Medical massage

Medical massage uses slow, firm strokes and pressure to ease and release tension deep in your muscles.

What is Medical massage?

Medical massage does what it says “on the tin” – it is a massage technique that works on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Similar to Swedish massage, deep tissue massage uses slower and firmer strokes and pressure than other treatments – deep finger pressure that concentrates on particular areas, and follows or goes across the fibres of muscles and tendons. Medical massage is a blanket term that describes a number of different therapies, and is often used medically by physiotherapists, chiropractors and so on.

Medical massage features in most forms of massage to some degree, including:

• Swedish massage
• Thai massage
• Sports/muscular massage
• Lymphatic drainage

Medical massage is a particularly effective massage for people with muscular pain. Here are a few of the less mainstream forms of deep tissue treatments that you might not have come across.

What is a Medical massage good for?

Medical massage helps to refresh and relax muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow around your body. This gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles, which helps them to strengthen and heal.

Medical massage is often used to treat people who are recovering from accidents, and for sports injuries as it increases blood circulation in muscles that are underused, relieves chronic muscle tension throughout the body, and can also break down scar tissue and “knots” deep in the muscles.

The post MEDICAL MASSAGE appeared first on Aqua Spa Wellness.

Back Massage, the most fundamental and popular of all spa services, concentrates on the back of the body and can be ideal for sufferers of chronic back pain. As the spa-goer has become more sophisticated and adventurous, new styles of massage—some centuries old, some brand new—have emerged. But the quality of the massage remains in the therapists’ hands.

Like many health-conscious people these days, you’re probably aware of the many benefits of massage. But do you know your lomilomi from your tui na, and when to choose one style over another? The wealth of options out there now can be a bit overwhelming, but on the flipside, it also means there’s a massage therapy for everyone—even if you have injuries or limitations that you thought made massage out of the question.

Whether you’re new to massage or are looking to broaden your horizons, you’re sure to find a style that’s right for you. Also, let’s back up to the basics—a good massage can relieve stress and pain, and just plain ol’ make you feel good. It can also enhance immunity and increase flexibility.

The post BACK (LOCAL) MASSAGE appeared first on Aqua Spa Wellness.

Lymphatic drainage

Your lymphatic system’s job is to flush all your toxins away, and keep you healthy. Lymphatic drainage massage can help.

What is lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic drainage massage is a therapeutic massage treatment. The massage uses very light pressure and long, gentle, rhythmic strokes to increase lymphatic flow, with the aim of getting rid of toxins in your body.

What is lymph?

The lymph system is part of your body’s immune system; lymph helps fight infection and acts as a toxin filter. There are around twice as many lymph vessels as blood vessels in your body. However, unlike blood, which is pumped around your body by your heart, the lymph system has no pump. Lymph relies on the pressure from your blood vessels and movement from your muscles to carry white blood cells and antibodies around the lymph system.Lymph itself is a clear, slightly yellow fluid which flows easily through your body. It transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, collecting toxins on the way and then flushing the toxins out through the lymph nodes.Drinking alcohol, eating too much sugar, drinking too much tea and coffee, living stressed lives in polluted cities — there are many reasons these days why our bodies are full of toxins.

What is lymphatic drainage good for?

*Reduce the chance of you suffering from minor colds and viruses; it helps your body fight off infection and speeds up healing and recovery from illness* help reduce water retention; for instance, because the lymph system has no pump, if you sit for a long time without moving, the lymph can’t flow easily — this is why you may experience swollen feet or fingers* boost weight loss, as improving the lymphatic system will improve your metabolic rate, which helps you burn calories more efficiently

Manual lymphatic drainage is also used in the treatment of lymphoedema. Lymphatic drainage massage can improve your skin texture by:* reducing swelling, puffiness and blotches* giving you clean, healthy pores* speeding up healing in scar tissue, so it may, for example, improve the appearance of stretch marks.

The post LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE appeared first on Aqua Spa Wellness.

Massage is one of the oldest forms of healing arts known to man and can help to reduce stress, improve circulation, promote healing and activate the lymphatic system. Additionally, certain forms of massage can be used to break up unwanted tissue, such as deep scars and cellulite. With a few simply steps you can learn to perform anti-cellulite massage on yourself or your clients.

Be aware that anti-cellulite massage can activate the lymphatic system and increase circulation, therefore it is extremely important that you always work towards the heart. Begin your massage on the arms and legs, moving up towards the torso and back.

Use a quality massage lotion or oil, as anti-cellulite massage requires friction and twisting which can cause pain when performed “dry.” There are a number of anti-cellulite creams and lotions available on the market which you may use for the massage if desired; however, be aware of the ingredients and possible skin allergies.

Warm up the tissues by kneading the tissue. Pick up as much of the skin as possible, pinching and rubbing as you would knead bread dough. If working on a client, keep the lines of communication open at all times, making sure that the pressure is okay and that they are relaxed and comfortable.

Pinch the skin between your thumbs and forefinger and slowly pull your hands away, rubbing deep into the tissue to help break-up and smooth cellulite. Remember that your motions, however small, should always move towards the heart.

Place one hand on the skin to hold the area taught and then use the palm, heel of your hand or thumb to rub the cellulite in circular motions. Begin at the bottom of the affected area and slowly work up towards the heart.

Complete the anti-celluite massage by applying long, smooth and light strokes moving towards the heart. It is extremely important to drink lots of clean, fresh water after an anti-cellulite or any kind of massage, as it releases various toxins trapped in the tissue into the bloodstream. In order to feel your best and detox after the massage, drink at least 32 ounces of water.

The post ANTI-CELLULITIS MASSAGE appeared first on Aqua Spa Wellness.