The human touch
It is quite certain that massage evolved and refined into a healing, relaxing, desire arousing activity from monkeys’ grooming. Almost every culture developed its own version of kneading, pressing and squeezing the human body, depending on what the aim of massage was: decreasing stress, relaxing the muscles, correction of the skeletal system or fastening the healing process. Nowadays even types of massage are globalized. We can choose from several techniques and their unique mixtures for our pleasure or healing.
Types of massage can basically be categorized upon two criteria: they either focus on the body or on the energy system, and the complex versions apply the guidelines of both. Massage therapies targeting the body reach their relaxing effect by moving through and kneading the muscles, applying pressure on tissues that lay deeper. Here the primary focus is on relieving tensions, cramps and adhesions, as well as the improvement of circulation. The techniques that were established in Europe primarily serve this aim. The massage techniques that evolved in the Far East – Eastern China, India, Japan or Thailand – reach this at a basic level as well, but their well-established aim and tools are not primarily the moving through of the muscles, but the mapping and normalizing of energies flowing in the body. With these techniques among the correction of the skeletal system and the dissolving of stress, effective healing and the termination of psychological and organic symptoms is also possible.
One who only received sport massage so far – or not even that – might see it as magic, how with the human hand, by putting pressure on certain points, some well-targeted nice of painful movements, the stroking of the skin, applying oil or tapping it start processes within the internal organs that are often not even possible with medical treatments. Detoxification, changing of blood pressure, increased metabolism, accelerated excretion and digestion can be the immediate effects of the therapy. It is no coincidence that before and during Thai massage for example it is recommended to drink a significant quantity of liquids. Even without this, after Thai massage diuresis, the release of metabolic by-products is experienced. It is recommended to help this with liquids. Patients can be surprised after a short chiropractic treatment as well: the dissolving of a calcareous deposit by rubbing and accompanied by never before felt pain also releases energy blocks, which causes hyperventilation, sudden sweating and immediately occurring bad breath. Overwhelming sleepiness, the feeling of being emotionally shattered, crying or bursting readiness can occur as an effect of the massage.
The similar philosophy of the complex types of massage lies behind this. According to this energy that flows freely assures the healthy functioning of the entire body, as well as specific organs and tissues. If the optimal state of the energy system is out of balance for some reason, the flow of energy is blocked by an obstacle or its speed increases, the imbalance first shows as an uncomfortable, then as a pathological organic symptom. The same system falls out of balance in case of chronic migraine headaches, arthritis, depression, vascular and digestive problems, moreover, cancerous diseases as well. It differs by technique, but all massages interfere with our energy system, so we should be cautious when selecting the method, we should seek advice from a specialist, and in case of more serious illness, a physician.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
The professional form of classical muscle kneading. By moving through the upper muscular layers the oxygen supply of the tissues increases, cramps dissolve, and lactic acid as well as other toxins causing muscle soreness leave. Apart from its excellent relaxing and loosening effect, it is also good for restoring strained or injured muscles. If it is done directly on the skin, in order to prevent unpleasant friction the masseur uses oil or cream. It can be well applied in treating musculoskeletal disorders, neck, back and lower back pain, but it is also effective against edematous swelling and swelling of the feet. It serves as a pleasant introduction to one who has not yet experienced the beneficial effects of massage.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
It is a rather intensive massage that aims at the smoothening of the deep muscle fibers and the relaxing of the firmly bounded muscles. Posture correction can be successfully conducted this way, because the development of normally toned back muscles can be achieved and the re-contraction of muscles can be prevented with regular treatments. We should be prepared that the muscles in concern will be sensitive for days after the massage.
SPORT MASSAGE
A form of Swedish and deep tissue massage, that primarily focuses on injured and cramped muscles, or ones that need to be strengthened, and is also suitable to prevent injuries – the tearing of muscles and tendons.
REFLEXOLOGY
Strictly speaking reflexology is not a massage technique, but a medical system that was established on the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but most complex massages work based on this. We usually mean foot and hand massage by it. According to the principle of reflexology all internal organs have their reflex point on our palm, sole, as well as the surface of our ear shell. Based on these, firstly the state of each organ region can be diagnosed, secondly by stimulating these points energy blocks can be dissolved and the organic balance can be restored. Actually, acupressure and acupuncture treating the reflex points and the meridians connecting them is also based on this principle. Trained reflexologists can reach significant results just by massaging the foot – which by the way is the most effective form of stress reduction.
SIATSU MASSAGE
It literally means finger massage, and it combines the elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Medicine and reflexology. In contrary to Swedish massage, this is a massage where you wear clothes, meaning we receive the treatment laying on the floor in a light, loose outfit. The masseur applies pressure on certain acupressure points with his/ her fingers. Here the aim is clearly to restore the flow of energy. The often intense emotional reactions, unexplainable laughter or crying proves its effectiveness.
THAI MASSAGE
A popular therapy also known locally, that is often mistaken for the erotic smudging with “happy ending” known from the anecdotes of sex tourists. Whoever survived a Thai massage knows well that the two things have nothing in common. The petite, smiley Thai ladies reveal the most painful points with expert hands, and we will have sore muscles even in places where we had no idea we even had muscles. Just like in siacu, during this massage we lay on the flood in clothes, and it aims at the balance of energies also, but following different channels of energy, combining the elements of acupressure, reflexology and yoga, with turn that remind us of osteopathy. The strong impact of Thai box can be felt. In the meantime we should not be scared, the pain comes along with the healing, and if we receive Thai massage regularly, we will even dare relax during it.
YUMEIHO
A pleasant halfway between siacu and Thai massage, those who are open to great energies can expect well deserved relaxation. The massage of Japanese origins gently passes through the meridians, sometimes with fluctuating rocking movements, rubbing, laying on of hands, other times with strong pressing. It puts our shattered pieces together one by one, snapping the limbs and the spine into position.
SENSUI
It represents a definitely esoteric line among massages. It takes the role of the unconscious seriously in creating physical and mental balance. A full body bamboo powder peeling and a massage with warm oils can be part of the séance. Sensui works with essential oils. The therapist selects the currently applicable combination by a short, multiple-choice visual and fragrance test. It is a long, relaxed and smeary business, but if we devote time, money, and last but not least energy, it offers great results, especially in stress relief.
HOT STONE MASSAGE
A gentle, sound form of massage, when heated stones are placed on the relevant points of the body – often on the acupressure points. The aim is full relaxation. If the patient can surrender to it completely, s/he literally warms up and melts under the stones.
MATERNITY MASSAGE
The significantly changed body during pregnancy requires extra attention. The various forms of maternity massage help survive these changes. The aim is stress relief, the reduction of swelling in the hands and the feet, the easing of muscle and joint pains, especially low back pain. With it, medication that is not recommended during this state can be replaced. An exciting for of it is Maori massage, in which oil is applied with floating movements on the entire body, including the scalp, while listening to a special kind of music that resembles the sound of whales. It is like a dream, every pregnant woman should try it at least once.
AJURVEDIC MASSAGE
It is an integral part of the traditional Indian medical system. So much, that in therapy it is on the same level as medication treatments and the keeping of strict dietary regulations. Its basic form is abianga – a full body massage with sesame or coconut oil mixed with spices, on the floor or a special wooden bed. Shy ones can ask for a little loin-cloth. A separate type of it is marma massage, which refers to the slow but thorough stimulation of reflex points and meridians – in sanskrit marma points and nadis – after a fast oiling. Shirodharna is inimitable in relaxation: after the oiling, herbal liquid – milk or oil – is slowly and lengthily spilled on the forehead of the laying patient, while his/ her head and face is being massaged. Whoever already experienced this cannot be to given too much more when it comes to massage.
Expert: Monika Karsai, Master of Alternative and Eastern Medicine, Traditional Thai Massage Instructor