Holistic massage

Holistic massage is a particular type of massage that is performed with the aim of achieving the well-being of the individual as a whole.

In fact, this massage aims to restore balance and harmony at the level of body, mind and spirit.

Indeed other types of massage are also related to holistic medicine, such as Ayurvedic massage, Californian massage, etc. Also other alternative medicine practices (for example, foot reflexology) aim to achieve the well-being of the person as a whole.

Finding balance and harmony both physically, mentally and spiritually as well as with the environment.

Holistic massage restores balance in the energy meridians, within which vital energy flows.

Unlike other forms of massage, therefore, the holistic does not aim to restore the well-being, on a physical level, of a single part of the body (for example, back, shoulders, neck, etc.). It actually acts on the person on a global level, including the psychological, emotional and spiritual components, and not just the physical ones.

Holistic medicine, holistic massage and holism

Holistic massage and holistic medicine are part of what is called “holism“.

This theoretical current affirms that the properties of a system are not determined by its individual components, but that it is the system as a whole that determines the behavior of the constituent parts. This theory also applies to living beings that are considered as a whole as systems composed of factors of different nature: biological, psychological and social.

Holistic medicine is considered for all intents and purposes, an alternative medicine that makes use of remedies, breathing techniques, meditation practices and treatments of different kinds, including holistic massage.

In general, in the first place the masseuse subjects the individual to an interview. He assesses the presence of muscular tensions that, according to holistic medicine, must be connected to energy blocks and closures of an emotional level. Only after identifying the blockages and tensions present, the masseuse will be able to adapt the holistic massage to the needs of the patient, performing certain manipulations instead of others.

During the interview, the possible presence of pathologies or disorders that could represent a contraindication for the execution of the massage is also investigated.

In any case, holistic massage can be done with the help of vegetable oils and, in some cases, even with clay. The masseur works the posture, muscles and joints of the individual through the execution of various types of manipulations. These manipulations are generally gentle and non-invasive. Nevertheless in some cases they can also be profound. In any case, they should be able to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation.

In addition, the manipulations carried out in holistic massage must ensure that a “tactile communication” is created between masseur and masseuse, in order to favor the “transmission of energy” and the rebalancing of the energy meridians.

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What benefits can a holistic massage bring?

  • Counteract psychophysical discomfort and rebalance vital energy;
  • Achieve harmony between body and mind and, at the same time, achieve harmony with the surrounding environment;
  • Get a boost in vitality;
  • Improve concentration and reactivity;
  • Improve the quality of sleep;
  • Reduce stress and anxiety (not pathological) finding calm;
  • Increase the resistance of muscles and joints;
  • Improve blood and lymphatic circulation;
  • Improves joint flexibility and mobility.

In addition, holistic massage, along 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 smoking or excessive consumption. of alcohol.

Side effects of holistic massage

If it is practiced on healthy people and if it is performed correctly by expert masseurs, holistic massage generally does not involve any type of side effect. However, since it can be done with the help of vegetable oils, there is a risk of allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Therefore, it is important to inform the masseuse of the presence of known allergies before undergoing the massage in question.

Contraindications of holistic massage

Although there are no particular contraindications to performing holistic massages, it is good to remember that the holistic masseuse is not a doctor or physical therapist and, for this reason, should not manipulate people who suffer from serious muscle and / or joint diseases. To all this must be added the general contraindications related to all the different types of massages. More specifically, holistic massage, as well as massages in general, should not be performed in the presence of:

  • Diseases and disorders of the skin (dermatitis, dermatosis, infections, etc.);
  • Inflammations;
  • Infectious diseases;
  • Capillary fragility and / or phlebitis;
  • Cardiovascular disorders

Finally, remember that pregnant women, before undergoing any holistic massage, whether with oils or clay, should seek the advice of their doctor.