Massage and health
Health and Massage
I studied human biology and remain fascinated by simple methods that can improve our quality of life and health. I'm happy to share this knowledge upon request and in a few blog posts here.
"Natural Lifting"
This skin rejuvenation procedure originates from Ayurveda, the traditional Indian healing art, whose origins date back about 5,000 years.
Massage plays an important role in Ayurveda for maintaining health and beauty. According to Ayurvedic principles, only the face is massaged for skin rejuvenation.
The procedure, which some call a "natural facelift," is intended to make you look and feel younger in a non-invasive way.
Massage and pressure point techniques are said to have a beneficial effect on facial skin and muscles and reduce emotional stress.
Facial rejuvenation is not only a popular method to improve appearance, it can also relieve problems such as sinusitis and headaches, promote relaxation in cases of sleep disorders and reduce stress symptoms.
(From the Big Book of Massage published by HK)
Health benefits of massage
Massage is now a popular complement to conventional medical treatments. It's no longer a luxury, but a part of our everyday lives.
A massage relieves all the discomforts caused by stress and emotional tension. Suppressed emotions often cause muscle tension and can be released through massage, benefiting both body and mind.
The time required is minimal: after just a 10 or 15 minute back massage, a healing effect can be felt, as 33 pairs of nerves lead from the spine to the individual organs.
A foot or hand massage stimulates the reflex zones that are connected to the respective parts of the body via nerve pathways.
Depending on the massage technique, tensions are released or toxins are eliminated. Furthermore, congestion in the lymphatic vessels can be eliminated, fat deposits can be released, or the body's self-healing powers can be stimulated.
Massage promotes blood circulation and digestion and therefore improves the appearance of the skin.
(From the book Massage by Karen Smith, Bassermanverlag)
Positive effects of massage
The increase and circulation of lymphatic flow are two of the most studied effects of massage.
The improved blood circulation in the superficial skin vessels is an immediately visible event; the skin becomes reddened and warm.
The deeper vessels are also influenced, resulting in a longer-lasting effect. For example, the slowed blood flow in dilated veins can be accelerated through certain massage techniques. The mechanical compression of the tissue toward the heart causes the venous vessels to empty. Consequently, venous pressure drops temporarily, allowing the veins to refill. Overall, this leads to faster removal and replacement of venous blood.
The blood excretes the end products of metabolism more quickly and supplies the tissue cells with better oxygen and nutrients.
However, the effect is not only based on stimulating blood flow in existing vessels. As early as 1978, Földi described that massage is capable of opening blood capillaries that were previously closed (Földi, 1978).
This causes an increase in the total capillary surface area. Combined with the simultaneous increase in venous pressure caused by tissue compression, the following situation is achieved: Blood flow increases, and metabolic products are excreted in greater quantities. The increased fluid in edema is excreted via the urinary tract. Clinically, this is reflected in an increased urine volume.
In all these processes, in addition to stimulating venous blood flow, the stimulation of lymphatic flow is of great importance: in the lymphatic vessels, circulation is normally very slow; massage increases it on the one hand and accelerates it on the other.
This increased lymph flow causes a reduction in the interstitial space, shortening the diffusion pathways for oxygen and nutrients, and thus increasing the speed and effectiveness of the supply. The main application of manual lymphatic drainage is therefore the treatment of edema, i.e., the increased accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space, and chronic congestion.
According to a study by Kurz et al., massage (here manual lymphatic drainage) can increase urine volume by three to four times in existing lymphedema (Kurz et al., 1978).
(From the book 'Massage' by DK Publishing)
Interesting programs about massage
Bavarian Broadcasting:
Quarks & Co:
" Please touch! The power of touch " from 05.04.2016
World in Change TV:
The healing power of touch, why isolation makes us sick
Together Healing TV:
MDR Knowledge:
