Wikipedia defines a massage as
“the manipulating of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibits motor-neuron excitability and promote relaxation and well-being.”
To me, that’s too technical. So what is a massage really all about? A massage is THE antidote to stress. It is a powerful and unique way to switch off, relax and unwind from the stresses of work, overwork, parenting etc.
But how does a massage do all this? A good massage encourages you to breathe deeply and slowly and ease out the tensions found in tight muscles. Through this kind of relaxation, you stimulate a specific part of the brain that slows down the heart rate, the rate of breathing, lowers blood pressure, among other things. There are usually two parts to most massages:
- The first contact with your muscles is to relax and lengthen them – relieving tightness, tension and toxins
- The second part is to encourage fresh blood into the now relaxed muscles – bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the fatigued muscle and assisting with the removal of waste products of the muscle’s actions.
The word ‘Massage’ is most likely to have emerged from the Greek word ‘Massein’, meaning ‘to knead’ or the Arabic word ‘mas’h’ meaning ‘to press softly’.
Therefore, a massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, with the intention to relieve tension or pain.
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