How to Overcome Pain by Leon Chaitow

Author:Leon Chaitow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: How to Overcome Pain
ISBN: 9781786780171
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2016-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

“Attention to the human body brings healing and regeneration. Through awareness of the body we remember who we really are.”

Jack Kornfield (b. 1945)

BASIC MASSAGE STROKES

Effleurage is a light, gliding stroke, using the palm of the hand.

One hand follows the other in a series of rhythmic, caressing actions. The stroke has a calming and relaxing effect, and also reduces fluid congestion by encouraging the flow of both blood and lymph.

Petrissage involves lifting, pressing and rolling muscles in a movement akin to gently wringing out water from a damp towel. As one hand presses in one direction, there is a counter-pressure from the other hand which pulls in the other direction. The idea

is to “milk” muscles of waste products and to stimulate circulation. The speed with which this stroke is applied can make it either calming or invigorating.

Kneading is a compressive stroke which squeezes tissues downward and then lifts them, in order to improve fluid exchange and to achieve muscle relaxation in the area. This movement can be compared with the hand actions involved in kneading dough when making bread.

Inhibition is the application of direct pressure to tender areas of tight muscles (or trigger points, see pages 100–101), often using a thumb. Hold the pressure for a minute or more. If this hurts too much, press for five seconds, then ease off for a few seconds. Repeat for a minute to stretch tight muscles and promote better circulation.

Vibration and friction treatments involve small, circular, vibratory movements, applied by the tips of the fingers or thumbs. This has a relaxing effect that can ease chronic pain. Vibratory treatment (harmonic oscillation) can also be achieved with a variety of mechanical devices.

Feathering is a soothing method that is often used to conclude a massage session. It involves a series of light, overlapping strokes with the tips of the fingers, which brush like feathers slowly over the areas that have been treated.

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