(I. M. Sarkizov-Serazini, A. F. Verbov, V. K. Kramarenko, N. A. Belaya, L. A. Kunichev, A. A. Biryukov, A. M. Tyurin). However, as a rule, the presentation of this technique is intended for professional specialists and is loaded a large number modifications of various techniques and technical subtleties of their implementation. In practice, specialists use fewer techniques depending on their individual tastes and the objectives of the upcoming session. It does not follow from this, of course, that massage can be performed efficiently, knowing two or three techniques, just as it does not follow that using large quantity techniques guarantees high effectiveness of the session.

At the same time, studying the techniques of various specialists shows that many techniques have a fairly common physiological basis and, in essence, differ only in names. There are often cases of insufficiently justified use of various modifications of the same techniques. Therefore, based on the purposes of this book, only the basic techniques of classical massage will be outlined below, knowledge of which is necessary for everyone who wants to master the practical technique of performing massage manipulation. Let us highlight five main groups of techniques: 1) stroking; 2) rubbing; 3) kneading; 4) squeezing; 5) shock techniques and vibration.

Stroking

This is the most common technique; its physiological effects on the body are very diverse. Under its influence, the local body temperature rises, a pleasant feeling of warmth occurs, and vasodilation occurs, which causes an influx of arterial blood to the massaged area and an outflow of venous blood and lymph from it. Stroking improves the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands, increases skin elasticity and nutrition. It has a relaxing effect on the muscles, relieving excessive muscle stimulation. Rhythmically stroking reflexively relieves pain. Under its influence, nervous overexcitation disappears. The name of the technique itself suggests that stroking should be performed smoothly, without putting much pressure on the muscle. When performing this technique, the following basic rules must be observed:

the massager’s hand should move in the direction of the flow of venous blood and lymph to the nearest lymph node;

the massaging hand should move at a speed of 10-15 cm per second calmly, without jerking, pushing, or pressing;

the massager’s hand should not stick to the skin, and the pressure on the muscle should only slightly exceed the pressure from the weight of a calmly lying hand;

stroking is always performed on a completely relaxed muscle;

stroking begins and ends the session, any independent part, treatment of a muscle or muscle group, almost every technique.

The main types of stroking in domestic massage include: ordinary - with one hand, alternating - with two hands, spiral - with one hand, concentric - on the joints. Of the additional stroking techniques, the most commonly used are comb-shaped, with the tips of one or several fingers, or forceps.

Ordinary stroking is the simplest technique, which is performed as follows. The massage therapist’s hand with four fingers closed tightly clasps the muscle in a transverse position in its distal section, i.e., the most distant from the body. When stroking, for example, the calf muscle, the hand is placed on the Achilles tendon, with the index and thumb on the side of the movement of the hand (Fig. 12).

Rice. 12. Stroking the calf muscle with one hand

Then the hand from the distal end of the muscle slides freely along the muscle to its proximal section, i.e., closest to the body, in the direction of the nearest lymph node, in this case to the popliteal fossa. Then the brush comes off and the movement is repeated. In a similar way, stroking is carried out on all muscles that can be completely grasped by the hand. In the same case, when stroking large muscles (the front and back of the thigh, gluteal muscles and back muscles), stroking with one hand is performed in two or three directions (Fig. 13).

Rice. 13. Stroking the latissimus dorsi muscle with one hand

Varieties of ordinary stroking include simultaneous stroking of symmetrically located muscles with both hands, for example the left and right latissimus dorsi muscles (Fig. 14).

Rice. 14. Simultaneously stroking the latissimus dorsi muscles with both hands

The technique of alternating stroking with both hands is also very simple and is used to reduce time expenditure. When performing the technique, the hands of both hands are applied to the muscle, as when stroking with one hand, but alternately. First, stroking is performed with one hand, then, as soon as the movement is completed with this hand, a second hand is applied, which repeats the movement in the same direction (Fig. 15).

Rice. 15. Alternately stroking the calf muscle with both hands

Moreover, if one hand moves forward with the index finger in front, then the second hand * moves backwards with the little finger in front. Both hands clasp the muscle quite tightly, the fingers are clenched, the hand is relaxed. Similar movements are performed on large muscles in two or three directions.

The technique of performing spiral stroking is not much different from stroking with one hand. The hand also clasps the muscle tightly, and the hand is relaxed. The only difference is that the hand does not move in a straight line, as with ordinary stroking, but in a spiral (Fig. 16).

Rice. 16. One-handed spiral stroking of the calf muscle

Concentric stroking is used when joints are massaged. When performing this technique, both hands of the massage therapist tightly clasp the joint and perform movements reminiscent of stroking a ball. In this case, the hands do not come off the massaged area, and the palm fits tightly to the surface of the joint. Concentric stroking is performed on the ankle, knee, elbow and shoulder joints, more often in case of injuries in the area of ​​these joints or the need to warm up the articular ligaments.

Comb-like stroking is performed only on large muscles covered with fascia or a significant layer of fat. In this case, the fingers are clenched tightly into a fist and stroking is carried out with its back surface, the protrusions formed from the side of the interphalangeal joints.

Trituration

This is a more intense technique, which increases the hyperemia of the massaged area and local blood circulation. Rubbing techniques have a pronounced calming effect on the central nervous system. Rubbing helps exfoliate dead surface skin cells, improves skin respiration, and stimulates the activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands.

This technique is a powerful tool that promotes faster resorption of hardening in the muscles, decay products accumulated in them after active work, as well as various deposits, effusions, hemorrhages resulting from diseases or injuries. Rubbing is indispensable as a means of warming up joints. Under its action, the temperature of the skin and superficial layers of muscles increases by 2-5°C, which protects ligaments and muscles from sprains, increases their elasticity and range of motion in the joints.

When carrying out rubbing, it is necessary to take into account the following main features of this group of techniques:

rubbing can be performed in all directions and not necessarily along the course of venous blood and lymph, and a greater pressure force is used than when stroking;

all rubbing techniques can be performed linearly, spirally and circularly with one or two hands simultaneously or alternately;

any rubbing technique can be performed with weights, i.e., increase the force of pressure of the hand on the massaged area by placing the other hand on top;

Between rubbing techniques, stroking must be performed;

When rubbing, skin irritations are most common, the danger of which increases sharply with abundant hair.

If lubricants are used during rubbing and the techniques are carried out with a large amplitude, then the effect will mainly be directed on the skin and subcutaneous fat layer. In cases where it is necessary to rub muscles or soften hardening that has formed under the skin, it is better not to use lubricants. In this case, rubbing is carried out in small areas without vigorously moving the fingers over the skin. In this case, you should try to penetrate as deeply as possible under the skin with your fingers and rub the subcutaneous muscle layers.

In practice, the following rubbing techniques are mainly used: with the pads and tubercles of the thumbs; pincer-shaped; rubbing on muscles; pads of four fingers, comb-shaped.

Rubbing with the pads and tubercles of the thumbs is carried out, in particular, on the Achilles tendons, joints, and neck. This technique is performed in two versions depending on the position of the massage therapist’s hands. In the first version, rubbing is done with the pads of four fingers clasping the joint, and the thumb, clasping the joint on the other side, serves as a support. In this case, movements can be performed in a straight line, according to Fig. 21. Rubbing with the base of the spiral (Fig. 17), along the palm on the back in a circle, simultaneously in a spiral and in a circle. This technique can be performed with weights, placing the hand of the other hand on top of the massaging fingers (Fig. 17a). In the literature, this technique is often called rubbing with fingertips resting on the thumb.

Rice. 17. Concentric rubbing of the four toes of the ankle joint with the pads

Rice. 17a. Concentric rubbing with the pads of four fingers with weights on the knee; stava (position of the massaged person on the back)

In the second version of this technique, rubbing is performed with the thumb supported by four fingers (Fig. 18, 19, see also Fig. 53). This technique is effective for massaging the ankle, elbow, knee and shoulder joints.

Rice. 18. Concentric rubbing of the elbow joint with the thumb

Rice. 19. Simultaneously rub longitudinally and concentrically! thumbs knee with stave

In the tong-like rubbing technique, the massage therapist’s hands take the form of “tongs,” i.e., the thumb and the other four fingers are straightened parallel to each other. Using “forceps”, longitudinal (Fig. 20) or transverse rubbing is performed with the hand moving along the tendons. In sports practice, this technique, performed on the knee or elbow joint, is called an “arch.” This technique is often performed with both hands with the arms moving towards each other (Fig. 20 a, see also Fig. 46).

Rice. 20. Forceps-shaped longitudinal rubbing of the Achilles tendon

Rice. 20a. Pincer rubbing knee joint two hands moving towards each other (position of the person being massaged on the back)

Rubbing on the muscles is done to warm the muscles and skin, as well as to accelerate the processes of resorption of effusions, exudates and other surface hardenings. In this case, mainly two variants of this rubbing are used: with the base of the palm (Fig. 21) and rake-shaped (see Fig. 47).

Rice. 21. Rubbing the heel of the palm on the back

Rubbing with the heel of the palm is used to rub such large muscles and muscle groups as the back, chest, hips and buttocks. When performing this rubbing, the massage therapist’s hand with raised fingers is placed along or across the muscle and performs straight, spiral or circular rubbing

throughout the massaged muscle in different directions. If it is only necessary to increase the temperature of the skin, then rubbing is carried out quite intensively, with medium pressure and without burden. If it is necessary to influence deeper layers of muscles, rubbing is carried out with weights, but less intensely. In this case, subcutaneous displacement of the muscle should be achieved.

Rubbing with the pads of four fingers allows you to perform a detailed massage of small muscle groups (see Fig. 51, 53, 54), as well as penetrate deeply into the muscle mass. When performing this technique, the massage therapist's slowly moving hand is positioned along the muscle. In this case, the base of the palm plays the role of support, and the pads of the four fingers, displacing the skin, rub the subcutaneous layers of muscles (Fig. 21 a).

Rice. 21a. Longitudinal rubbing with the pads of four fingers with weights on the sacral region

Rubbing the lower back and sacrum is of particular importance, since most of the static load falls on these muscles and, accordingly, they become most tired. Let's consider a specific version of this technique, which in sports practice is called gimlets and is used mainly for lumbar massage. Here it is advisable to start treating the lower back from the side of the back farthest from the massage therapist. The pads of all four fingers are placed on the lower back at the sacrum and, making drilling movements, gradually move across the sacrospinous muscles from the muscle area to the groin and abdomen. As soon as the fingers pass the “roller” of the sacrospinalis muscle, the entire palm fits tightly onto the lower back and slides freely down to the groin (see Fig. 54). The technique can be performed with weights.

In a similar way, the pads of four fingers rub the intercostal spaces. In this case, the pads of the four fingers fall directly on the intercostal spaces (Fig. 22, 23, see also Fig. 48).

Rice. 22. Longitudinal rubbing with the pads of four fingers with weights on the intercostal spaces (position of the person being massaged on the chest)

Rice. 23. Spiral rubbing with the pads of four fingers, resting on the thumb of the intercostal spaces (position of the massaged person on the chest)

When rubbing from the back, the technique begins from the spinous processes of the spine towards the chest. To avoid irritation of the skin of the person being massaged, it is better to perform spiral rubbing (see Fig. 49). For the lumbar region, this technique is also used without support from the palm (Fig. 24).

Rice. 24. Spiral rubbing with the pads of four fingers with weights on the lower back

The technique of performing comb-like rubbing is close to stroking: the fingers are bent into a fist and the massage is carried out with a rib formed from the bent phalanges. The technique is used when rubbing muscles covered with dense fascia (plantar area of ​​the foot, tibia muscles, outer thigh, gluteal muscles) or significant fat layer. Movements are linear, spiral and circular.

Kneading

Under the influence of kneading, decay products that accumulate in them during work are quickly removed from the muscles. Kneading helps improve blood circulation in both superficial and deep muscles, increases the mobility of tendons, and also helps to resolve various hardenings in the muscles and increase their tone. This technique increases the elastic properties of muscle tissue and enhances its contractile function. Kneading promotes arousal to the greatest extent nervous system and is used as the main means of combating nervous fatigue.

Currently, two main technical types of kneading are used: classical and Finnish. In the classic version, kneading is carried out with the entire hand, in the Finnish version - only with one thumb. In the first case, the massage therapist’s hand grabs the muscle and, as if separating it from the bone, kneads it in the fingers, and in the second, the muscle, on the contrary, is pressed against the bone with one thumb and kneaded in a circular motion while moving the hand forward.

When performing classic kneading, you must adhere to the following basic rules:

the muscles of the person being massaged should always be relaxed;

the direction of the massage therapist’s hand should correspond to the movement of the flow of venous blood and lymph from the periphery to the center;

kneading on the lymph nodes is unacceptable;

kneading is carried out at a slow pace;

the massage therapist’s hand moves smoothly, without jerks, pushes, or pressure;

the massage therapist’s hand should tightly grasp the muscle and, without releasing it, knead from the distal to the proximal;

If possible, the muscle should be separated from the skin bed and kneaded in the fingers, but always painlessly (flat muscles knead by pressing against the bone);

When mastering the technique of performing any kneading technique, it is especially important to avoid pinching and grasping movements in order to prevent skin irritation, especially if there is significant hair growth.

For large muscle groups it is better to use classic kneading, and for flat muscles - Finnish. Of the most frequently used and effective methods of classical kneading, we highlight: kneading with one hand (ordinary); kneading with two hands (double ring); long kneading (“herringbone”); kneading with fingers; kneading with the base of the palm. Additional classical techniques include kneading with the edge of the palm, with a fist, and felting.

Rice. 25. Kneading the thigh muscles with one hand

Kneading with one hand (ordinary) is the simplest technique, the mastery of which, however, requires some training. It is performed as follows: the hand tightly clasps the muscle, positioning itself, as with ordinary stroking, across it in the distal section. Then the hand tries to lift the muscle above the bone bed and stretch it between the thumb and four fingers. It is very important to give the hand a smooth forward movement without separation from the muscle, while the four fingers should be tightly clenched (Fig. 25, see also Fig. 60, 62). If the hand cannot completely grasp the muscle (for example, the thigh), then kneading is carried out in 2-3 directions. In this case, the massage therapist’s brush should capture as much as possible muscle mass(“full arm of muscles”). The technique can also be performed on the abdominal muscles.

A very common version of kneading with one hand is the “double bar”, performed with weights using the hand of the other hand (Fig. 25 a, 25 6).

Rice. 25a. “Double bar” when kneading the hip joint

Rice. 25b. “Double bar” when kneading under the shoulder blade

The “double bar” is most often used in sports massage and is considered as an independent technique.

A variation of the same technique is kneading symmetrical muscles with both hands at the same time; the technique is the same, but mastering it requires good coordination.

Kneading with two hands, or the so-called double ring, is the most effective technique when massaging the calf, latissimus, trapezius muscles, as well as the abdominal and thigh muscles. Sports massage therapists most often resort to this kneading technique. Both hands tightly grasp the massaged muscle at its origin, while large and index fingers both hands do not touch. Then both hands pull the muscle upward and, slightly twisting, begin alternating circular movements moving forward. It is very important that the muscle is not released from the hands and that the movements are not sharp and intercepting, but continuous, smooth and sliding. In this case, the hands should move synchronously with a small gap (Fig. 26, 26a).

Rice. 26. Double ring kneading with fingers of the tibialis anterior muscle

Rice. 26a. Double ring kneading of the rectus femoris muscle

The essence of the technique is that the interstitial fluid can move only in one direction - from the periphery to the center. It is very important to achieve kneading of the muscle with the fingers of both hands gently, without jerking or exaggerated twisting (see Fig. 66, 67, 68).

Long kneading (“herringbone”) is performed mainly on the hips and calf muscles. The technique of its execution is as follows: with four closed and bent fingers right hand and with four left hands they lift the muscle, and put their thumbs on top, then, moving both hands continuously over the muscle, with their thumbs they push the muscle fibers apart and knead the muscle with herringbone movements (Fig. 27, see also Fig. 69).

Kneading with fingers is used to massage small and flat muscles that fit tightly to the bone bed and are inseparable from it, while kneading is performed directly on the bone with the thumb or four fingers (Fig. 27a, 27 6).

Rice. 27. Long kneading (“herringbone”) of the calf muscle

Rice. 27a. Spiral kneading of the soles with the fingers.

Rice. 276. Kneading with fingers with weights on the triceps muscle

Rice. 27th century Kneading with fingers with weights on the hip joint of the lower leg

Such kneading differs from rubbing only in that when rubbing they act on the muscles lying under the skin, and when kneading, pressing the muscle to the bone, they try to move it to the side and knead it, as if separating the muscle fibers (Fig. 27c, see also Fig. .67).

Kneading with the base of the palm is carried out on large muscles, sometimes with weights. The palm is placed tightly on the muscles and moves with a rotational movement to the nearest lymph node, pressing the muscle to the bone and kneading it (see Fig. 71).

Similar movements can be performed when kneading with the edge of the palm, with a fist (see Fig. 72), as well as comb-like kneading (see Fig. 74).

Felting is a specific technique that combines kneading, rubbing and shaking, performed on the muscles of the thigh and shoulder. The technique for performing it on the thigh is as follows: the leg of the person being massaged, lying on his back, is bent at the knee, the massager clasps the thigh muscle from the outer and inner sides, slightly squeezes it and, performing circular movements, moves from the knee to the groin area.

Felting on the shoulder is performed as follows: the person being massaged sits facing the massager, then puts a slightly bent and relaxed hand on the shoulder of the massager, the latter clasps the shoulder of the person being massaged with his palms on both sides, slightly squeezes and, making movements reminiscent of rolling a roller from plasticine, moves forward from the elbow to the deltoid muscle.

Finnish thumb kneading allows you to penetrate deeply into the muscle layers and work on them in detail. At the same time, as already noted, the use of the technique is quite labor-intensive and is often associated with painful sensations. This technique is the main one when treating muscles covered with dense fascia and difficult to separate from the bone. By pressing the thumb on the muscle and pressing it to the bone with spiral rotations away from you, move along the muscle from the periphery to the center. The technique is performed without weights (Fig. 28, and also see Figure 73) and with weights (Fig. 29).

Rice. 28. Finnish spiral kneading of the calf muscle with the thumb

Rice. 29. Finnish kneading with weights on the biceps femoris muscle

Squeezing

Squeezing is a group of leading techniques, performed energetically and affecting not only superficial, but also deep-lying tissues. It is most effective if it is necessary to activate the outflow of stagnant blood in the extremities, remove metabolic products from the muscles or accumulations of blood, lymph, and salt deposits formed there. Squeezing improves metabolic processes in the muscles, makes them elastic, and warms them up well. This technique improves skin and muscle tone and improves their nutrition.

The technique for performing the techniques is relatively simple. The hand is placed along or across the muscle being massaged and, pressing on it, moves forward to the lymph node. When pressing with your hand on the massaged area, emphasis can be placed on the entire palm, the base of the palm, the edge of the palm (from the little finger or thumb). The name of the techniques will depend on this: with a brush, with the base of the palm, with the edge of the palm (see Fig. 75). Push-ups are performed with or without weights, with one hand or two. When performing squeezing with both hands, simultaneous or alternating movements are used. General rules when performing push-ups, the same as when kneading.

Percussion techniques and vibration

Percussive techniques include tapping, patting, and chopping. Their effect on muscles, blood vessels, and nerve endings varies depending on the strength of the blow applied, frequency and duration. Impacts applied with high frequency and sufficient intensity cause stimulation of the muscles and nervous system, and the blood vessels dilate, causing skin hyperemia, increased muscle tone and contractility. Weak blows delivered at low frequency help reduce muscle tone and nervous relaxation. Accordingly, shock techniques are used in a massage session. All techniques can be performed with different amplitudes of movement of the massage therapist’s hand: from the hand, from the elbow and from the shoulder. The impact force is determined accordingly.

Patting is performed with a relaxed hand, fingers bent into a fist. The blows are applied across the muscle fibers with a relaxed hand (Fig. 30), and there should be a clapping sound. Impact frequency - 60-80 beats/min.

Tapping is also done with a brush.

Rice. 30. Patting on a straight line

Rice. 31. Tapping on the back of the thigh muscle

The fingers are bent into a fist, the hand is relaxed. The blows are applied across the muscle fibers with a brush from the little finger side (Fig. 31). Frequency - 100-200 beats/min.

Chopped is performed along the muscle fibers. When chopping, your fingers are slightly spread and relaxed. "The blows are delivered with a sharp whip of the hand, moving

hands along the muscle (Fig. 32).

Fig. 32 Chopping on the posterior tooth muscle

Movement frequency is maximum. The group of vibration techniques includes shaking, performed mainly on the muscles of the thigh, lower leg, gluteal and latissimus dorsi muscles. Shaking promotes better muscle relaxation, RELIEF fatigue OR overstimulation and is usually performed in the middle and at the end of a massage session. The muscle group being massaged should be as relaxed as possible when shaking. The shaking technique is simple: the massage therapist takes the muscle of the person being massaged with one hand and makes light shaking movements (Fig. 33).

Rice. 33. Shaking the calf muscle

Manual vibration massage is performed with one, two or all fingers, palm, supporting part of the hand, fist. The physiological effects of vibration are varied. Vibration reduces the pulse rate and increases the power of heart contraction. Low frequency vibration (15-20 Hz) promotes relaxation.

Under the influence of vibration it decreases blood pressure, and also increases muscle blood and lymph flow, which helps to reduce and eliminate congestion and swelling. Manual vibration massage is performed mainly along the nerve trunks, relieves pain and relaxes muscles. The vibration technique comes down to the fact that the massage therapist places one or more fingers, palm, fist on the treated area and begins to make light trembling movements. Vibration is performed in one place on the area pain points(see Fig. 76) or with the advancement of the hand (Fig. 33 a).

Rice. 33a. Longitudinal vibration on the biceps femoris muscle

Mastering the technique of vibration manual massage requires training, the ability to perform frequent and rhythmic shaking movements with a completely relaxed hand. Manual vibration massage is labor-intensive, poorly dosed in terms of force and frequency, and therefore it is especially often replaced with hardware massage.

In conclusion, we note that although the technique of classic manual massage, unlike therapeutic exercises provides for maximum relaxation of the massaged person, i.e., the passive function of the latter, and tension of the massage therapist (i.e., his active function); in some cases, techniques are used with little resistance from the massaged person or even with his active role with the passive function of the massage therapist. Such special techniques are effective for increasing joint mobility, increasing the elasticity and strength of the ligamentous apparatus, strengthening muscles and improving their nutrition. But in any case, movements and techniques should not cause pain and exceed the capabilities of the joint at the time the movement is performed. This mixed technique should be used in sessions conducted by professional massage therapists or under their supervision.

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General principles and hygienic basics of a massage session. Main contraindicationsHardware massage

The importance of classical massage for the body

Massage has been known to mankind for many centuries, but is still very popular today. And this is not strange, because it has enormous benefits for the body. Using special techniques on the body, you can eliminate a lot of diseases of various organs, as well as prevent their development.

Classic massage involves the use of standard techniques: stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration. Each type of impact is divided into several more types; an experienced master selects them depending on the characteristics of a particular client.

Classic massage can be of two types:

1. General. Massage movements are carried out throughout the body.

2. Local. This type massage involves influencing a specific area human body, for example, legs, arms, head, back, neck-collar area, etc.

The benefits of classic massage

Overestimate positive influence massage on the body is impossible, since it can influence almost all organs and processes. This is due to the fact that mechanical effects on tissue enhance the production of hormones that affect the transmission of nerve impulses. As a result, the work of the nervous system accelerates or, on the contrary, slows down.

The benefits of classical massage are expressed in the following:

• Increases blood circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid.
• Improves metabolic processes.
• Promotes increased production of endorphins, which are responsible for a good mood.
• Increases muscle performance, makes them more flexible, which is important for athletes, since as a result the body becomes resilient and can cope with significant loads.
• Increases immunity.
• Promotes burning of fat deposits. With regular physical activity, proper nutrition and massage, you can achieve correction of body shape.
• Normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract.
• Makes joints more mobile.
• Promotes accelerated tissue regeneration, fights contractures.
• After the massage, the skin becomes more elastic.

By influencing certain areas of the body, you can achieve a good therapeutic effect. For example, massage of the cervical-collar area is often recommended in the complex therapy of hypertension.

Classic massage technique

To achieve a positive effect from the procedure, it is necessary to follow several important rules. All massage movements are performed strictly from the bottom up towards the lymph nodes.

You should start the massage with light movements, and then gradually move on to more intense and deep effects on the muscles. All techniques must be performed smoothly. Finish the manipulation again with light movements.

To obtain a lasting positive effect, it is necessary to carry out at least 10 procedures. The duration of a general classical massage session is 90–120 minutes.

Excipients

Massage oils are often used to improve gliding. Their variety is very large, the choice of a particular product depends on the preferences of the specialist, as well as the client himself. Apricot, almond, hazelnut, grape, wheat germ, and jojoba oil can be used.

Applying oil to the skin should also be done correctly. It is better to first drop it onto the massage therapist's hands and then distribute it evenly over the client's body, since cold drops can cause discomfort. The amount of product also plays a significant role. If there is an excess of it, the hands will slide strongly over the body, as a result of which the specialist will not be able to completely grasp the muscle. In such cases, you simply need to remove the excess amount with a disposable dry napkin or towel.

If the client has an oily skin type or the massage is carried out during a hot period, when the body is prone to increased sweat production, talc is used for massage.

Contraindications

Despite the many positive aspects classical massage, it is contraindicated in some cases. The procedure is not performed if the client suffers from the following pathological conditions:

• Diseases cardiovascular system: atherosclerosis, varicose veins, blood diseases, hypo- and hypertensive crisis, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, heart failure.
• Increased body temperature.
• Inflammatory processes of any localization.
• Malignant neoplasms.
• Infectious skin lesion.
• Open injuries.
• Purulent diseases.
• Syphilis.
• Mental disorders.
• Active tuberculosis.
• Nausea or vomiting of unknown origin.
• Liver failure.

Classic massage improves mood, allows you to relax, and can also cope with many diseases. Periodic preventive courses will help you always remain beautiful and healthy.

The article was prepared by doctor Olga Mikhailovna Serenkaya

Classic massage– the main massage technique, the techniques of which have been known to mankind since the times of Ancient Greece.

It was the technique of classical massage that became the basis for the creation dozens of new directions: , etc.

Performing in correct sequence and with the required intensity, apparently simple actions, the massage therapist creates real miracles: makes blood and lymph circulate more intensively, helps cleanse the skin, reduce fatigue, relieve emotional arousal, strengthen the immune system.

Depending on the policy of a particular massage school, 4 or 5 basic techniques: stroking, rubbing movements, kneading and vibration. Sometimes squeezing may be additionally added to the massage therapist’s “arsenal.”

Stroking

It is with soft stroking movements that any massage procedure begins. Also stroking performed when changing massage techniques and at the final part of the session.

This reception allows increase the circulation of blood and lymph, remove visible swelling, improve the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands of the skin.

Depending on the speed and depth of execution, stroking provides a soothing or warming effect. Stroking can be performed with one or two hands and is always directed to the nearest lymph nodes.

On flat and large surfaces (back, chest, stomach) flat stroking in the longitudinal or transverse direction or in a spiral. Stroking can be done with relaxed hands or, less commonly, with clenched fists.

When performing a massage of the limbs, neck, sides and buttocks, grasping strokes are performed in the form continuous or intermittent movements. The movements are performed with the entire hand, with the exception of the thumb, which is moved to the side.

Trituration

The reception that especially effective affects areas poorly supplied with blood: the outer surfaces of the thighs, soles of the feet, etc.

Trituration helps to activate blood circulation, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the joints.

The technique can be performed with the entire palm or its edge, the knuckles, the supporting part of the palm, or only the thumbs. Movements are performed regardless of the direction of lymph flow. Pressure on the skin massaged is noticeable (at the level of the pain threshold). Only in this case will it be possible to influence the deep subcutaneous layers.

Depending on the specific technique, rubbing can be done in a spiral, comb-like manner, or with pinches. Possible use auxiliary techniques: shading, sawing, crossing, etc. The master chooses a specific technique depending on the area of ​​massage and the client’s individual pain threshold.

Squeezing

The technique is similar to stroking, but is performed with greater speed and intensity. In this case, it is exposed to not just skin, but also subcutaneous tissue, as well as the upper layers of muscles.

This ensures the activation of metabolic processes, the outflow of lymph, and the elimination of from stagnation.

The massage therapist's movements should be performed along the lymphatic and blood vessels, along the muscle fibers. If necessary reduce swelling movements begin from the area located above the swelling itself and are then carried out towards the nearest lymph node.

In particular, when removing swelling From the feet, the massage begins from the hips, after which the legs are massaged and, lastly, the foot. Squeezing can also be performed transversely, carried out with the edge or base of the palm, or with both hands at the same time.

Can be used when working with large areas of the body beak technique squeezing, which is performed with the elbow, front or back of the hand. In this case, the fingers on the hand are folded in the form of a bird's beak, and movements are performed with the edge of the little finger or thumb.

Kneading

This is the technique that is usually performed during most of the massage session. During the procedure, the master gains access not only to the superficial, but also to the deep muscle layers, which are actively captured, compressed and pressed against the bones.

Kneading includes 3 phases:

• capture;
• pulling and squeezing;
• rolling, accompanied by intense squeezing.

Quick and short movements are performed with the tops of the palms and the tips of the fingers. Impact force increases from superficial movements to deep kneading of all layers of muscles. Such movements not only provide even more intense blood and lymph circulation, but also allow cells to receive the maximum amount of oxygen.

Movements may have longitudinal or transverse direction. The technique is considered the most difficult, since the intensity of kneading must be adjusted by the massage therapist depending on the condition of the client’s muscle fibers.

Attention! Classic massage (kneading) can only be done when the muscles are relaxed. While the patient remains tense, only stroking and rubbing are considered acceptable techniques.

Vibration

During the technique, vibrations of varying amplitude and speed are transmitted to the massaged area of ​​the body. Vibration may be intermittent or continuous and is provided by patting, tapping, chopping or shaking.

Not recommended combine vibration effects with other massage techniques, and also create vibrations in one area for longer than 10 seconds. If the vibration is too intense, the patient may experience pain.

Movements can be performed with fingers, palm or its edge, or with a fist. The result Such an effect is the expansion and enlargement of blood vessels, as well as improved blood supply to all layers of muscles and internal organs.

• When performing all techniques, the patient should be as relaxed as possible and be in a comfortable position.
• The massage therapist should not directly influence the lymph nodes.
• If the patient has a low pain threshold, massage movements should be performed with minimal intensity.
• It is important to follow the sequence of techniques, to alternate passive and active phases of influence.
• The impact on the right and left parts of the body should be the same in time.
• To improve the effect, you can use special ointments and creams.

Watch the video for a master class on classical massage techniques:

Homo sapiens fell in love with massage even when he was a Pithecanthropus, and will continue to use it until the last representative of our species disappears. Indications for massage are almost unlimited, there are practically no complications. Even a mediocre massage therapist always has a client.
Massage causes muscle relaxation and improves blood and lymph circulation. After the procedure, reserve capillaries begin to function, through which additional amounts of blood and oxygen are delivered to the internal organs. Immediately after the session, as doctors say, “at the tip of the needle,” the patient feels a decrease in physical and psychological stress, his performance increases, and his general well-being improves.
Massage is one of the elephants on which healing rests. Without it, the therapy process cannot be called complete.
But it is rarely effective for pain. Quite the contrary, in this case it cannot be carried out, because the pain may intensify. Only experienced massage therapists can work with patients in such cases.

How to distinguish a good massage therapist from a hack

If you come for a massage, do not forget to pay attention to the design of the room. A professional massage therapist understands that massage is not only a physical, but also an aesthetic effect. Therefore, he must worry about the “entourage” of his workplace.
Here we can draw an analogy with a restaurant - when choosing where to go, many visitors often give preference to the original design of the room, unique music, friendly service, and the quality of the cuisine is of secondary importance to them. “Tasteless, but beautiful” often prevails over “tasty, but ugly.”
Therefore, the massage therapist needs to make sure that the room is always warm, smells pleasant, that the session is accompanied by unobtrusive music, that the sheets are exceptionally clean, and that the phone does not ring every five minutes. If these conditions are not met, you will not be able to relax sufficiently. And no matter how well the massage itself is carried out, without its appropriate design you will not feel the maximum effect.
There are no uniform rules governing the conduct of a session. This is an improvisation, depending on the specific situation, on the purpose of the procedure - to stretch the tendon of a ballerina or athlete, to relieve the patient of pain in the spine, or to provide a general relaxing and encouraging effect. Hence the many different types of it.
Massage is hard work. A massage therapist can have ten or more patients per day. In this case, there is a great temptation to work half-heartedly, to cheat a little.
Let's consider what a classic massage is without hackwork.

Classic massage

This is a massage that uses four techniques - stroking, rubbing, kneading and vibration. Depending on the purpose of the procedure, a classic massage can be local, therapeutic, “refreshing” or anything else. The general rules of classical massage include the following:
- massage should not cause discomfort;
- in places where pain is localized (sciatica, arthritis), only superficial massage should be performed;
- the person being massaged should be in a comfortable position with the muscles as relaxed as possible;
- the massage therapist should carry out movements along the lymphatic pathways to the nearest lymph nodes.

Looking at the picture, you will see what the pattern of lymph flow looks like and, accordingly, the pattern of massage movements.
Stroking. The massage therapist will begin the session with this technique and end it with it. His hand will simply stroke you. You can stroke in different ways - superficially or deeply, continuously or with a short pause, with your fingers, the entire palm or just its elbow edge (rib), rake-like or with pinching. It is not necessary to use all types of stroking during one procedure. It all depends on the individual style of the massage therapist and your sensitivity. But in any case, you need to start the massage with superficial stroking, and then gradually move on to deeper and more varied manipulations.
Trituration. This technique resembles stroking, but since the force of impact is greater, the skin moves relative to the subcutaneous tissue. Blood circulation increases, muscles and tendons stretch, deposits in joints dissolve, pain from neuralgia decreases. Rubbing is not necessarily carried out only along the lymph flow. It is also possible in the opposite direction. You can rub not only with your palms, but also with your fists, you can “saw” the massaged area with the edges of your hands, “plane” it, or “squeeze” your arm or leg like laundry in the laundry. Rubbing techniques in the classic version of massage are carried out after stroking, but before the next, even more intense group of techniques - kneading.
Kneading. The massage therapist's fingers will elastically grasp, pull, squeeze, stretch, compress your muscles and subcutaneous fat, thereby increasing muscle tone, enhancing their contractility and improving blood circulation. Kneading is the main method of influencing muscles. Regardless of whether the muscles are too tense or too relaxed, kneading has a normalizing effect on them.
The movements used to knead the body are similar to those used when kneading dough - you can do anything, the main result is that the object must be kneaded. Muscles can be pinched, moved one area in relation to another, twitched, compressed or stretched, pressed or rolled. It all depends on the strength of the massage therapist’s hands and the client’s patience. But intensive kneading techniques are not recommended during the first procedure. You need to adapt first, because if you are not used to it, the next day you may experience so-called “krepatura” - a feeling of “breaking” in the whole body, usually occurring in an untrained body after intense physical work or sports.
Vibration. This is not a separate manipulation, but a group of techniques. Most often, vibration refers to any oscillatory movements of the massage therapist’s hands pressing on the tissue. Hands can be on one part of the body (stable vibration) or move. When massaging the abdomen, shaking is effective - the hands move as if sifting flour through a sieve. This technique, improving intestinal motility, eliminates constipation.
When massaging your limbs, your massage therapist will shake your arms and legs like a small rug. This technique is used for circulatory disorders, joint contractures, and in sports practice.
When massaging your back, chest, buttocks, the masseur will “chop” you with the ribs of his palms. If chopping is performed not with the edge of the palm, but with the entire palm, this is called patting: with a fist - tapping.
If the massage therapist used all the techniques described here during the session (except for intensive kneading during your first visit), then he works honestly. And if only half of them, and even then at half strength, there is no doubt that he is slacking.
Vibration techniques are the most difficult for the massage therapist’s hands, so during the session he can use electric massage devices. There is a large selection of electric massagers, from tiny ones (for small joints, face) to the size and weight of an iron. Hardware massage ideally complements manual massage and their use is not a sign of a careless attitude towards the client.
In addition to the “classical” massage, there are a huge number of “non-classical” modifications. I will give just a few of them.

Types of massage

Swedish. It is performed even more intensively than the classic one. Movements of the massage therapist, with deep penetration into the tissue, often right down to the bone. In addition, this massage is not carried out in the direction of the lymph flow, but vice versa.

Finnish. This is kneading with one thumb the small muscles that fit tightly to the bone bed. Mainly used in sports practice.

Spot. Also carried out with one finger. The Chinese version uses the same points as for acupuncture and takes into account the flow of energy along the meridians. In Japanese (Shiatsu), the concept of meridians and energy flow does not exist. The purpose of pinpoint pressure on the muscle is to improve its blood circulation and remove the remnants of lactic acid accumulated in it.

Segmental. Exclusively therapeutic massage. It is performed on body segments (Zakharyin-Ged zones) that have common innervation with internal organs. For example, massage of the collar zone is used for migraines and hypertension, massage of the spine in the area of ​​7-8 thoracic vertebrae is used to influence the stomach, massage of the sacrum and buttocks is used to normalize processes in the genital organs.

Canned. It is performed with the same medicinal cups that are “placed” on the chest of children and adults for bronchitis and pneumonia. But in this case, the jars are not stationary, but are moved by the massage therapist along the slippery surface of the skin moistened with cream.

Sexual. What exactly is a sexual massage? There is a bit of terminological confusion here. In the literature one can find a definition of sexual massage as classical, segmental or acupressure, aimed at eliminating impotence in men and frigidity in women. But similar look The massage is more therapeutic than sexual. Therefore, a distinctive feature of sexual massage is that, in combination with generally accepted massage techniques, stroking is required erogenous zones, including the most erogenous ones. Achieving orgasm, or at least trying to achieve it, is an integral part of sex massage.

I I have not listed all types of massage. In addition to those already mentioned, there are cosmetic, hydro, cryomassages and many others. In eastern countries, a massage therapist, “walking” along the client’s back, massages him with his heels and toes. Whipping each other with a broom in Russian baths is also a kind of massage.
It seems as if massage is the most understandable section of alternative medicine. Well, what’s incomprehensible here - the massage therapist kneads the muscles, thereby eliminating their tension, blood stagnation, after which the patient feels cheerful and “in a good body.”
Yes, that's true. But this is just the visible tip of the iceberg. And about the invisible, some patients and healers guess, but some don’t.

What massage therapists don't tell patients

This is what our compatriot Olga, the head of one of the Budapest massage parlors, kindly agreed to tell me.
– I think massage is something akin to masturbation. And I don’t mean sex massage, but the most ordinary one. In my opinion, people who mostly come for a massage feel some kind of sexual dissatisfaction. And when they find their massage therapist, they will go to him for years. This way they get what they are missing.
– Did I understand correctly, massage is an illusion of sexual intercourse?
“In fact, that’s how it is,” Olga continues. I made a rule for myself to never have sex with my patients. But despite this, I noticed that with those of them who have been coming to me for many years, we have a connection at the sexual-energetic level. They like my hands, my touch, and willingly or unwillingly, consciously or unconsciously, many of my patients during a massage imagine themselves in bed with me. The same ideas often arise in me. I don't know how this happens. Probably automatically, reflexively, since at the sight of a half-naked body, any of us will involuntarily have sexual associations. In what situations do we see a person of the opposite sex without clothes? Of course, during sex. Well, maybe even on the beach. However, on the beach there is no tactile contact, but during a massage there is, especially since the massage continues for quite a long time, and during this time I have the thought “I wonder what he’s like in bed?” Similar thoughts towards me constantly arise during massage and among my clients. While working, I do not analyze what I am talking about now. However, such thoughts arise often. And regardless of whether I work with a man or a woman, I involuntarily introduce into the mechanical action an element of personal contact at some pseudo-sexual level.
– But, probably, in this case the client has a desire to turn pseudo-sexual contact into real sexual contact, right?
– This happens differently for everyone. Depending on intelligence, upbringing and culture, some of them do not show their desires in any way, others try to somehow hint about it, and still others speak directly. And even after I answer them that neither now nor ever in the future will I agree to anything more than a massage, these people still continue to come to me, since a pseudo-sexual attachment has already occurred, and they will remain my clients until I cut it myself. This will diversify their life. Most of them receive a sufficient amount of direct sexual sensations both in the family and on the side. But they are deprived of touch. Wives and mistresses, as a rule, do not pet them for a long time, so I give them what they lack in life. It turns out like sex with a break - some with me, the rest with my wife or mistress.
– Does a similar algorithm apply to women?
- No, only to men. It is easier for a man to remain with a female massage therapist in a “semi-attached” state. Unlike a man, for whom sex or pseudo-sex can be abstract, for a woman it is always deeply personal. Therefore, a long-term attachment of a woman to a male massage therapist at some half-hearted level is hardly possible. The relationship must at some stage either be interrupted or move from a pseudo-level to a more concrete one.

For headaches and osteochondrosis, arthritis and arthrosis, neuralgia and arterial hypertension, and even after myocardial infarction, classical massage is indicated. Of course, the list of indications for this therapeutic and preventive procedure is not limited to these pathological conditions. Massage is indicated for diseases of the genital area and respiratory system, gastritis and bronchial asthma, peptic ulcers and metabolic diseases.

It is no longer possible to establish who and when first began to use classical massage for therapeutic purposes; this happened in prehistoric times. Today it is customary to distinguish four main types of massage: sports, cosmetic, hygienic and therapeutic.. The difference between them is very arbitrary, because the same techniques of classical massage are used, only the localization, intensity and duration of the effect differ.

Depending on the location of the impact, the following types of massage can be distinguished: classic back massage, massage of the cervical-collar area and massage of the limbs. Of course, we should not forget about general massage, in which a specialist consistently acts on all the areas listed above. The classic facial massage and abdominal massage stand out.

According to the canons, all massage techniques are divided into four groups - stroking, rubbing and kneading, vibration. However, often in the literature you can find a different classification, to which another technique is added - squeezing. In principle, both classifications have the right to exist; the main thing is to correctly perform each of the listed techniques.

Classic massage technique

1. Any massage always begins with stroking. It should be performed with the palm of your hand with constant pressure of low intensity, and the movements of the massage therapist’s hand are directed towards the nearest large lymph nodes. The main purpose of stroking is to warm up the skin and subcutaneous structures, preparing them for more intense methods of exposure.

2. After stroking comes rubbing - performed with the palm, knuckles, thumbs or edge of the palm. Rubbing is performed with noticeable pressure on the skin of the person being massaged at the level of the threshold of pain sensitivity, the goal is to influence the skin and deep tissues.

There are many options for performing this technique - superficial and deep, forceps-shaped and spiral-shaped, comb-shaped and with pressure with both hands. Squeezing largely replicates the goals and technique of rubbing, and not all massage schools distinguish it as a separate technique.

3. After rubbing, we begin kneading. In principle, this particular technique in the case of therapeutic and sports massage of the back, limbs and collar area can be called the main one in terms of the depth and intensity of the impact. Our task is to grab and stretch deep-lying muscles and tissues with our hands, increase their mobility, improve the outflow of venous blood and lymphatic drainage.

Kneading is a complex technique, it is impossible to learn it remotely, because the massage therapist must use his fingertips to determine the condition of the muscle fibers. Kneading should be carried out on relaxed muscles, and if they are tense, it is worth achieving relaxation by stroking and rubbing. If you learn how to knead correctly, you will learn how to do a classic massage. In this case, the video cannot replace the advice of an experienced massage therapist.

4. Vibration - the last technique of the main phase of the massage . It is performed by shaking, tapping and patting the body of the person being massaged. The goal is to stimulate the neuromuscular system and deep receptors, enhance the processes of blood supply to tissues.

All four techniques are actively used when a classic back massage is performed. The video will help you compose general idea about the sequence of massage techniques; We recommend paying attention to the direction of movement of the massage therapist’s hands: along the spine - from bottom to top, on the side surfaces and in the area of ​​the shoulder blades - in the direction of the axillary fossae (and, accordingly, the axillary lymph nodes).

Cosmetic massage has many features, which includes. The technique of this type of massage comes down to correct execution such techniques as stroking and superficial rubbing. Pinch techniques and kneading on the face are used only by professionals when conducting therapeutic and plastic massage.

Facial massage should be carried out only after preliminary makeup removal and cleansing of the skin. ; oils and special creams are used that are suitable for the client’s skin type, the direction of movement is along massage lines, the effect is exerted by the fingertips.

To perform this procedure, it is not necessary to visit a beauty salon, because everyone can master a classic facial massage - the video quite clearly demonstrates both the peculiarities of performing massage techniques and the direction of movement of the massage therapist’s hands. There are few intricacies and subtleties, unless, of course, we are talking about certain types of professional massage.

What should you remember when starting a massage? Of course, about the presence of contraindications. There are quite a lot of them, and we will not list them all. Let's pay attention only to those that everyone can encounter. Do not perform massage during a cold, flu or ARVI, if there is an acute inflammatory process in the body, with a hypertensive crisis and skin diseases of any etiology. Massage is contraindicated for enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes and abdominal pain.