Introduction
The holistic massage is a particular type of massage carried out in order to achieve the well-being of the individual as a whole.
In fact, as we will see in more detail in the course of the article, this massage aims to restore balance and harmony at the level of body, mind and spirit, exactly like the holistic medicine to which this form of massage belongs.
To be honest, other types of massage are also related to holistic medicine - such as Ayurvedic massage, Californian massage, etc. - and other alternative medicine practices (for example, plantar reflexology), since all these treatments aim at achieving the well-being of the person as a whole and at finding balance and harmony both physically, mentally and spiritually and with the environment external.
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.
What is that
What is Holistic Massage?
The holistic massage is a body manipulation technique that aims to restore well-being in individuals as a whole, by acting physically and mentally and restoring balance in the energy meridians, ie those channels of which - according to different oriental medicines ( as, for example, the Ayurveda) - the organism is endowed and within which flows the vital energy .
Unlike other forms of massage, therefore, the holistic one does not aim to restore the physical well-being of a single part of the body (for example, back, shoulders, neck, etc.), but acts on the person as a whole, therefore also on the psychological, emotional and spiritual as well as physical components.
Holistic Medicine, Holistic Massage and Holism
Holistic massage and holistic medicine fall within what is called " holism ", ie a theoretical current according to which the properties of a system are not determined by its individual components, but it is the system as a whole that determines the behavior of the constituent parts. This theory is also applied to living beings that are considered as a whole as systems constituted by factors of different nature: biological, psychological and social.
Holistic medicine - considered, in effect, an alternative medicine - is based on a vision of the individual as a complex system consisting of body, mind and spirit, inserted within a given environment . The goal that this form of medicine aims for is not to cure a single organ or tissue, but to restore balance and psychophysical well-being to the individual as a whole and to restore harmony with the surrounding environment . To do this, holistic medicine uses the use of remedies, breathing techniques, meditation practices and different types of treatments, including holistic massage.
How to practice
How to Practice Holistic Massage?
The holistic massage is normally performed by holistic practitioners who have followed specific courses on the subject.
Before the massage, the masseur usually subjects the individual to an interview during which he evaluates the complaints he complains about, as well as assesses the presence of muscular tensions that - according to holistic medicine - should be connected to energy blockages and level closures emotional. Only after identifying the blocks and tensions present, will the masseur be able to adapt the holistic massage to the needs of the patient, performing certain manipulations rather than others.
Serious and professional holistic masseurs, during the interview with the individual, should also inform themselves about their health status, investigating the possible presence of pathologies or disorders that could represent a contraindication to the execution of the massage. Furthermore, the holistic massage therapist should also have anatomical knowledge to understand where and how manipulations affect the body.
However, the holistic massage can be performed with the aid of vegetable oils and, in some cases, even with clay . The masseur works on the posture, on the muscles and joints of the individual through the execution of different types of manipulations, such as rubbing, friction, kneading, acupressure, touching, percussion, etc. Such manipulations are generally soft and non-invasive, but in some cases they can also be profound; in any case, they should be able to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation .
The manipulations carried out in the holistic massage, moreover, should ensure that a " tactile communication " is created between the masseur and massaged, in order to favor the "energy transmission" and the rebalancing of the energy meridians in the latter.
Did you know that ...
In order to rebalance vital bioenergy, holistic massage is often associated with other treatments and practices of alternative medicine (for example, homeopathic treatments) and / or diets specially developed for each individual, in order to provide a treatment as complete as possible It is customized.
Where is the Holistic Massage performed?
Like most massages that aim to achieve both physical and mental well-being, holistic massage is generally performed in a calm and tranquil environment, warm and illuminated by soft lights . Clearly, it is advisable to always contact specialized centers and authorized masseurs to perform this form of massage.
Expected benefits
What Benefits Should a Holistic Massage Make?
As repeatedly stated, the holistic massage aims to achieve the well-being of the person as a whole, on a physical, psychological and spiritual level. For this reason, supporters of this form of massage are convinced that it is possible with it:
- Counteract the psychophysical discomfort and rebalance the vital energy;
- Reaching the harmony between your body and your mind, reaching, at the same time, harmony with the surrounding environment;
- Get an increase in your vitality;
- Improve concentration and responsiveness;
- Improve the quality of sleep;
- Reduce stress and anxiety (not pathological) by finding calm;
- Increase muscular and joint resistance;
- Improve blood and lymphatic circulation;
- Improve flexibility and joint mobility.
According to his supporters, the holistic massage - together with other techniques and practices of holistic medicine (meditation, breathing, natural remedies, etc.) - should also be useful for all those who intend to abandon harmful habits, such as the smoking habit or excessive consumption of alcohol.
Please note
The aforementioned benefits attributed to holistic massage are not confirmed or supported by adequate scientific studies conducted on the subject. However, it is true that there are many people who - undergoing this type of treatment - declare that they benefit both physically and mentally.
Despite all this is not supported by scientific studies, since it is a massage carried out in calm and warm environments using well-defined and not improvised manipulation techniques, it is likely that it can promote relaxation and that it can at the same time dissolve any muscular tension, alleviate slight pains present in the muscles and joints and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.
Side effects
Side Effects of Holistic Massage
If practiced on healthy individuals and if properly performed by masseurs who are familiar with manipulation techniques, holistic massage generally does not lead to any kind of side effect. However, since it can be performed with the aid of vegetable oils, there is a real risk of developing allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to the type of oil used.
In light of what has just been said, therefore, it is clear how important it is to inform the masseur of the presence of known allergies before undergoing the massage in question.
Contraindications
Contraindications of Holistic Massage
Although there are no particular contraindications to the execution of the holistic massage, it is good to remember that the holistic masseur is not a doctor and is not a physiotherapist and, for this reason, he should not manipulate individuals who suffer from serious muscular and / or articular pathologies. To all this, we add the general contraindications relating to all the different types of massages. More in detail, the holistic massage as well as massages in general should not be performed in the presence of:
- Skin disorders and disorders (dermatitis, dermatosis, infections, etc.);
- Inflammation;
- Infectious diseases;
- Capillary fragility and / or phlebitis;
- Cardiovascular disorders.
Finally, remember that pregnant women, before undergoing a possible holistic massage - carried out or not with oils or clay - should seek the advice of their doctor.
