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 Massage
is the practice of applying pressure or
vibration to the soft tissues of the body,
including muscle, connective tissue, tendons,
ligaments and joints. It is a healing art. It
heals injury, relieve psychological stress,
manage pain, improve circulation and relieve
tension.
Massage can be stimulating or soothing depending
on the speed and depth of the strokes. It may be
termed therapeutic massage, where it is used for
its physical and psychological benefits. Most
types of massage can be performed with pressure
ranging from superficial to deep.
Some massage strokes includes gliding, kneading,
feathering, effleurage, deep tissue, friction
and percussion which includes hacking, cupping
and pummeling.
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Gliding is doing
it with light action. Letting your hands
float rhythmically
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over the skin in a soothing manner.
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Kneading is also
known as Petri sage. It involve
squeezing, rolling and
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kneading flesh like a dough.
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Feathering is
doing in a light fast action with your
fingertips of alternate hands.
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Effleurage is a
stroke generally used in a Swedish
massage treatment. Using both hands in
smooth and gliding strokes relaxes soft
tissue. |
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Deep Tissue
focuses on the deeper layers of muscle
tissue. It releases the chronic patterns
of tension in the body through slow
strokes and deep finger pressure on the
contracted areas, either following or
going across the grain of muscles,
tendons and fascia.
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Friction
encompasses deep, circular movements
applied to soft tissue causing the
underlying layers of tissue to rub
against each other. The result causes an
increase in blood flow to the massaged
area. |
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Hacking stimulates
the circulation and skin, and relaxes
muscles. It uses the sides of both hands
alternately to deliver light, bouncy,
chop-chop movements on areas such as the
buttocks. It is essential to keep hands
relaxed. |
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Cupping is
performed by arching the hands at the
knuckles, keeping the fingers straight,
and using the hollow part of the fists
alternately in rapid up-and-down
movements. It is excellent for treating
the build-up of cellulite in the thighs.
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Pummeling is done
by keeping wrists relaxed, and making
hands into loose and hollow fists.
Bounce the sides of the fists rapidly
and lightly, alternately. It disperses
tension and congestion, increases blood
flow, and breaks up fatty deposits.
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Women's Health