A full body massage means manipulation of the soft tissues of the body using the hands to reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. Such massages not only open the pores of the skin but also speed up blood circulation. In the modern system of physiotherapy, the process of full body massage begins with massaging the upper limbs and lower limbs, followed by the chest, abdomen, back and hips and ending with the face and the head. The massage strokes in most body massages are directed towards the heart. Modern Western massage techniques aim at releasing muscular tension and joint stiffness by facilitating the circulation of blood and the lymphatic system. However, in Oriental massage therapy, massages release blockages and improve the flow of vital energy in the energetic channels that course through the body. A full-body massage involves the patient being treated by lying down on a massage table, generally unclothed, draped with towels or sheets to keep the patients body warm. As massages produce heat, most therapists recommend a hot water bath or shower half an hour after getting a massage done. One should also take a head bath with lukewarm water after a massage session. There are various kinds of body massages, such as breema bodywork, neuromuscular therapy, stone massage, Swedish massage, Thai massage etc. Breema bodywork is usually performed on the floor with the patient fully clothed. The massage consists of rhythmical and gentle leans and stretches for deep relaxation, increased vitality and stimulation of the self-healing processes of the body. Another popular full-body massage is through stone therapy, in which hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body of a patient. Most full-body massages aid in improving the overall well-being of a person; however, due to the lack of research on the subject, the efficacy of this practice is still up for debate. However, most therapists claim to treat many common ailments including stress, pain, digestive problems, headaches and insomnia through massage therapy. |
