Massage - the oldest form of treatment of the human body. Each civilization - ancient Greece and Rome, ancient China and India - has developed its own look and massage techniques, reflecting its traditional beliefs.

Even in 2700 BC the East is already widely practiced massage for the treatment of various diseases, from labor contractions paralysis. Ancient Egyptian tombs are decorated with the figure of the people who do the massage. In traditional Indian medicine known as Ayurveda, therapeutic massage Massage Therapy - when it is needed?   made using various aromatic oils Essential Oils - whether they will help in a difficult moment? . Even Greek and Roman heroes, including the great Julius Caesar, day turned to healers of that time, with the help of massage relieve pain.

In Western culture, the most common Swedish massage. This type of massage appeared in the XIX century and is a combination of techniques of traditional Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman massage. The most effective massage techniques as part of the alternative therapies - aromatherapy, reiki, reflexology Reflexology - a policy of non-drug therapies Amma therapy and osteopathy Osteopathy - good old bone setting .

Many of today's popular massage techniques have been developed for the treatment of specific diseases, and continue to be widely used in preterm labor, various cancers, AIDS, osteoarthritis, low back pain, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, paralysis, heart attack and stroke. In addition, massage relieves fatigue, improves performance and overall body tone. Massage techniques have a profound and diverse physiological effects on different tissues, organs and systems of man.

Basic massage techniques

Massage technique consists of many different techniques that can be divided into the following categories: stroking, rubbing, kneading, shaking (vibration) and chopped. In order to strengthen the influence of individual massage techniques combine some tricks with others.

Fan stroking

Stroking - one of the simplest methods of massage, which has a calming effect on the massaged and a masseur. Fan stroking massage is used to intercostal spaces. The rolling strokes are particularly effective with the use of oil, and allow you to connect different areas of the body. Perform movements slowly and rhythmically. You can vary the area of ​​the strokes, but the rhythm of movement should remain unchanged.

Put both hands on the lower back of the patient, and then move them up, driving the fingers. To increase the pressure, increase the burden on the palm side of his hand and leaning on their body weight. Keep your back straight.

After reaching to the shoulders, arms out to the sides, gradually reducing the pressure, and gently stroking the side, fall to the waist, repeating the contours of the body. Lightly squeeze the waist and pinch hands together again. Repeat this movement several times, covering the entire area of ​​the back.

The circular stroking

This kind of fan-strokes. Circular stroking massage is particularly effective when large areas of the body such as the back, shoulders, and abdomen. The circular motion is not only soothing, but also help to create the effect of continuous stimulation.

Put both hands on the part of the body massaged at a distance of about 15 cm from each other and stroking his back wide circular motion (clockwise), gradually increasing the smooth rhythm. As we move up the pressure increases, then again followed by hands down.

When the hands are found, one hand over the other and carries the motion continues. Repeat this movement several times. In terms of raising the pressure must increase, but on the decline - gradually decrease.

Stroking his thumb

This movement is particularly effective in small massage tense areas such as the forearms, neck and legs. Change the degree of pressure in accordance with the needs of the massaged. If the muscles are very tense, begin gently, gradually increasing the pressure. Hands should slide up and away, so that every movement of a thumb is higher than the second. Movement should be smooth and repeated to form a stable rhythm

Fulling

In relaxing massage kneading must be flat and smooth, in order to achieve a calming effect. To kneading effect was palpable, massaged muscles should be as relaxed. Kneading involves deep muscle layers. When kneading is necessary to capture the muscle tissue and pressed them to the bones, you will need them to squeeze and lift. The whole process of kneading can be divided into three phases: capture muscle pulling and compression, and then rolling and squeezing.

Receiving kneading should be performed using the thumbs, fingers and the tips of the upper part of the palm. Movement in this case should be short and fast moving. To increase the pressure, you can use your body weight and the imposition of one hand over the other

Place your hands flat on the body massaged, elbows wide apart. With his right hand gently grasp the skin with muscles, pull it up, and take the left hand.

With his left hand, squeeze the muscles seized, and take their right hand, squeezing. Repeat this movement several times, maintaining an intense rhythm.

Children need special skin care - if the delicate skin of the child is exposed to the appearance of rashes or infections or suffer from the inevitable early bumps and bruises. During pregnancy special attention to skin care and should be given to women who may be faced with new challenges - during pregnancy and lactation skin is particularly vulnerable, and some cosmetic ingredients are safe for the health of the future baby.

Skin care during pregnancy and breastfeeding

• What kind of cosmetic ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy?

During pregnancy it is better to give up cosmetics, consisting of salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. The first two ingredients are often found in the composition of concealers and tonal framework for make-up. If the skin is prone to acne eruptions, better to choose a makeup-free oil that can clog pores and cause acne.

• How to get rid of the feeling of itching during pregnancy?

Bloodshot, itchy skin - quite a common problem faced by many women during pregnancy. Because stretching the skin becomes dry, itchy, which you can get rid of using the lotion or moisturizer with calamine. If these funds do not help, it is best to consult a dermatologist, who may prescribe a cream with steroids. If the appearance of the itch is accompanied by the formation of blisters, you should immediately consult a doctor - such formations on the skin may indicate a disease that can damage the health of the unborn child.

• What products against acne can be used during lactation?

Some treatments for acne, including erythromycin and azithromycin are safe for women who are breastfeeding, but the use of tetracycline Tetracycline - a natural broad-spectrum antibiotic   should be abandoned. It is best, however, to consult a doctor before taking any medications.

• Can I use Self-tanning and hair dyes during pregnancy?

Dermatologists say that the means for creating artificial tanning How to use the means of self-tanning   safe during pregnancy because remain on the skin surface. Studies show that hair dyes are safe, too - but it is best to dye your hair during the second trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is least vulnerable.

• Can I use a sunscreen cosmetics during pregnancy?

Pregnant women in any case can not neglect the sunscreen cosmetics - they are particularly sensitive to the sun. According to dermatologists, the risk of miscarriage Miscarriage - can you protect yourself from it?   during the second pregnancy increased dozens of times when a melanoma during the first pregnancy.

Baby skin care

• Do you need child sunglasses?

Absolutely! In fact, children's eyes are much more sensitive to the sun than the eyes of adults - and also children spend a lot of time outdoors. Choose sunglasses are best for the child, after consultation with the doctor.

• Is it safe to Aloe Aloe - its amazing healing properties   faith to their children?

Aloe vera is safe for the skin, even infants and is particularly useful when a sunburn, rash or insect bites.

• How to protect your child from sunburn?

As the use of sunscreen cosmetics is not recommended for children younger than 6 months, it is very important to protect the skin of the newborn from the sun by means of clothes. Best suited clothing made of natural cotton weave a dense covering arms and legs. Do not forget that some medications increase the sensitivity to UV.

• What makeup is best suited for small children?

It is best to choose cosmetics that are designed specifically for children, and do not use soap, withering skin. When selecting funds for babies is best to consult a pediatrician and regularly inspect your child's skin for signs of allergic reaction.