped.
Massage for headaches should begin with rubbing the temples with your fingertips. Then we move to the back of the head, gradually descending to the muscles of the neck and shoulder girdle. We finish the self-massage by simultaneously stroking the back of the head and shoulder girdle with both hands. Add to this rubbing the point in the back of the head with the pad of your middle finger, exactly where you feel the most severe pain.
If you have insomnia, then you can defeat it with a complex that includes massage, walks and (self-hypnosis). It depends on the degree of neglect. In this article, in particular, we analyze the positive effects of massage on our body. Therefore, we will mainly talk about how to overcome insomnia with the help of massage.
So, we perform the massage immediately before bed, after taking a bath or a warm shower with low pressure. You need to start while sitting by rubbing and stroking your legs. The occipital region of the head and the muscles of the shoulder girdle should be rubbed very carefully and gently, lightly touching. Then you need to lie down, relax as much as possible and begin to rub, and then gently stroke the muscles of the abdomen and chest.
Massage movements are performed with one or two hands from top to bottom from the back of the head to the shoulders. In this case, you should not use stimulating techniques such as patting, tapping and chopping. After finishing the massage, calm down, close your eyes and try to relax as much as possible. After a while you will fall asleep.
Massage can relieve the suffering of sciatica. Neuralgia of the sciatic nerve usually occurs in a person with a diseased spine and requires a comprehensive solution to the issue of treatment. Here we will touch upon the issue of treatment with massage. To formulate it more precisely, we can say this: often manual influences can alleviate the patient’s condition.
The sore leg is massaged while lying on its side or standing, placing it on an elevation. Begin by stroking and rubbing with both hands from bottom to top from the ankle joint, gradually moving to the buttock. Having finished kneading the gluteal muscle, we begin to rub the lower back.
After finishing the massage, you can include a couple of special exercises to stretch the sciatic nerve. The first exercise is performed like this: lying on your back, bend your leg and pull it towards your stomach. The second exercise is performed from a standing position on all fours, sit on your heels, and take the original position. Then we take the leg back all the way and return it forward to the arms and chest. Perform movements slowly and smoothly, stretching the muscles and ligaments as much as possible.
Treatment of this disease cannot be immediate; it is a long process.
Quite often there are people with intercostal neuralgia. More often it occurs with osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine. With a sharp change in the position of the body, compression of the intercostal nerve occurs. This leads to pain, which is often confused (especially pain on the left side) with heart pain. In this case, you need to change your body position and take a deep breath. If it is neuralgia, then after this you will feel some relief. If you have heart pain, then the above-described manipulations will not help you.
For neuralgia, massage is performed while sitting, stroking and rubbing the intercostal spaces with the palms and fingertips in the area where the pain occurs. Then we rub our back. First, we rub with our palms, then with our fists, and then, for greater effect, we clasp our palms behind our backs and rub in a zigzag motion from the lower back as high as possible to the shoulder blades.
Now let's look at what you can do to help yourself with occipital neuralgia. The massage is performed while sitting. We start by rubbing and kneading the parietal area, neck muscles and shoulder girdle with one or two hands. Use the pad of your middle finger to rub the pain points on the back of your head. After the massage, do some exercises. Turn your head to the right, to the left, make several rotations to the right, to the left. Do not make sudden movements, they should be smooth and calm.
With the help of massage you can influence hypertension (high blood pressure). The disease itself consists mainly of narrowing of arterioles for various reasons. It worsens under stress (the main enemy of hypertensive patients), and changes in weather (in weather-dependent people). Before the massage, be sure to measure your blood pressure.
People often learn about their hypertension when visiting a doctor during a hypertensive crisis (high blood pressure). Therefore, so that hypertension does not take us by surprise, after forty years, check your blood pressure more often (although now hypertension is much younger).
If you have high blood pressure, it is better to avoid massage. If the increase is insignificant, then it is possible, but no more than 15 minutes. The occipital region and muscles of the shoulder girdle and abdomen are massaged using stroking, rubbing and shallow kneading. Perform massage movements gently and rhythmically.
Hypotension is a disease that, on the contrary, causes low blood pressure. You can live with it until you feel any discomfort, for example, weakness, dizziness, tachycardia or cardiac dysfunction.
In general, it develops as a result of a decrease in the tone of medium and small arteries, caused by a dysfunction of the neuro-hormonal apparatus that regulates vascular tone.
With this disease we provide private massage of the neck, head and collar area. We start with stroking, then rubbing, kneading, patting and tapping.
Let's look at another disease such as acute bronchitis (can be used for colds). If you have acute bronchitis, then massage for acute bronchitis start with rubbing, the next step will be kneading the muscles of the chest and back with warming ointments. After the massage, wrap yourself up well and drink tea with raspberries, honey or linden flowers.
In this article we examined some of the most common diseases that are possible, in combination with complex treatment, massage therapy. Before starting a massage, consult your doctor. Massage is used in combination with general therapy, then it will have the most effective effect on your body and a specific disease in particular.
In the next article we will look at one of the important departments in self-massage - acupressure. Don't miss it!
