The techniques described earlier can be used to alleviate many common ailments, but muscular disorders respond particularly well. If the ailment is longstanding, a series of treatments may be required.
Although problem areas can be massaged separately with great benefit, it is always good to treat the whole body, wherever possible. Start on the back, working up the body from the legs, to assist the flow of blood back to the heart. Then ask the receiver to turn over slowly, and massage the front of the body, again working up from feet to head. Finish the massage with some long relaxing strokes, to link all parts of the body and give the receiver a feeling of connectedness. Always maintain contact with the body between different strokes, when moving from one area to another, and even when putting more oil on your hands.
Asthma, Coughs
Work generally on the upper and middle portion of the back to release tension in the muscles forming the chest cavity, and use friction on the lung zone points.
Use gliding strokes on the back, knead around the shoulders and then use cupping strokes over the entire upper middle back.
If the cupping is done with the receiver lying at a slant, with the head lower than the feet, catarrh in the lungs will be released. You can also knead the muscles of the upper chest, from the breastbone towards the shoulder joints and ‘drag’ your fingers gently along the grooves between the ribs.
This helps to stretch tense muscles, improving the receiver’s capacity to breathe.
Headaches
Headaches are often the result of tension in the neck and shoulders so you should concentrate on these areas first. Finish by massaging the face especially the forehead and temple areas.
Rest your thumbs in the centre of the forehead, just above the eyebrows, with your fingers around the sides of the head. Firmly draw the thumbs away from the centre out toward the temples, the hairline and off.
Work in this manner in little patches of the forehead, till you have covered the entire forehead. (Note : Look under ‘Head Massage’ for more massage tips)
Colds
Colds are nature’s way of eliminating toxins from the body and so symptoms should not be suppressed. Instead, give a general, invigorating massage, using gliding, kneading, and percussion strokes, and then let nature take its course.
Use aromatherapy massage for quick relief. Eucalyptus or rosemary essential oil are beneficial, when massaged around the nose and upper chest.
Facial Massage
Use standard gliding and kneading strokes, but work in miniature and use gentle pressure only. Be sure to use upwards strokes and avoid touching the delicate skin below the eyes.
Digestive Problems
Constipation, flatulence, stomach-aches and menstrual cramps and irregularities will benefit from various massage techniques. First, always treat any tensions in the back zone corresponding with the problem, Stomach problems are often due to general digestive disorder. Where this is the case, massage can help by aiding the eliminative process.
A self – help tip for massaging the colon is to take a tennis ball and roll it firmly up the right side of the abdomen, across the bottom of the ribcage, then down the left side.
You can do this at any time, but it is particularly effective first thing in the morning before rising from the bed.
Otherwise, massage the abdominal or pelvic area, using an open hand in a clockwise stroking motion on the belly, then gentle cupping on the belly and along the colon to invigorate these areas.
Backache
Treat the whole of the back and spine, not just the sore spot. Use gliding strokes to relax the area and kneading strokes to break down stiffness in the shoulders and in the sore area.
Apply friction down the back muscles on either side of the spine and finish off with some cupping strokes to leave the area invigorative.
Cramp
Work on the whole area, not just the part that has cramp. If, for example, the cramp is in the foot, then work on the entire leg. Use your hands to stretch the area in cramp.
Use gliding and then kneading strokes until you feel the cramp loosening. To help the blood supply in the affected area, end with some chopping strokes.
Arthritis, Rheumatism
For these complaints, and for shoulder stiffness and fibrositis as well, a general body massage is advised, spending most time on the affected joints, using lots of soothing gliding strokes. Knead the muscles above and below the affected joint, where this is possible. With a stiff or frozen shoulder, the muscle will often need extra work. After gliding and kneading, apply friction if the patient is not too sore. Massage the upper arm below the frozen shoulder, bringing your hands up high enough to include the muscle “capping” the shoulder joint.
Sciatica
Massage as if for backache, but also use gliding strokes down the legs, and knead any muscles that are tight. Have the patient take a hot bath before the massage to help relax the muscles.
Caution
• Before you try massage on anyone who is ill, you must be aware that it could do serious damage if used inappropriately.
• Don’t give massage at all to people with undiagnosed lumps or bumps, with undiagnosed or weepy skin conditions, sudden swellings or pains of unknown origin, raised temperature, septic conditions, high or low blood pressure, thrombosis, cancer, epilepsy or severe mental or emotional states (unless you have permission from a professionally qualified person and have been given instructions as to how you should proceed).
• Do not work at all on or near any injured, infected, scarred or otherwise damaged areas of the body.
• Do not work near bone fractures within six months of the injury (after which use gentle gliding strokes).
• Work only very lightly on pregnant women.
• Heavy work on the abdomen or lower back should be totally avoided.
• Varicose veins may be massaged with light gliding strokes, provided that this does not cause pain.