Reflexology to regain your energy
According to reflexologists, each part of the body, each of our organs, corresponds to a point or area located at the level of the foot. For example, the skull, face and teeth, as well as the nervous system and sense organs are located in the toes, pelvis and genitals, under the malleoli. Massaging the foot, by stimulating specific points called “reflex zones”, therefore helps relieve ailments in the body, even in the most distant organs.
Its virtues
Sovereign against stress, plantar reflexology helps to regain 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. Phone. : 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 sting is replaced by the pressure of the fingers. 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 more or less strong pressures and stretches, the masseur circulates this one in the body to avoid the “plugs” which generate various pains and ailments. 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. Phone. : 0 890 710 017. Site: www.shiatsu.asso.fr
Massages and well-being
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 is bumped, 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 on the mind gives it real anti-stress virtues. Even if they are not yet scientifically proven, they are easily explained. Whether it’s lying down on a physiotherapist’s table or massaging yourself, it forces us to sit down, to be silent in order to let go. It is already, all things considered, a small meditation session.
And by putting our senses on alert, 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 patients suffering from overweight, massage fully participates in body psychotherapy. “
From a muscular point of view, it has the immediate effect of relaxing the body. It relaxes the skeletal muscles, preventing stiffness and decreasing excitability. The receptors located in the skin are first stimulated by a succession of strokes and pressures. Result: they are as neutralized, anesthetized, before “getting back to level” after stopping the solicitations, specifies Jean-Louis Plouvenez, masseur-physiotherapist, in his book “Massages for sport and well-being” (ed. . Amphora).
Those that the stress reached at the level of the shoulders or in the bottom of the spine will be relieved by a good massage which will overcome the “knots” and muscular tensions. Just like those who tend to adopt bad postures under the effect of tension (stooped attitude …).
They act on our nervous system
Body massages also go to our heads. The main person responsible for this surge of sensations is the pituitary gland, a small cerebral gland. Stimulated, it secretes endorphins (natural morphines which have an anti-pain action and cause a feeling of euphoria). At the same time, it produces oxytocin, a substance which in turn lowers blood pressure and slows down the heart rate.
“The relaxation that we experience has regenerating and anti-stress effects,” says Dr. Lamboley. It helps to rebalance the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which coordinate the functioning of our organs. In practice, the person massaged gradually regains slow, deep and regular breathing. “Her features relax, her tensions disappear as if she was waking up gently from a nap,” notes Corinne Maréchal. Abdominal rumblings appear, energy circulates, the body frees itself … Of course, we do not eliminate the big psychological difficulties, but we can, by touch, help the patient to breathe a little, to take a step back. . ”Which explains why massage is a real passport to nirvana! Among the eighty different methods, we present the most effective for you to relax.
Thai to rebalance body and mind
Far from its sulphurous reputation, the true Thai massage, or Nuad Bo’rarn, has recognized therapeutic virtues. In its country of origin, it is performed in a hospital environment. Codified, it associates stretching, mobilizations, compressions and percussions. The hands, elbows, knees and feet of the masseur participate in this “yoga for two” which sometimes seems acrobatic, even quite “physical”! We wear traditional clothes during the session.
Its virtues
The mind is deeply appeased. Body functions (elimination, sleep, digestion, circulation, etc.) are rebalanced. The body regains its flexibility, the joints are soft. This technique can be quite trying, but the feeling of peace it provides is real.
In practice
In some institutes and thalassotherapy centers. Espace France Asie (tel .: 01 49 26 08 88; site: www.espace-france-asie.com). Wassana Thaï Institute (tel: 01 40 08 07 94; site: www.wassana-beauty.com). Maxam (tel: 0 820 820 618; site: www.maxam.cc).
Ayurvedic to chase fatigue
The human being is born with a primordial energy animated by the doshas, whose balance ensures health and vitality. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, massage is intended to “make the body smile”, by facilitating the circulation of energies by eliminating toxins and by expelling fatigue. Usually, it is made 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. Kansu consists in massaging the foot with a small bowl in order to eliminate the “fire”, and therefore the stress, in excess. The shirotchampi eliminates the tensions of the head, the neck, the shoulders and the upper back …
In practice
Association for the Promotion of Ayurvedic Massage (APMA). Phone. : 01 45 39 88 09 or 06 60 59 88 09.
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 kind of “touch of the heart” favoring the feeling.
Its virtues
Soothing, comforting, it provides deep relaxation and a 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 come to terms with their body and their sensations. 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 site www.massage-californien.com/contact.php)
