Massage is a body therapy that applies various levels of pressure to the body. Different techniques or movements are used by the therapist to bring about different effects in the body and are applied to the skin and tissues with the use of oil or wax. For example, the long flowing strokes known as effleurage introduce the therapists touch to the body and help the tissues to warm up and relax. On the other hand tapping and pounding techniques can be used to wake up the body and disperse large areas of tension.
Although massage is given on the body and it's tissues it also has a global effect, affecting the whole physiology. For example, the long flowing strokes of effleurage warm up the body and relax the tissues but they also stimulate the lymphatic system and the circulatory system, helping the body to detox and replenish itself. In holistic massage it is understood that each part affects the whole.
How our body is treated and approached also has an effect on our senses and emotions. Our skin is our largest sensory organ and has the ability to remember every way in which it has been touched throughout of lives. Signals are sent from our skin to our brain via our central nervous system.
When we receive supportive touch our breathing tends to slow down and deepen and our blood pressure drops, our digestion relaxes and we can enter deep states of rest.
During a massage session the therapist may also include rotations and stretching of the joints and limbs. Visualization and breathing techniques may also be used to release tension in the body.
