What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a therapeutic use of massage, which aims to alleviate physical and mental ailments and improve overall well-being. It can be used to treat pain, injuries, stress, anxiety, and many other physical and emotional problems.
Massage therapy involves various techniques that act on muscles, skin, fascia (the connective tissue in the body), and other soft tissues. The techniques may include pressure, friction, kneading, stroking, tapping, and vibration.
Massage therapy is usually done by professional massage therapists, such as the Soulhouse specialists, who have specialized training and experience in various massage techniques. However, it can also be performed by other health professionals, such as physiotherapists or chiropractors.
There are many different types of massage therapy, such as classic massage, the sports massage, the connective tissue massage And the Lomi Lomi Massage. Which technique is best depends on your individual needs and goals.
What does “massage” mean?
The term can be found in various cultures, for example in Arabic (massah = rub), Greek (massein = knead) or Hebrew (massa = touch). In general terms, massage describes the systematic and mechanical effect on the skin. This involves working on connective tissue, lymph and muscles. The action extends to parts or the entire human body, which is stimulated by tapping, kneading, walking, rubbing and stroking. Pressure and stretching stimuli have an effect on deep tissue.
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
Massage therapy offers many benefits for physical and mental health. Here are a few potential benefits:
- Pain relief: Massage therapy can help reduce pain by increasing blood flow and relieving tension. It can be effective for headaches, back pain, muscle pain, and many other pains. At Soulhouse, you can find out everything about massage and their areas of application.
- Stress relief: Massage therapy can help reduce stress and tension and increase wellbeing. It can help with anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues.
- Improving mobility: Massage therapy can help improve mobility and flexibility by relieving tension and relaxing muscles. Our connective tissue massage is particularly suitable for strengthening mobilization.
- Improving blood flow: Massage therapy can promote blood flow and thus help nutrients and oxygen to be better transported to cells.
- Improving body awareness: Massage therapy can help us feel better about our bodies and improve our body awareness.
- Improving sleep: Massage therapy can help us fall asleep better and sleep more deeply by reducing stress and tension and increasing wellbeing.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of massage therapy may vary from person to person and that it can only be part of a comprehensive treatment. If you have any concerns or questions before your use, our Soulhouse experts are always available to you, or you can also consult a doctor or other health professional in advance.
Which massage is right for me?
Basically, you should ask yourself in advance whether you would like to treat yourself to a classic relaxation program or suffer from acute pain that requires medical-therapeutic treatment. At Soulhouse, we do not currently offer medical treatments prescribed by a doctor. We focus on Soulhouse on wellness massages that draw on the wisdom of the East and integrate the knowledge of the West. We provide you with innovative forms of treatment that combine the best of different cultures. Discover our first-class massages and learn more about the various main areas of applicationhere.
What happens to my body during the massage?
While you can really cool down during the massage, a whole lot is happening in your body at the same time. The expert's warming hands, the organic oil and the pressure and stretching stimuli exerted have an effect on the receptors in the muscles. The muscles yield, metabolic processes are set in motion, thus minimizing acidification and hardening. Due to hormones, you feel a change in your state of mind, happiness and relaxation messengers are released and the release of stress hormones is prevented. That is why you feel so comfortable and completely relaxed during the massage.
Which massage length should I choose?
The ideal length of massage varies from application to application. Our holistic wellness rituals such as Thai massage and Lomi Lomi massage are very extensive in practice, so it is best to choose 90-120 minutes. Our therapeutic treatments such as classic massage, sports massage, shiatsu, lymphatic drainage and foot reflexology have a relaxing and healing effect even after just 60 minutes in depth.
Is it okay to ask for more or less pressure?
Yes, it is completely okay to ask for more or less pressure during the massage. The massage should be a time of relaxation and wellbeing. If you want more or less pressure during the massage, you should tell the therapist. The therapist will then try to adjust the pressure accordingly to make sure you feel comfortable during the massage. It is important to note that it is normal to feel pain or discomfort during the massage, especially when working on certain areas of the body that are particularly tense or injured. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, you should definitely tell the therapist so that the massage can be adjusted.
Why does massage have a relaxing effect?
The special thing about massage is that it works with the body's life energy, Qi. For this purpose, various grip techniques are used to touch the body's energy channels, the meridians, and promote the undisturbed flow of life energy. A harmonious circulation of life energy reduces illnesses, injuries and imbalance and provides an all-round feeling of comfort and relaxation. Blockages are resolved by applying the massage, resulting in a feeling of complete release.
Why is massage useful?
Anyone who has ever undergone a massage ritual knows the soothing and healing power of this therapy. It is the ideal tool to balance body, mind and soul and alleviate everyday stress, tension and nervousness. It has been used as medicine for centuries and offers, depending on the type of treatment, a variety of benefits. Massages are for more than just relaxation. They promote blood flow to muscles, relieve painful tension and hardening in deep tissue, have an effect on skin, tendons, connective tissue and lymphatic system and stimulate metabolism.
What is lymphatic drainage good for?
A cosmetic lymphatic drainage is a type of massage that serves to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve blood circulation. The medical variant is often used for swelling, the cosmetic lymphatic drainage is more used to purify and dehydrate, especially in the area of the legs, abdomen or face. One lymphatic drainage may help reduce pain and improve overall wellbeing. It can also help to strengthen the immune system.
When should I refrain from a massage?
There are a few reasons why it might not be advisable to receive a massage. Some of these reasons include: Acute injuries: If you've had a recent injury, it might be better to talk to a doctor first before receiving a massage. Massages can sometimes delay or worsen the healing of injuries. Infections: If you have an infection, particularly a skin infection, you may not want to receive a massage. Fever: If you have a fever, it may not be advisable to get a massage as it could put additional stress on the body. Blood clotting disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder, you may not want to receive a massage as it can increase blood flow. Pregnancy: There are certain types of massage that may not be recommended during pregnancy, such as massages in specific areas of the body or deep tissue massages. It is important that you consult your doctor or midwife before booking a massage.
I had pain after the treatment, is that normal?
With our therapeutic massages, such as sports massage, lymphatic drainage and deep tissue massage, it is normal for moderate pain to occur, which should subside after 24-48 hours. If the pain lasts longer, please contact us via email.
I woke up today with a cold. Should I get my massage?
It is possible that it is more comfortable for you to postpone the massage if you feel ill. Massages can help relax the body and reduce stress, but if you are ill, you may not feel well during the massage. It's also important to note that massage can stimulate the body to produce more mucus, which can be unpleasant when you have a cold. It is best if you tell your masseur or masseuse if you are ill or feel unwell. You can then decide whether it's better to postpone or do the massage, but maybe with some modifications to take into account your symptoms.
What if I need to go to the toilet during the massage?
If you need to go to the bathroom during the massage, you should tell the therapist. The therapist will then take a break so you can go to the bathroom. It is normal for the body to relax during the massage and for blood flow to improve, which may result in you having to go to the bathroom. If you feel uncomfortable during the massage or have any other concerns, you should definitely tell the therapist.
Should I talk to the therapist during my massage?
It's usually okay to talk to the therapist during a massage as long as it helps you feel relaxed and enjoy the massage. If you want to say something during the massage, for example because you are in pain or the massage is too firm or too gentle, you should tell the therapist that. However, there are also cases when it is better not to talk during the massage. For example, if you are very relaxed and feel good during the massage, it could be annoying if you let yourself be interrupted. In this case, it may be better to remain silent during the massage and focus entirely on relaxation.
I have injuries, do I have to tell the expert before starting the massage treatment?
To give you the best possible soulhouse experience, the expert will ask you about acute tensions or injuries before starting treatment. Don't be afraid to discuss them with him. You can also discuss the desired amount of massage with the expert. If you feel pain during the massage treatment, tell the expert immediately.
Massage therapy helps against a wide range of conditions, but we recommend that you consult a doctor to see if massage therapy is right for your condition.