Massage
Introduction
On this page, I want provide a pretty thorough overview of having a massage treatment by a trained massage therapist. In a non-sexual way, it may satisfy a need for touch or be part of a journey towards a sexual encounter, in which touch is not feared and communication through touch may be learnt.
When one receives a massage, the skin and soft tissues (muscles, ligaments and tendons) are worked on using various methods of touch. Indirectly the treatment affects most of the body's systems, including nerves and circulation. This helps to remove tension in the body and mind, repair any damage in the soft tissue, remove toxins, increase circulation, and rebalance energy. Massage has an ancient history and is still practised in many forms around the world, for example, Therapeutic Massage, Thai Massage, Indian Head Massage and Tui Na (China).
Another term you might encounter is ‘body work’. This is a general term for all treatments such as osteopathy, shiatsu, massage, and others which work physically on the body to treat body and mind. Also you might read the word 'holistic'. Here the therapist will endeavour to look at all aspects of lifestyle, emotions, spirituality and the physical body in order to treat the person as a 'whole'. It has become a jargonistic term; however there are many who aspire to its real meaning.
You might not like the idea of massage: lots of people don't, or have had one and found it lacking. If it interests you, however, read on as I shall explain the treatment in more detail, including advice about finding a suitable therapist.
Relaxation
Massage should leave you feeling relaxed and rested, even if the massage has been vigorous. It may cause sleepiness, or it may be re-invigorating. Both these are possible when minds buzzing with thoughts and anxieties are calmed. This occurs because touch soothes nerve endings in the skin. The information the nerves gather is sent to the brain, which in turn instructs the body to relax (for example, slows the heart beat, decreases adrenalin release). Lack of tension allows the body to regenerate physically and mentally.
Some types of massage are particularly effective for depression or high anxiety, because they use a still touch/holding or gentle, slow movements.Examples of these types of massage would be Therapeutic, Holistic, Aromatherapy (which also uses essences, see below) or Reiki. Many massage treatments induce sleep during the session, so don't worry if you find yourself dropping off and certainly don't worry if you snore!
Soft Tissue
Soft tissue is treated in all massage.Manipulating, stretching and relaxing the skin and muscles causes increased blood flow to them which repairs them, replenishes nutrients needed for energy release, and also removes toxins.
Of the various forms of massage, some use deep physical work to release tight muscles which restrict full movement. For example, when treating sports people to prevent injuries, or when the person is in rehabilitation, or when treating chronic postural imbalances, which cause over-use of the wrong muscles leading to pain.
Useful forms of treatment for such problems are Deep Tissue, Remedial, Sports or Thai massage.The therapist may use their hands, forearms, elbows, or (more unusually) feet, to apply various types of pressure.
Other techniques facilitating improvement are stretching and gentle movements which loosen muscles.The therapist will guide you through any of these. Stretching and movement are useful in gentler forms of massage too.
Energy Flow
Energy is the power you derive from nutrients your body converts from food or, in spiritual terms, it is also the power derived from the universe or Divine, of which our bodies are part.Some types of massage and bodywork aim to heal by using this energy derived from the universal life force or Divine (called chi or qi in Oriental traditions or kundalini in the Indian tradition).The therapist channels this energy through their hands in order to balance the emotions and restore physical wellbeing by unblocking energy channels in the body.
The types of treatment using energy healing are Reiki, Faith Healers, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Tantra (see below) and Holistic massage.These forms of bodywork are more controversial than other types of massage because people are sceptical of the validity of the process. In the end, the choice is up to the individual, according to the level of comfort and help they gain from whichever form of bodywork they receive.
Sensuality
For some people, a massage (generally apart from deeper types of massage) can be a sensual experience because the skin is an erogenous zone. Part of the pleasure may be the sensual aspect, which counteracts the mechanical touch of everyday life and helps you feel nurtured.
Another aspect of sensuality is smell. Essences have specific properties which aid positive moods and can be used to enhance sexual experiences or reduce anxiety brought on by an immiment encounter. You can buy ready mixed essences and oils or essences/candles for burning for your own use. A trained Aromatherapist will blend essences to suit your particular needs (see below).
For people with paralysis, the sensuality of the touch may be particularly strong near to the areas of the body which are paralysed because they become extra-sensitive — a phenomenon called sensory amplification. The massage might even feel erotic and be very important to developing and evolving an enhanced sex life outside of the massage therapist's room, including orgasm without the need of genital stimulation. Exploring this more through tantric massage might be an option (see below).
Without seeking a sexual experience, the sensuality of touch during a massage may lead to arousal. Women have the option to enjoy this feeling but a man might feel embarrassed as his arousal is visible. Generally the arousal will not be a full erection and normally if you see the whole experience as ultimately relaxing the hard on will subside and you can continue enjoying the massage. On the other hand it might be impossible to relax under these circumstances, in which case you may be able to discuss this with the therapist or stop having treatments or seek another type of treatment that either doesn’t arouse you or is a sexual form of massage (see below).
Arousal can be a difficult subject to broach to a therapist as it is a taboo and a source of embarrassment, despite it being a natural process. If you are concerned about arousal, before the treatment try to explain this to the therapist. An understanding therapist will make you feel comfortable and only be offended if she receives unwanted suggestions or suggestive moves. Asking a therapist who does not practice sexual massage to provide any extras will lead to termination of the session.
The Scope of Massage
Massage can work in many different ways and therefore treat many issues.
I have already given some examples but, to illustrate this point further, Sports massage or Remedial massage can be used to rehabilitate a sport injury or likewise an injury caused by repeatedly manoeuvring oneself in a wheelchair. Deep Tissue massage may be very effective in combating postural tension from sitting slumped in a chair in an office all day, every day. It may also help relieve postural problems from using a wheelchair constantly, or relying on crutches, or it may relieve some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Therapeutic massage or Aromatherapy might combat arthritis by increasing circulation to the joints once massaged, and also by introducing particular essences to the oil. A gentle Holistic massage may be useful if someone feels stressed due to work or if someone has personal worries or feels lonely.
Almost anyone can have a massage if they want one, whether able bodied or disabled, such as those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, MS, ME, cancer, or anybody who is touched in mainly a medical, functional way. Medical consent may need to be obtained, as explained below.
Someone who has suffered sexual abuse or eating disorders, or has little body confidence, may benefit from having reflexology or Indian Head massage, perhaps progressing to a longer massage, as a way to methodically decrease any fears of being touched or seen without clothes.
Deep massage techniques or stretching would not be suitable for areas of paralysis.
Massage works best if it is repeated, and the frequency of repetition will be worked out between you and the therapist as the treatments progress.
When dealing with disabilities or illnesses, it is often vital that the treatment has consent from any medical specialist(s) whom the client is seeing, and that it is taken slowly, with effects being monitored, especially as there may be no precedent of such treatment. The rule of thumb is: if there is any doubt, consult the medical expert.
Sexual Massage
You may be feeling sexual tension or want to explore your understanding of evolving as a sexual being to a greater extent using massage, in which case Erotic or Tantric massage (see table below) may be most suitable. Details are also given elsewhere on this website.Finding a Therapist
Many therapists are found through personal contacts. If this is not the case, choose a therapist who you feel you can trust by speaking to them at length about your particular needs and their qualifications and background, or ask someone you know to help you do this. However, if you ask someone to help you, it is best that you are present. It is essential, especially if you are nervous, disabled, ill, or have body confidence issues, to feel you are (literally) in safe hands. The sessions will be a learning curve for both of you, as you work together to find out what is most effective, and even this changes as the treatment continues. The therapist may have to do some background research too.
Basic descriptions of some of the more popular treatments are given below. Websites for professional associations list fully qualified therapists. Contact details of their member massage therapists are given on their websites, by type of therapy and geographic location:APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists)
MTI (Massage Training Institute)
FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists)
ISRM (Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage)
BCMA (British Complementary Medicine Association)
If you choose a therapist through these sites, they will be qualified; but if you find they don’t understand their subject well enough, try another person. Complementary Health Clinics should only use professionally qualified therapists, and anyone should be willing to answer any questions you may wish to ask.
Negative Experiences
Some people have had a negative experience of massage, finding the therapist controlling, or the treatment unsatisfactory, feeling they have been told incorrect information. The only advice I feel I can offer is if that if you find that the treatment is doing you good, then continue; on the other hand, if you mistrust anything and feel you are not receiving satisfactory answers to any questions you may raise, then stop going. If you are dissatisfied, a responsible therapist will try to make amendments in their treatment or suggest you find another therapy, even suggest some alternatives. If they become pushy, or manipulative in some other way, in order to try to make you return, then don’t.
Also, a responsible therapist will advise you if they feel you need a complementary treatment. A therapist might, for example, suggest an osteopath to work on related issues which are outside their expertise.
It is difficult to prove if a therapist is a not up to standard. The only thing you can do is, as just mentioned, not return if you are in any doubt. Another good rule of thumb: if you have been asked to return regularly, such as every week or every fortnight, and you don’t feel any improvement after the fourth consecutive treatment, talk to your therapist about the reasons for this, and consider your options.
Communication
If you like the therapist and treatment in general, but there are some things you would like changed, then don’t be afraid to communicate your feelings in a helpful manner. The therapist should give you permission to do so before starting the treatment but, if not, try anyway as it is a good way to test how secure you feel with that person. You might not like the candles, music or odour of the room; you might find it uncomfortable if the therapist massages, for example, too far up your leg; or you might decide for example, that you would prefer your feet, arms, or head to get more attention; or you might feel "drowned" in oil, or want a deeper or gentler massage.Practicalities
Many people would expect, and will get, a massage given on a specialised massage table, but the floor, a bed, or a chair or wheelchair can are common alternatives depending on the type of massage and on the capabilities of the client and therapist.
Massage can be limited to part of the body, for example the feet, or can be received all over the body (except the genitalia). This is called "full body massage". A massage can be received clothed or unclothed. If the receiver is unclothed then underwear is usually worn and towels will be used for cover and warmth. Oils are normally necessary if bare skin is worked on, to prevent the skin being dragged (like a "Chinese burn"), and the slide of the hands is very pleasurable.
When you go for a massage, the therapist should give you their full attention. A comprehensive summary of your general health should be taken, as well as details on any specific or presenting issues which need extra attention. The structure of the session should be explained, and how you need to prepare yourself. There should be enough towels and blankets or extra towels for extra warmth if necessary.
If the massage is focusing on relaxation, then it will often be given either in silence or with tranquil music. The therapist should advise you to say if you feel uncomfortable at any point. If they don't, then don't hold back if you need to speak. If deeper massage is being administered, then feedback from you is important so there will be more of a dialogue. Of course, if you want to let off steam or have a chat, then there should be nothing stopping you. In general, the therapist will respond to chat but not start it, and you will find yourself lulled into a state of mind similar to meditation.
Commonly, straight after a massage you might feel ‘spacey’ or tired. If you have had a deeper massage, your muscles may feel tender for 24-48 hrs. You will usually sleep well and need to drink extra water to flush out toxins the massage has released from your muscles. It is best not to drink alcohol afterwards, and certainly not before.
Oils and Essences
Oils used are vegetable oils, such as sweet almond or sunflower, cold pressed and not chemically extracted so that they are as pure as possible. Oils have a nourishing effect on the skin and should not give allergic reactions, although people with a nut allergy should avoid the use of sweet almond (nothing is proven but as a precaution).
Essences, also known as Essential Oils, come from different parts of plants and are chosen for their health giving properties. For example tea tree oil is antiseptic, eucalyptus is good for clearing mucus, lavender is calming, Ylang Ylang is sensual. Some essences come pre-blended by professional companies in oils that the therapist then uses. If you want to have a treatment where the oils are blended for your specific requirements, then you should go to an Aromatherapist.
Other Important Points
As stated before, sometimes the therapist may ask you to consult your Specialist(s) or GP to confirm that a massage will be suitable for you. Remember massage is a complementary therapy; that means it is to be used with, and not to be used instead of, any medical treatment.
Prices generally range from £35 to £60 per hour. Home visits are generally more expensive — from about £50 per hour upwards. Some therapists offer discounts to people on benefits or with less income. This may seem a lot, but therapists have all the expenses of being self-employed, of room rental or, if mobile, travel time, and of equipment. Therapists also take extra training courses each year for ongoing development; this is a requirement of their profession.
Massage is suitable for people under 1, but they must be accompanied by an adult. There is no age limit.
- Therapeutic/Swedish
- Oils used and usually a table based massage. Techniques are not to deep and relaxing, ridding the body/mind of tension. Usually back or full body worked on.
- Holistic
- Oils usually used and usually a table based massage. Works on emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Good for tension caused by negative emotions. Usually back or full body.
- Deep Tissue
- Oils used and table based massage. Stronger techniques used to get, as the name states, into deeper tissues. Still relaxing. Can hurt a little.
- Sports
- Oils used for some techniques and table based massage. Mixture of precise massage and stretching techniques designed to prevent sports injuries and rehabilitate a person if injury occurs. Can be painful. Concentrates on body areas which need work.
- Remedial
- As above but techniques used to treat injuries which are related to life in general.
- Lymphatic Drainage
- A very light massage designed to stimulate the movement of lymph, helping the immune systems as lymph helps the body remove toxins. It helps prevent fluid retention.
- Aromatherapy
- Gentle massage using essences blended into oils. Oils and massage facilitate the passage of essences into the body. Each essence has particular healing properties which can be usually for general purposes or bespoke. Table based massage.
- Indian Head Massage
- Clothed, seated massage concentrating on head, face and upper back. Developed from Indian traditions. Relaxing and good for headaches or general shoulder tension.
- Seated Acupressure/On-site Massage
- Clothed, seated massage. Uses specially designed chair onto which the client leans. Techniques for deep and quick release of tensions, relaxing but energising.
- Thai Massage
- Clothed, floor based massage. It is almost a form of yoga where someone else helps you stretch so that stretches are really deep but do not go beyond your capacity. Relaxing and energising. Also works on Chinese acupressure points to balance energy.
- Chavutti Thirumal
- Oils used. Floor based massage where massage is given using the therapist’s feet. A frame is used by the therapist to help control their balance. It stems from the Indian system of medicine called Ayurvedic.
- Tui Na
- Clothed, table or floor based massage. This is an acupressure massage and is part of Chinese medicine. It is a vigorous massage where the therapist stimulates blocked acupoints, points of focused energy which join to form meridian lines of energy travelling around the body (ie, like acupuncture only using touch).
- Reflexology
- Clothed, concentrating on feet (sometimes hands or face). Creams or talc used. Different sections of the feet correspond with different areas of the body. Imbalances can be detected and healing aided by working on the feet.
- Reiki
- Clothed and table based. The therapist channels energy from the Universal Life Force through their hands which is healing and relaxing.
- Shiatsu
- Clothed and floor based. Pressure is applied to particular points on the body. Similar to Tui Na as it uses acupoints, but is more specific. It was developed in Japan.
Written by Els Payne, Massage Therapist working in London
January 2009
To contact Els please call 07900957393 or email elspayne@hotmail.com