Massage is one of the oldest and most useful methods of physical treatment. When done properly the skin becomes flexible and attractive. To master the technique a knowledge of the anatomy of the body and considerable practice in performing the various movements is required.
Massage should not be done if you have a weak heart, high blood pressure, inflamed and swollen joints, glandular swelling, and abrasion of the skin, skin diseases and broken capillaries of the skin.
Massage plays a very important part in beauty, culture and skin care, particularly in treating obesity, a massage improves, develops and tones up the muscular tissues, beautifies the skin and preserves its suppleness.
It is so often difficult for lack of time and money. Massage should be done preferably in the morning if you do not have time in the morning, massage at night before going to bed. The massage should usually last for 20 to 30 minutes. Each area should be massaged for two to five minutes. The parts of the body which should receive attention are mentioned below.
The neck, the arms, the legs, the shoulders, the nape of the neck, the back and the buttocks, the hips and the abdomen.
At first you will find it impossible to massage rapidly. After a few days your hands will more active and flexible. Use talcum powder for the massage which is intended to stimulate the circulation. For slimming massage use one of the many appropriate creams which are available in the market. Massage with oil once a week makes the skin supple. Hands for massaging should be kept soft by the use of creams, oils and lotions. The nails should be short and smoothened to prevent any scratching of the skin.
The wrist and the fingers should be flexible and the palms firm, warm and dry. The position of your body during self-massage will be different from that of a normal massage. For self massage the appliances available in the market are tissue-kneader, kneading appliance, vibra-massager and vibrator. Tissue kneader has small, hard plastic balls that can move freely. The kneading appliance is shaped like a rolling pin with small rubber cups. End the massage by taking an alternately hot and cold shower and a friction rub with a coarse towel or wash-cloth.
You will notice that with practice your movements will become easier and will work more and more deeply. Your massage instead of leaving your bruised will bring a feeling of comfort. You will notice that after a fortnight` s practice the treated parts of the body show marked improvement.