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By giving your friend or partner a
massage and letting him or her do the same to you, you will both become
emotionally closer to each other and receive several health benefits as
well. Massaging improves the mental state, muscle tone, circulation of the blood, and lymph drainage. However, what you want to achieve the most will determine the exact massaging technique you use. Massaging Across the Muscle Fibers This type of massage technique is good for relaxing tense muscles and mental stress. It is performed by rubbing or gripping the muscles across the direction of the muscle fibers or tendons. You rub one area after the other and begin by massaging each area lightly, superficially, and slowly to warm up. Then you massage each area more deeply, firmly, and swiftly. According to the size and condition of each area, you can use different types of manipulation. For example, you can use a couple of fingers to work in a small area or to reach deeply into a tense point. On larger areas, you can rub with all your fingertips or with the palm of your hand. For a harder effect, you can use your knuckles. Massaging Along the Muscle Fibers This type of massage will reduce or eliminate stiffness and promote mobility in the muscles. The blood supply in the muscles and lymph drainage of fluids in the tissues will increase. Swollen muscles will become normal. Tired muscles will regain their vitality. To do this massage, you stroke the muscles along the direction of the muscle fibers, always towards the heart. While you manipulate one area after the other, try to stroke the whole length of a muscle or muscle group at one time. Begin by massaging each area lightly, slowly, and superficially, as above, to warm up, then continue by massaging more deeply, firmly, and faster. With this longitudinal massage, you can press down and stroke with your fingertips, all your fingers, or grip a muscle or muscle group with all your fingers. Massaging with an Electric Massager Most electric massage devices vibrate up and down. This gives the same effect as a massage across the muscle fibers. If you also use the device head to stroke along the muscle in the direction of the heart, you will simultaneously achieve the effects of a longitudinal massage. Combining Massage with Stretching You can increase the effects of the massage by stretching the limbs and body parts in the direction of the part’s natural movement until you meet resistance. However, take care not to stretch any point beyond mild resistance. However, if you hold the limb for a short time at the resistance point, the limb will usually relax and allow you to stretch a little further. How Hard Should a Massage Be Performed? Tired and stiff muscles may ache and be tender. Massaging a tender point will always cause some pain. However, the right amount of firmness should cause an immediate release of the pain and tenderness. You should never work the muscles so hard that the pain feels nearly unbearable or remains after the massage is finished. If you work the muscles this hard, you can hurt new tissue or aggravate existing tissue damage. To achieve the right amount of firmness, monitor the reactions of the person you are working on and listen to any comments. Also, you should never perform a massage on an inflamed or injured area. Using Massage Oils You can make your massage work easier and increase its effects by applying a massage oil or ointment on the area. Your fingers will glide more easily upon the skin if you use an oil. The blood supply to the skin and muscles will be stimulated. An essential oil enhances the excitement by adding a sensual scent to the area and the air. The ingredients in the oil will ameliorate muscular aches and pains. Depending on the composition of the massage oil, you can achieve different stimulating effects on the muscles. For example, you might promote faster regeneration of tired or hurt muscle tissue.
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