Reflexology to regain your energy
According to reflexologists, each part of the body, each of our organs, corresponds to a point or an area located at the level of the foot. For example, the skull, face and teeth, as well as the nervous system and the sense organs are located in the toes, the pelvis and the genitals, under the malleolus. Massaging the foot, by stimulating specific points called “reflex zones”, therefore relieves ailments in the body, even in the most distant organs.
Its virtues
Sovereign against stress, plantar reflexology helps to regain your energy. It is also beneficial in case of irregular periods and sleep disorders. Finally, it relieves small digestive problems, painful backs and headaches, while stimulating the lymphatic system, kidneys and bladder.
In practice
French Federation of Reflexologists. Such. : 01 45 34 24 03. Regional branches to contact: 02 41 45 75 02, 03 89 25 10 22, 04 94 76 09 20 and 05 56 65 38 51.
Shiatsu to release tension
From “shi” (finger) and “atsu” (pressure), this Japanese art is inspired by Chinese acupuncture, but the puncture is replaced by finger pressure. It stimulates the tsubos (the 660 vital points of the body), located on the course of the meridians, these “highways” where our energy (qi) circulates. By a succession of pressures more or less supported and stretching, the masseur makes circulate this one in the body to avoid the “corks” which generate pains and various evils. We wear light clothes during the session.
Its virtues
This therapeutic massage is recommended for chronic problems, such as sleep disorders or certain manifestations of stress. It also acts on digestive pain and muscle tension. At the time, it is so deep (sometimes painful) that the physical effect is intense: you often come out crushed and exhausted. But the next day we redouble our energy!
In practice.
French federation of traditional shiatsu. Such. : 0 890 710 017. Website: www.shiatsu.asso.fr
Massage and wellness
Like a baby who is cuddled to reassure him and help him fall asleep, adults need tenderness and physical contact. When we know that our skin has no less than 720,000 nerve endings, we understand better that touch was the very first form of natural medicine used by man, before herbal remedies. Moreover, the toddler himself, when he hit himself, has the reflex to put his hand on the painful area and rub it.
They work on our body image
The massage represents a real parenthesis. Its action on the body and the mind gives it real anti-stress properties. Even if they are not yet scientifically demonstrated, they are easily explained. Whether it’s lying on a physiotherapist’s table or massaging ourselves, it forces us to settle down, to be silent in order to let ourselves go. It is already, all things considered, a small meditation session.
And by alerting our senses, we get to know our body and its sensations. “With the body envelope, the skin participates in the construction of the self-image, which can be disturbed, explains Dr. Denis Lamboley. In some overweight patients, massage fully participates in psychocorporal therapy. »
From a muscular point of view, it has the immediate effect of making the body more flexible. It relaxes skeletal muscles, preventing stiffness and decreasing excitability. The receptors located in the skin are first stimulated by a succession of light strokes and pressures. Result: they are as if neutralized, anesthetized, before “getting back to level” after the cessation of the solicitations, specifies Jean-Louis Plouvenez, masseur-physiotherapist, in his book “Massages for sport and well-being” (ed. . Amphora).
Those who are affected by stress in the shoulders or lower spine will be relieved by a good massage that will overcome “knots” and muscle tension. Just like those who tend to adopt bad postures under the effect of tension (hunched attitude…).
They act on our nervous system
Body massages also go to our heads. The main responsible for this surge of sensations is the pituitary gland, a small cerebral gland. Stimulated, it secretes endorphins (natural morphines which have a painkiller action and cause a feeling of euphoria). At the same time, it produces oxytocin, a substance which itself causes a drop in blood pressure and a slowing of the heart rate.
“The relaxation that we experience has regenerating and anti-stress effects,” emphasizes Dr. Lamboley. It helps rebalance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which coordinate the functioning of our organs. In practice, the massaged person gradually regains slow, deep and regular breathing. “Her features relax, her twitching disappears as if she were waking up gently from a nap,” observes Corinne Maréchal. Abdominal rumblings appear, energy circulates, the body frees itself… Admittedly, we do not eliminate major psychological difficulties, but we can, through touch, help the patient breathe a little, take a step back… Which explains why massage is a real passport to nirvana! Among the eighty different methods, we present to you the most effective ones to relax.
Thai to rebalance body and mind
Far removed from its sulphurous reputation, the real Thai massage, or Nuad Bo’rarn, has recognized therapeutic virtues. In its country of origin, it is practiced in a hospital environment. Codified, it combines stretching, mobilization, compression and percussion. The hands, elbows, knees and feet of the masseur take part in this “yoga for two” which sometimes seems acrobatic, even quite “physical”! Traditional clothing is worn during the session.
Its virtues
The mind is deeply peaceful. Body functions (elimination, sleep, digestion, circulation, etc.) are rebalanced. The body regains its flexibility, the joints loosen up. This technique can be quite taxing, but the feeling of peace it provides is real.
In practice
In certain thalassotherapy institutes and centres. Espace France Asie (tel.: 01 49 26 08 88; website: www.espace-france-asie.com). Wassana Thaï Institute (tel.: 01 40 08 07 94; website: www.wassana-beauty.com). Maxam (tel.: 0 820 820 618; website: www.maxam.cc).
Ayurvedic to drive away fatigue
The human being is born with a primordial energy animated by the doshas, the balance of which ensures health and vitality. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, massage is intended to “bring a smile back” to the body, by facilitating the circulation of energies by eliminating toxins and dispelling fatigue. Generally, it is done with oil or ghee (clarified butter).
Its virtues
Abhyanga is a full body massage that the whole family can benefit from. Its purpose is to restore the harmony of the doshas. The kansu consists in massaging the foot with a small bowl in order to eliminate the “fire”, and therefore the stress, in excess. Shirotchampi eliminates tension in the head, neck, shoulders and upper back…
In practice
Association for the Promotion of Ayurvedic Massage (APMA). Such. : 01 45 39 88 09 or 06 60 59 88 09.
The Californian to soothe the body
Also called “Sensitive Gestalt Massage”, it appeared in the United States in the sixties. It consists of long enveloping, fluid and harmonious movements, after application of oil, carried out with the hands and arms. The person is naked or covered with a towel. Originally, the goal was to establish or re-establish non-verbal communication, by a sort of “touch of the heart” emphasizing feelings.
Its virtues
Soothing, comforting, it provides deep relaxation and real letting go (it is common to fall asleep or even cry during the session!). Recommended for anxious and tense people, it will help those who feel bad about themselves to reconcile with their body and their feelings. In this case, it can be carried out regularly and represent a treatment in its own right.
In practice
Offered by certain beauty institutes and physiotherapists (list on the website www.massage-californian.com/contact.php)
