Introduction
When we talk about oriental massages, we want to indicate different massage techniques originating from Eastern countries, such as India, China, Japan, Thailand and so on.
In recent years, this type of massage has been increasingly successful, probably due to the body-mind-spirit approach typical of Eastern traditions and philosophies. In these cultures, massage is often used as a means to achieve not only physical, but also mental and spiritual well-being, in order to find balance and harmony with oneself and with the surrounding environment . According to Eastern philosophies, in fact, the body of the individual is considered as one with the mind and is believed to be crossed by vital energies whose imbalance leads to the appearance of discomforts and disorders of various kinds.
During the article, therefore, the main and most common types of oriental massages will be described, highlighting their characteristics, expected benefits and possible contraindications.
However, it is important to point out that in view of the great cultural variety present in the many and different Eastern countries, it is difficult to describe all the types of oriental massage that currently exist and all their characteristics. In fact, within the same type of massage there may be several variations, although they all originate in the same geographical areas and although they are all based on the same traditional medicine. For example, the different variants can be differentiated by the application of oils, by the use of herbs or by the type of manipulations carried out, still falling within the same group of oriental massages (Chinese, Thai, Ayurvedic, etc.).
Please note
The practices described in this article are not accepted by medical science, have not been subjected to experimental tests conducted with scientific methods or have not passed them. Such practices, therefore, could be ineffective or even be dangerous to health .
The information given is for illustrative purposes only. If in doubt, contact your doctor.
Chinese Massage
Oriental massages originating in China
Oriental massages of this type are inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and are based on the principle that the vital energy that flows in the body should never stagnate, otherwise the onset of disorders and malaise. Therefore, Chinese massages aim at maintaining the flow and attaining the balance of the aforementioned energy.
Oriental Chinese massages can be performed using different techniques which, according to tradition, are divided into Yin relaxation techniques and Yang stimulation techniques . The balanced and personalized execution for each individual of stimulation and relaxation techniques should allow the masseur to reach a state of global well-being .
However, among the manipulation techniques used to perform oriental Chinese massages, we recall:
- The Zhi Ya : is a technique that works on the same points on which acupuncture works, acting on the meridians and on the energy flows of the body by means of pressure manipulation techniques.
- Tui Na : is a technique that - through the execution of kneading and extension movements - is practiced in order to unblock and regulate blood circulation, lymphatic circulation and the flow of hormones .
Generally, Chinese massages have an average duration of 30-60 minutes.
What benefits should Chinese Oriental Massages bring?
According to supporters of oriental Chinese massages, their execution - in addition to restoring balance in the individual's energy flows and the harmony between body and mind - is also useful for getting relief from:
- Backache;
- Circulatory difficulties;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Muscle pains.
Ayurvedic massages
Oriental massages deriving from Ayurvedic medicine
Oriental Ayurvedic massages see their origins in Indian Ayurvedic medicine . They are based on the principle that every part of the body is influenced by three main bio-energies (the so-called doshas, called Vata, Pitta and Kapha), whose imbalance leads to the appearance of various disorders, varying according to the dosha involved.
Ayurvedic massage can be performed using various manipulation techniques that involve the use of hands, elbows, arms and even feet . Sometimes, ayurvedic massage can also be done with four hands by two masseurs working in sync . Moreover, in most cases, these oriental massages involve the use of vegetable oils and / or essential oils .
Did you know that ...
The traditional ayurvedic massage is performed on a wooden table dug inside it, so as to accommodate the body of the massaged. However, in some cases, this type of oriental massage can also be done on the ground or in a sitting position.
The choice to use certain manipulation techniques rather than others and the choice to use or not vegetable oils or essential oils to perform the massage depends on the psychophysical characteristics of the individual . These characteristics must be identified by the Ayurvedic masseur during the preliminary interview that the person must undergo before receiving the treatment. In this way, the masseur will be able to develop a personalized treatment suited to the specific needs of the massaged person.
What benefits should the Ayurvedic Oriental Massages bring?
Oriental ayurvedic massages aim to rebalance the three main bio- energies in order both to restore harmony between body and mind, and to combat the appearance of any disturbances deriving from the imbalance of the aforementioned energies. In detail, supporters of this type of oriental massage affirm that they can be useful to counteract, or at least alleviate, disorders such as:
- Muscle tension;
- Insomnia;
- Anxious states and stress;
- Articolar pains;
- Cervical pains;
- Headache;
- Swelling of the legs and feet;
- Localized cellulite and adiposity;
- Mild changes or disturbances in blood and lymphatic circulation.
Thai massages
Oriental massages originating in Thailand
Oriental Thai massages use stretching, stretching and pressure techniques associated with yoga techniques . Also in this case, the massage is carried out not only to obtain benefits at the physical level, but also at the mental level.
Going into more detail, the Thai massage aims to stimulate the energy channels present in the body - called "Sen" - through manipulations of stretching, stretching and pressure and through "passive" yoga in which the masseuse takes positions to this discipline based on the information provided by the masseur.
Similarly to what happens for the ayurvedic massage, also the Thai one can be performed not only with hands and fingers, but also with elbows, forearms, knees and feet . In order to ensure comfort and maximum mobility, the massage is performed on the ground and the individual - who must wear loose and light clothing - is seated on a soft mattress in different positions (supine, prone, on one side, sitting, kneeling, etc.) depending on the manipulation technique that the masseur must practice.
What benefits should Thai Oriental Massages bring?
According to those who practice these oriental massages, they should have the following beneficial effects:
- Promote the recovery of life force and restore energy balance;
- Promote the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body;
- Promote muscle elasticity;
- Increase joint mobility;
- Increase the speed of recovery after sports performance, in particular, in those who practice aerobic sports such as running or cycling.
Shiatsu massages
Oriental massages from Japan
The shiatsu massages are particular oriental massages of Japanese origin that exploit manipulation techniques based above all on the traction and on the pressure exercised with the fingers (acupressure), but also with the knuckles and the elbows .
According to the philosophy behind these oriental massages, throughout the body flows a vital energy known as " Ki " whose blockage can cause discomfort and discomfort to the individual. The manipulations carried out during shiatsu massage sessions, therefore, aim to remove these blocks and stimulate the flow of energy by acting on specific energy points that the shiatsu masseur must necessarily know. In this way, the individual should benefit both physically and mentally.
The shiatsu massage does not involve the use of oils of any kind and the pressures applied must not be excessive but gradual . The masseur is seated on the classic Japanese tatami and the shiatsu masseur generally works on his knees.
What benefits should Oriental Shiatsu Massages bring?
In addition to encouraging the restoration of the normal flow of Ki vital energy, according to supporters of oriental shiatsu massages, they should also be useful for:
- Reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia;
- Relieve joint problems and disorders;
- Relieve headaches;
- Exercise a beneficial action internally, reducing the discomforts related to the menstrual cycle or due to the presence of gastrointestinal disorders.
Tantra massages
Oriental Massages to Rediscover Desire and Sensuality
Tantra massages have their origins in Indian culture and are usually practiced in pairs . Their purpose is to awaken in the couple's components - therefore in the partners - the desire and sensuality, finding harmony within the relationship . In other words, these oriental massages are performed to find the psychophysical balance within the couple and to reinforce their affinity .
Tantra massages should act on the chakras, or on the energy points arranged in specific parts of the body and which preside over the organic, emotional and psychic functions of each individual.
The characteristic manipulations of the tantra massage involve the stimulation of sensitive areas or erogenous zones which, however, should go beyond simple sexual stimulation. Oriental tantra massages usually involve the whole body and involve the use of perfumed oils .
What benefits should Oriental Tantra Massages bring?
Oriental tantra massages should encourage the discovery of harmony and desire for couples, improve sexuality, help overcome emotional blocks by freeing the individual from the negative aspects of his own physicality and deepening his knowledge of his own body and of his partner.
Please note
Not all benefits attributed to different oriental massages are confirmed or supported by scientific evidence. On the other hand, there are many people who - undergoing these treatments - claim to benefit both physically and mentally. In fact, although a massage is not able to heal disorders and diseases, it is plausible that its execution can favor psychophysical relaxation, the release of muscular tensions, the resolution of minor pains or the increase of elasticity and mobility muscle and joint. Moreover, if the manipulation techniques are performed correctly, it is equally plausible that oriental massages can promote or stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.
Clearly, it is good to contact only authorized centers where professional and specialized masseurs work .
Contraindications
When Oriental Massages CANNOT be Practiced
Given the wide variety of Eastern massages currently existing, it is difficult to draw up a list of all possible contraindications. Furthermore, there are often no specific contraindications to performing a massage. However, it is possible to state that, in principle, oriental massages should not be performed in the presence of:
- Serious muscle, neuromuscular or joint disorders;
- Cardiovascular disorders and diseases;
- Infectious diseases;
- Skin disorders and disorders (dermatitis, dermatosis, infections, etc.);
- Inflammation.
Furthermore, oriental massages performed with the aid of oils or other substances should not be carried out in individuals with known allergy to the products used.
Please note
As a precautionary measure - if you suffer from any type of disorder or illness - before making oriental massages, you should ask your doctor for advice. Finally, remember that even pregnant women must necessarily seek the advice of their doctor or gynecologist before making oriental massages or any other type of massage.
