Massage Therapy

Just what is Massage Therapy?

Evy Jester of Evy Massage Therapy in Prayssac (Lot), studied at the Massage School of Santa Monica in California and has worked in both the United States and Europe. Here she explains the different types and benefits of massage therapy.

These are stressful times of never-ending Covid and global crises, not to mention problems large and small in all our lives. That is when caring is most important: caring for your loved ones, your neighbours and yourself. Massage can be a great help, and can also be a regular part of healthy living. Yet in France, massage for wellness and relaxation is still relatively unknown.

THE BENEFITS

• Reduces muscle and joint pain, as well as stiffness • Enhances flexibility and range of motion • Improves sleep • Aids digestion • Reduces fatigue, anxiety and depression • Is a natural detoxifier, as it helps to remove waste products by increasing lymphatic drainage • Provides pain relief for arthritis However, massage does not (and never will) reduce weight or help get rid of cellulite.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A MASSAGE

After discussing any specific needs or problems, the client lies down on a padded, heated (in wintertime) massage table with a face rest for optimal comfort. For privacy and warmth, the client is covered with a cotton sheet so that only the part of the body being worked on is exposed. It is best not to talk during the massage, and any music should be unobtrusive. The focus is the massage. A session lasts a little over an hour, in addition to discussion time. The client should never feel rushed after a massage. As Covid-19 is still with us, the therapist remains masked. After each session, sheets are changed and the room thoroughly aired. Most people feel very relaxed after a massage, and should never plan on physical or intellectual activity immediately afterwards. Many experience fewer aches and pains built up from tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. After a day or two, clients usually enjoy increased energy and mobility.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASSAGE

Swedish Massage: a gentle massage, suitable for people seeking relaxation and tension relief. Deep Tissue Massage: pressure is used to delve deeper into the muscles; it can help relieve chronic pain and stiffness. Sports Massage: concentrates on muscles solicited by a given sport; it can help prevent injuries before competition and recovery time after. Aromatherapy Massage: to treat specific problems, the therapist selects and blends essential oils which are applied during the massage session. Shiatsu: pressure is applied to specific parts of the body, no oils are used and the client remains fully clothed.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU HAVE A MASSAGE?

For an overall ‘tune-up’ and relaxation, every four to six weeks is usually adequate. For specific pain after an injury, or in the case of arthritis, it is usually recommended to have a weekly massage for the first few weeks, then to adjust the frequency as needed.

WHICH THERAPIST?

When choosing a therapist it is vital to verify that they have had proper training and experience. A serious massage therapist does not pretend to have medical qualifications, but will always ask questions about your health and may suggest that you see a doctor first. You should feel that your therapist is empathetic and takes time to listen. The therapist needs to gain your trust, then the real work can begin.

Evy offers in-home sessions locally and travels further afield for multi-massage sessions. www.evymassage.fr