Massages are the most natural form of treatment, and also the oldest.
Even prehistoric man instinctively pressed his hand on a painful spot on the body, so we can safely say that they are almost as old as humanity itself.
The first documented information about the use of touch not only for healing but also for relaxing the body comes from China in 3000 BC. Combining it with Buddhism and traditional medicine, the Chinese developed massage alongside acupuncture and the use of plants as therapy.
The ancient Egyptians used massage more than 2 millennia ago to stimulate energy in the body, while among the Romans it was mandatory in all social classes. It was even written as part of the gladiator’s preparation for combat.
Due to the strong influence of the church in the Middle Ages, massages were strictly prohibited, and only in the 19th century, thanks to Pehr Henrik Ling, did they gain importance again. This physical education teacher developed the famous method of a Swedish massage. The Russian doctor Zabludovski went a step further with therapeutic massage, showing the power of touch as a kind of therapy.
Types of massages
According to the method of execution, all massages are divided into apparatus and manual, i.e. manual.
Apparatus massages are performed with the help of certain devices. This group includes vibration, pressure massage, hydro massage, cryomassage, and many others.
Manual massage is a classic, traditional form. Despite the appearance of numerous devices, it is considered the most efficient. It can be therapeutic, sports, and aesthetic.
Therapeutic massages are, in fact, medical. Which means that they are part of the treatment of various diseases.
Sports massages have a relaxing form. They are most often used for relaxation after training or a match. Although they can also be used to improve fitness in order to prepare the body for physical exertion.
Aesthetic massages not only serve to reshape the face and body, but also preserve general health.
Beneficial effects of massage
Although in most cases massage is used to relieve pain, it has multiple meanings. First of all, it stimulates the circulation of the body, releasing the accumulated fluids in the extremities, as well as discomfort due to cold hands and feet. It also promotes the flow of oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues. At the same time, it maintains normal pressure values, while strengthening the immune system so that the body can fight against the negative influence of the external environment.
The relaxing effect of massages eliminates the stress we are exposed to every day. In this way, it raises mood and concentration, solves problems with sleep and headaches, and has a preventive effect on the appearance of depression and anxiety.
Massage as part of home care
Home care for the elderly and the sick includes different types of massages.
It is an integral part of rehabilitation after bone and muscle tissue injuries. Stimulating circulation, it affects faster healing of injuries. It also plays an important role in recovery after surgery, as it enables better healing of the soft tissue and maintains the mobility of the tissue around the scar. In old people, it preserves vitality and prevents the occurrence and progression of many degenerative diseases.
Massage is also important when it comes to the care of immobile people. By moving parts of the body and exerting pressure on them, the blood flow increases, which has a preventive effect on pressure ulcers.
A center for the care of the elderly and sick, MinuteNurse Home health & care has many years of experience in providing all home care services, including professional massages by trained physiotherapists.
Contact us and see for yourself the benefits of personal home care at our center.
