Chiromassage is a type of massage that uses the hands to mobilize tissues and promote the relief of muscle and nervous tension. To achieve this goal, different types of manoeuvres are used in a certain order depending on the result to be obtained (relaxation, promoting circulation, decontracting, etc.). In fact, each manoeuvre has a specific function. Let's take a look at it below.
NEURO-SEDATIVE PASSES / EFFLEURAGE
Neuro-sedative passes are performed at the beginning and end of the chiromassage session to prepare the body and mind. They are smooth movements.
Benefit: they stimulate the cutaneous nerve receptors and produce deep muscle relaxation.
KNEADING
Kneading is a manoeuvre that acts on the muscle spindles. They have length sensory receptors in their belly, which are responsible for regulating the movement and posture of the muscle, protecting it from unforeseen breaks, injuries due to overstretching, or muscle strain.
Benefit: provides greater blood supply (hyperemia).
EMPTYING MOVEMENTS
Emptying movements are applied slowly with the palms of the hands, from the extremities or distal areas in a proximal direction. They are performed after each area has been worked on to direct circulation to the heart.
Benefit: promotes venous return.
PINCHING
Pinching is a technique that involves twisting a muscle to stimulate its contraction.
Benefit: it produces an increase in the temperature of the area and a large supply of blood and oxygen.
SKIN ROLLING
They are performed with one hand in the opposite direction to the other, pressing and compressing the muscles on the bones. They are performed with a certain speed and rhythmicity.
Benefit: loosen and relax the muscles, producing a feeling of rest.
TAPOTEMENT / PERCUSSION
Percussion, as the name suggests, consists of striking with both hands on the skin. The hands are used in a concave position and their movements are rhythmic and fast.
They are stimulating movements that are used at the end of the massage to activate the person after relaxation.
Benefit: Increase central nervous system excitability and muscle tone. It encourages blood circulation in the area, causing blood to flow to the surface.
COMPRESSIONS
Compressures can be applied with the fingers, thumbs, palms of the hand, knuckles, forearm, or elbow. They are done by compressing a point or an area.
They are used on trigger points (hypersensitive points in the muscle) and can be held, alternating or circular, with or without gliding. This maneuver can reach not only the skin, but also the subcutaneous cellular tissue, muscles and more superficial tendons.
Benefit: sedative effect on the peripheral nervous system, reduces fatigue. It intensifies lymphatic flow, reducing vascular stagnation. It raises local skin temperature. Release the aponeurotic planes.
[1]BIRIUKOV A.A. Metodología y técnicas de masaje. Su acción fisiológica en Masaje Deportivo.
[2]CASSAR M.P. Técnicas de masaje en Manual de Masaje Terapéutico. Madrid: Mc-Graw-Hill, 1999
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