Would You Like to Learn a Skill That Will Bring a Little Peace and Serenity to Your Life?

And not only to your life, but to those around you?  So that your kids are calmer, your partner is less stressed, you sleep better and are generally more relaxed?

Well, then you might consider learning the ancient art of massage.  Nowadays it is common for top flight athletes to receive regular massages to deal with injuries, and facial massages and Indian head massages are offered in many beauty parlours, but it is also a therapy that can be learnt and practised at home, for the benefit of the family. 

How does it work?

The process of applying pressure to the muscles against deeper muscles and bones, and the rubbing of these muscles in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart aids the body’s lymphatic system. 

Massage improves circulation of the blood, and helps to flush the body of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes.  It also improves circulation and stretches ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple.  Another effect of massage is that the skin and nervous system are stimulated, which simultaneously relaxes the nerves, thus reducing emotional and physical stress.

Does massage always entail the removal of clothing?

Obviously for a full body massage, clothes will need to be removed, but the parts of the body not being worked on should be covered with a towel.  However, there are many types of massage which mean that the receiver of the massage can remain fully clothed.  On-site massage is very popular, and some companies supply it as a benefit for their employees.  The client remains fully clothed and sits on a special massage chair, whilst their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged.

Indian head massage is another form of massage which does not require clothing to be removed.  In many Asian countries Indian head massage has been given as a matter of course by mothers to their children for thousands of years.  In turn, the skill is passed down the family line, with those mothers teaching their children how to perform the massage.  Indian head massage is also a prescribed treatment for newly delivered mothers, who receive the massage as a treatment for them and their newborn for 40 days following the birth. 

So who can benefit?

Almost everyone can derive some benefit from massage.  From teenage football and rugby players with injuries received on the pitch, to elderly relatives suffering from the aches and pains of old age, to pregnant women coping with the extra strain on their bodies and new born babies with colic. 

In fact, there are even classes now offered to new parents, teaching them how to massage their babies.   Midwives and health visitors have long known of the importance of touch in building a relationship between new mothers and their babies, and it is a very important tool at a time when life can be quite stressful for mothers who are learning how to cope with colicky or teething infants.

The use of massage is also being encouraged in nursing homes for the elderly, where some widowed residents rarely receive the comfort of human touch.

When should massage not be used?

Massage should not be used on people who suffer from any of the following:

• Deep vein thrombosis


• Damaged blood vessels


• A bleeding disorder


• Weakened bones from osteoporosis, a recent fracture, or cancer


• A fever

Any of the following in an area that would be massaged:

• An open or healing wound


• A tumour


• Damaged nerves


• An infection or acute inflammation


• Inflammation from radiation treatment

Regulation

Anyone is free to learn massage and treat their family or friends.  However, if you are thinking of massage as a way to earn a living, then you will need to be fully trained and insured and you will need to consult the regulatory body for massage in your country.  You will be advised of the subjects you need to study, such as anatomy and physiology, and the number of hours of supervised practice, and the exams you will need to pass in order to gain a professional status.  Without the relevant qualifications you will be unable to obtain the appropriate insurance